Page 38 of A Very Merry Mistake

Dad looks at me with his eyebrows raised. “Yet.”

“No.” I give both of my parents a look of warning. “I’m sorry,” I whisper to Claire, but she’s grinning in delight. I honestly think she enjoys seeing me squirm, because that’s what this conversation is doing to me.

“So I found Claire walking into Merryville.”

Both of my parents snicker.

“I’m not kiddin’.” I look at Claire. “See, I told you they wouldn’t buy it.”

“It’s fine if you two are datin’. We approve,” Mom says. “Claire, you seem like a very nice young lady. Did you two meet online?”

“Mom,” I groan.

“Online datin’ is a way of life now,” Dad offers with a knowing nod. “There is nothin’ wrong with it.”

I place my face in my hands, and Claire puts her hand on my shoulder and squeezes.

“He really did pick me up off the side of the road. My rental broke down, and Jake rescued me from the storm after an issue with my reservation at the inn.”

Neither are convinced.

“You two really seem to hit it off quickly. I’m sensing some chemistry,” Mom observes. The last time I brought a girl home was over five years ago. Too long. But this isn’t that, and I wish they’d stop.

“Anyway,” I interrupt before this can go on any further, “I’d like to bring Claire to Christmas dinner if she’ll still be in town.”

I glance over at her, and she’s beaming.

“Oh, we would love that. Would give you an opportunity to meet the rest of the family, too,” Dad says. “However, Christmas Eve is a big night for me. Flyin’ around, delivering gifts around the world.”

He offers Claire a wink, and she giggles.

“How long will you be stayin’?” Mom asks Claire.

She swallows. “I was supposed to stay until the first week in January to get the full Merryville experience. I’ve heard the town has an incredible New Year’s Eve celebration, with a ball drop and fireworks.”

“It’s worth staying for,” Dad says. “I’d much rather be in Merryville than downtown New York. I’ve heard people wait all day and wear diapers if they have to relieve themselves. Can you imagine?”

Claire laughs. “It’s true. Did you also know that the celebration started in 1907?”

“Really?” Mom looks at Dad. “Didn’t realize it had been goin’ on that long.”

“It originated in 1904. However, the first year of having a ball was 1907. There were a few years when it was suspended due to wartime.”

“The more ya know,” Dad says. “Mrs. Claus, I’m gettin’ hungry. Are you?”

I chuckle at the nicknames they use for one another even when did is off the clock.

Mom nods. “You kids wanna stay for breakfast? Was just gettin’ ready to make some french toast.”

I meet Claire’s gaze, and she nods.

“Sure, we’d love to eat. But let me bring in the rest of that wood for y’all first,” I say, standing.

Claire does the same. “I’ll help.”

“You sure?”

She nods.

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