Page 8 of Mine For The Winter

“To Kris,” his brother North said, holding up a glass of champagne. Everybody repeated North’s words, beaming at Kris with pure happiness. Kris tried to smile back at everyone, but he felt like an asshole.

As soon as he’d walked through the door of the Winterville Inn, it was like he’d climbed into a rollercoaster car that was never going to stop. Alaska had been at the reception desk and it had taken her a moment to recognize him, but then she’d squealed and run over to him, insisting on introducing him to everybody.

Before he knew it, North had arrived from the Christmas Tree Farm, along with his other brother Gabe, who ran the ski resort on the outskirts of Winterville.

And now his whole family was here. The ones of his generation, anyway. His cousins and their husbands, his brothers and their wives. And kids. So many kids. The last time he’d been here they were the youngest generation, and now there were little people everywhere.

He felt like Rip Van Winkle. He’d gone to sleep for years and when he woke up everything had changed.

North had insisted that they have a party to welcome him home that evening, so here they were.His family.The ones he’d run from. And they were welcoming him home with open arms.

“I still can’t believe you’re here,” Everley said, hugging his waist. She’d arrived late because she wanted to make sure the revue at the Jingle Bell Theater had started without any problems. Her son, Finn was asleep in the corner in a little chair, his thumb stuck in his mouth. Next to him was North’s daughter, Willow, who was as cute as a button. “How long do we get to keep you for?”

Kris swallowed a mouthful of champagne. He’d been expecting that question all day. But it was like they were all too scared to ask except Everley. “A few weeks.” Truth was, he wasn’t sure. He didn’t want to make promises he couldn’t keep.

He’d learned that much over the years.

“Are you staying for Christmas?” she asked, looking hopeful.

“Maybe.” It depended. He wasn’t exactly popular around here. Especially with certain town residents.

“Oh, please stay. Imagine us all together for Christmas.” Everley’s hug got tighter. “When was the last time that happened?”

“When Grandma was alive.” He lifted a brow. He’d been back since, once, for the funeral, but that was in the summer, nowhere near the holidays.

The funeral had been a big enough affair to get lost in. An ex-Hollywood darling, Candy Winter’s name brought in the crowds from all around. It was easy enough to avoidherthen.

But not now.

“Gabe, tell Kris he has to stay for Christmas,” Everley called out to his middle brother. Gabe walked over, an easy-going smile on his face. His four month old son was in a papoose on his chest. Gabe looked pleased as hell to be carrying him.

“You are staying, aren’t you?” Gabe asked.

“He says he’s not sure.” Everley pouted. She always had been the drama queen of the family. She took after their grandmother that way.

“I’m just gonna play things by ear,” Kris told them. Gabe gave him a look. The kind of look he used to give Kris when they were kids and he knew he’d been up to no good.

They’d all had their roles to play growing up. North was the strong one, the leader. Gabe was the chilled out middle son. And Kris was the black sheep. The one who always caused problems and got into trouble.

“It’d mean the world to us all if you were here,” Gabe said, stroking his son’s downy head.

“How’s he doing?” Kris asked, nodding at his nephew.

“Ah, he’s having a ball. Sleeps when he should be awake, screams when we all want to sleep, and shits as soon as we put a new diaper on him.”

Kris bit down a smile.

“We got your gift by the way,” Gabe continued. “Wyatt loves it.”

“I know.” Kris nodded. “Nicole sent a thank you card.”

“She did?” Gabe looked surprised. “Well okay then. Thank you again.”

Kris smiled. “You’re welcome.”

Wyatt snuffled against Gabe’s chest, then turned his head, his pale blue eyes looking at Kris. Kris lifted a brow at him and Wyatt tipped his head, tiny lines appearing in his brow.

“He likes you,” Everley whispered.

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