The air was filled with delicious aromas. Turkey, ham, spices. The sweet fragrance of pies mixed with the scents of the candles. Christmas music was playing, and I heard the sounds of our family laughing and talking. I added our gifts to the pile, and we headed toward the kitchen and were greeted by our mothers and aunts. Hugs and kisses were plentiful.
Nan stood back, cupped my face, then Addi’s, and kissed us. “No need to ask how you are.” She winked. “You both look very happy.”
“I’m sure Aiden will still ask,” Cami chuckled. “Rudely, of course.”
“And Bentley will smack him,” Emmy added.
“So will Maddox,” Mom smirked.
And they were right.
Bentley shook my hand, my dad enveloped me in a hug, and Aiden smacked my back. “How’s married life?”
“Aiden,” Bentley warned. “That’s my daughter.”
“And my son,” Maddox added.
Aiden held up his hands. “Just asking.” He grinned my way. “She calling you daddy now?”
I tried to hold in my laughter, but I couldn’t. The remark was so Aiden. My dad tried to hide his smile and failed. Van and Halton both smirked, and Bentley choked on the cup of coffee he was drinking.
Luckily, the rest of the crew came up from downstairs and interrupted the moment. There was more laughter and teasing, although most of it didn’t reach Bentley’s ears. I knew Addi was getting some teasing as well from the flush across her cheekbones, but it was all in good fun.
Drink in hand, I followed the crew into the games room and admired the new air hockey table “Santa” had brought. Along with the foosball and pool tables already in place, it was a great addition.
“I wanted to add an ax-throwing area, but I was voted down,” Aiden pouted.
“A little dangerous inside,” Pops pointed out. “Fun, but dangerous.”
Van perched on the edge of the pool table. “You know, the small area by the woodpile would be a great place. We could build an enclosure there. Safe. All cement walls lined in wood. A wood burner to keep it warm in the winter.”
Aiden brightened. “Love it.”
“Great sport,” Bentley mused. “It could be fun. As long as it’s not inside here.”
“I’ll draw up some plans.”
Aiden high-fived him. “Awesome. I’ll take on the boys.”
“And we’ll beat you,” they said in unison.
“Whatever.”
I headed toward Addi. I hadn’t touched her in fifteen minutes—far too long. She was talking to Gracie, who smiled as I approached.
“Missing your bride?” she asked as I kissed Addi, then leaned over and brushed a kiss to her cheek.
“Yep.” I looked around, lowering my voice. “Where’s your, ah, boss?”
“You told him?” Gracie hissed in a low voice.
“Of course I did. It’s Brayden.”
“I’m not going to say anything. I won’t give away your secret, Gracie.” I shook my head. “But you really don’t think it’s going to come out?”
“No, it isn’t,” she snarled. “I’m not going to say anything, and neither are you.”
“What about Jaxson?” I had a feeling he wasn’t as anxious to hide this marriage as Gracie was.
“He isn’t here and he’s not coming, so there isn’t going to be a problem. We’ll get a fast, quiet divorce, and that will be the end of it.”
“Wouldn’t an annulment be faster?” Addi asked.
Gracie’s face flushed, and I met Addi’s startled gaze.
“Gracie,” she whispered. “You didn’t tell me that!”
“It doesn’t matter. It happened. It’s water under the bridge, and I’ll deal with it.”
“Does Jaxson have a say?” I asked.
“No. He knows it was a mistake. He’s fine with it.”
“Are you sure about that?” I asked, glancing over her shoulder out the window.
“Yes. No one will even remember meeting him in a couple of weeks.”
“And you’re sure he’s not coming?” I asked again.
She glared at me. “First off, I uninvited him. And second, there’s a huge storm coming, Brayden. Only an idiot would head out to Port Albany with the weather about to change.”
I leaned close. “Then I guess your husband doesn’t listen so well. And apparently, he is an idiot.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked.
“Hey, look!” Ronan yelled at the same time. “Santa is outside!” Heads turned, and a ripple of laughter followed.
Gracie spun around and gasped.
Outside, Jaxson was on his way to the front door.
He was dressed as Santa, minus the beard, his dark hair unmistakable. He carried a large sack of what I assumed were gifts over his shoulder.
Addi looked at Gracie. “What is he doing?”
“He’s playing Santa,” she hissed.
“Why would he do that?” Addi queried, sharing a confused glance with me.
Gracie covered her face with her hands, her voice muffled. “Because apparently I talk too much when I’m drunk.”
Addi began to laugh, covering her mouth with her hand to stifle it. “Oh dear.”
I had to bite back my smile.
By now, Jaxson was almost at the door. Aiden was heading toward it, looking far too excited for a man his age.