Page 40 of A Very Merry Mistake

“Yeah, I think after this we should be good. Want to make sure they got enough for the week since Dad pulled his back.”

Her eyes go wide. “Aww, he’s hurt?”

“Yeah, he might be Santa, but he’s still stubborn as a mule. Don’t let the white beard and rosy red cheeks fool ya.”

We make the last few trips and finish loading the wood into my parents’ house. When we put the last log on the stack, my ma comes in and lets us know the table is set. Dad is no longer sitting in his chair, and when we walk into the dining room, Claire is amazed by the feast my mom has prepared.

I pull the chair out so she can sit, then slide in next to her. Mom made fat stacks of french toast, chocolate croissants, bacon, and eggs. Claire loads her plate up with everything. I do the same as Mom passes the butter.

I slap a large pat down on my french toast. “The secret ingredient.”

“Whoa,” Claire says. She covers her mouth as she continues to speak. “This is…the best french toast I’ve ever eaten in my life.”

Mom gives her a grin. “I like her. She’s a keeper,” she tells me, pointing her fork toward me with a laugh.

Claire blushes again. “Thank you for this.”

“And she has manners, too?” Dad adds.

“Y’all, stop,” I say. “Claire really isn’t my girlfriend. She’s more like my roommate at this point.”

“Are you sleeping in the same bed?” Mom asks.

“Ma! That’s inappropriate,” I tell her. “Shame on you.”

Dad lets out a ho-ho-ho, and we all fall into a fit of laughter. Dad talks about his job, and Mom chats about the weather. When we’re finished eating, I offer to clean the dishes, but Mom won’t let us help.

“No, it’s fine.” She shoos us away with a dishcloth, and neither one of us dares get in the line of fire. As we prepare to leave, Mom and Dad both hug Claire.

“Can’t wait to see you at Christmas,” Mom says with a wink.

Claire gives them both a grin with a nod, followed by another thank-you. She’s nearly skipping as we head out to the truck. When we’re inside, she leans her head back against the seat and looks over at me.

“Your parents are incredible.”

I laugh. “Thanks. It’s been interesting growing up here.”

“I can only imagine,” she says. “It almost seems like a fairy tale.”

“It’s been incredible. I have a loving family, but it’s not always been easy. The business has gone through ups and downs over the years. I’ve personally watched it take a toll on my family. It’s getting better. There is lots of love, adoration, and respect, but it’s hard work.”

She nods. “I understand. However, your family has things money won’t ever be able to buy, Jake. And you should be proud of that.”

I nod, smiling. “I am. Very proud.”

I think about the current struggles with the farm. Being shut down for a few days because of the storm isn’t helping the bottom line. But I’ve learned over the years to worry about the right now while keeping the future in mind.

It’s gotten me this far.

I just hope it’s enough.

CHAPTER 11

CLAIRE

The next morning, I slide out of bed, not disturbing Jake or Tinsel. I use the bathroom, then realize I haven’t spoken with Emma recently, and I start to have a mini panic attack. She will call the authorities.

The cool temperatures make me shiver, but I try to ignore it as I head straight for the kitchen where my phone is plugged into the extra battery bank. I don’t know what time it is, but I don’t need her enacting our sister pact.

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