Page 27 of Four Pucking Christmases

The disdain for us guys rings through loud and clear. Dani’s mom does not want us here.

This is awkward.

And for once in my life, I’m actually speechless.

Nathan, who has people dislike him on a regular basis, looks undeterred. “You must be Mary, Danielle’s mom. I’m Nathan Armstrong.” He puts his hand out. “It’s a pleasure to meet the woman who raised our Danielle.”

OurDanielle. He definitely did that on purpose, and I appreciate him making it clear right off the rip we are not shying away from the truth of our relationship. He also completely ignored that we’re not supposed to use her mother’s first name unless given permission.

Mary’s eyebrows shoot up, but she automatically takes Nathan’s hand and limply shakes it. “It’s Nathan?”

He nods. “Yes.”

“Nice to meet you,” she says faintly, pulling her hand back.

Dani looks stricken and on the verge of tears. “An email?” she demands. “Mom, I wasn’t checking my email on Christmas Eve! And while I’m sorry that Aunt Linda is sick, what about everyone else? Grandma, Uncle Pete, Aunt Jessica, my cousins?”

“They couldn’t make it,” her mom says with a vague wave of her hand, sounding guilty as hell.

The implication of that is also loud and clear. She doesn’t want to explain to her family why Dani has brought three men home for Christmas.

Her mother won’t look Dani in the eye but instead lands her gaze on Michael, who immediately puts his own hand out.

“I’m Doctor Michael Hughes, Mrs. Larkin,” Michael says. “It’s so nice to meet you. Dani has such great memories of growing up here with you and your husband and all your family traditions. She’s been looking forward to seeing you again all week. She really misses you.”

Michael never introduces himself as a doctor. That’s a nice touch to butter up Mrs. Larkin. I approve. She seems to approve as well. He gets something that seems like a genuine smile out of her.

“We miss her too.” After shaking Michael’s hand, she reaches out and strokes Dani’s hair off of her face. “She hardly ever comes to visit anymore.”

“Maybe because you leave her standing on the doorstep when it’s twenty degrees,” I joke.

It just slips out. Because I’m cold and nervous and fuck it, why are we still squashed up against each other on a stoop when I see a gas fireplace and can smell burnt caramel a few feet away inside? Nathan’s got one of those damn poinsettias on the walkway behind us, and it’s basically up my ass.

“Oh, God,” Dani murmurs, raising her hand to her forehead and massaging her temples.

“Crew,” Michael says, giving a small head shake at me to indicate that was the wrong thing to say.

“It’s a joke. I’m obviously kidding.” And we’re obviously all still standing on the doorstep. “Dani definitely misses you, Mary, but the bookshop keeps her busy.”

As does being sexually satisfied by her boyfriends. That takes alotof time.

“But we should try to get down here more often.” I hold my hand out. “I’m Crew. McNeill. The hockey player. And Dani’s favorite.” I give Mary a wink.

She leaves me hanging and doesn’t take my hand. “Call me Mrs. Larkin.”

Ouch.

Mrs. Larkin turns and opens the door wider. “Come in, everyone. Kevin! Dani is here!”

“Seriously?” Nathan murmurs to me as we enter the house.

“You called her Mary,” I protest under my breath. “How come I’m the one in trouble?” I tug at my tie again. I wear a tie all the damn time. I don’t know why it’s bothering me so much today.

“Take your shoes off,” Mrs. Larkin commands. “This carpet is new.”

I jump a little and immediately toe my shoes off.

“Mom, this carpet was new when I was in high school. You got it for my graduation party.” Dani shakes her head. “Do whatever you feel comfortable with, guys.”

---