Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy Bwwm Holiday Romance)

The door opened.

I glanced over my shoulder.

Carrying a garment bag, Park entered and spotted the crown. “Oh my. I didn’t know it would be that type of party. I might have worn something else.”

“You’re fine.” I grabbed the bag. “Thanks for bringing the coats. How did they do in your bag?”

“Not a wrinkle or scratch to the alpaca.”

“Awesome.”

Veronica came to me and kept her voice low. “And I don’t care what Miss Thang said, this crown is amazing. Holly will love it.”

Park nodded. “I definitely love it.”

Veronica placed the dildo crown on my bed and rummaged through her other bags. “This will be a good night.”

Whistling, Park gazed at the crown.

“That’s the spirit.” I unzipped the garment bag and pulled out the coats. “Thanks for coming, guys. I have our coats. Can everyone put theirs on now so we’re ready for the bride? Oh, and there are matching gloves in the pockets. We’ll need them for the restaurant.”

Holly had chosen red and green for the wedding colors no matter how I nicely tried to convince her of otherwise. I hated the combination. Regardless, tonight was about my bestie so we would stick with the ungodly green and red.

For the bachelorette party, I designed matching coats. They were dark red on the outside and green within. The style was called the Kate Coat due to the English Princess Kate Middleton wearing it a lot. Holly was a huge fan of all things English royalty and constantly stayed up-to-date with any royal gossip. I gave my seamstress strict instructions. The stylish wrap coat had to have ribbed sleeves and be formed from double-faced superfine alpaca. It also had to be a go-to classic for all the women. Since it all cost a pretty penny, I wanted them to be comfortable with wearing their coats many times later.

“Okay. I’m going to set up the Boozy Chocolate Bar.” Veronica scanned my space. “Where’s a good spot?”

I pointed to the small dresser. “That should be fine right there.”

“I have everything. This Boozy Chocolate Bar is going to be epic.” She pulled out bottles. “I’ve got the rum and horchata. It’ll be a cinnamon hot chocolate blend. People call it RumChata.”

Park headed over. “Do you need help setting up? That’s why I’m here.”

“Oh. I have an assistant tonight?” Veronica gestured to the other bags. “Thanks. Go ahead and get everything out and I’ll organize it over here. Oh yeah. Get the Kahlua and red wine too.”

Anna put on her coat and came over to me. “I love it.”

I checked Anna’s arm length and wished it were an inch shorter, but she loved it so I left the coat alone. “Wait. Veronica, did you say red wine?”

“Red wine hot chocolate is becoming a thing.” Veronica snapped her fingers three times as if she were listening to a song. “Last year Trevor made me one. I thought he’d lost his mind. As soon as I tasted it, I had to have more.”

“I’ll have to try that.” I went over to Emma and checked her coat, happy with the fit.

“I’ll make you one,” Veronica said. “If you prefer a sweeter drink, go for a strawberry wine, and if you prefer something a little drier, I’ll add merlot.”

“I’m excited about the Kahlua.” Anna giggled. “That sounds so tasty.”

Park carried over bags of marshmallows to the table.

“I brought white chocolate too.” Veronica pulled out more bottles. “My Trevor loves it with vanilla vodka so I brought that too.”

Park brought over a double burner. “Should I plug this in now?”

“Yeah. The pots are over there so we can start melting chocolate.” Nodding, Veronica picked up another bag. “Guys, look at these.”

I turned her way. “Aww.”

Veronica held campfire mugs in her hand. All were red with our names and titles in green lettering.

Groaning, Emma closed her coat as if she were cold. “I’m allergic to chocolate.”

“No, you’re not.” Anna kept on her coat and twirled in the mirror. “You’re allergic to fun.”

“That’s not funny. I am allergic to chocolate.” With a deep frown, Emma wore the hat and coat, looking like the saddest elf in the world. “Remember that time I broke out in hives after eating that chocolate bar?”

“I don’t remember any such thing.” Anna waved her sister’s comment away. “In fact, you were eating a chocolate chip cookie on the plane yesterday.”

“That cookie had a small amount in it.”

“Fine, Emma.” Anna rolled her eyes. “Then don’t drink anything.”

“What? It’s Holly’s big day. I have to participate.” Emma turned Veronica’s way. “I just wish my feelings were considered when coming up with these activities.”

Veronica snorted. “Well, when it’s your wedding we’ll think of you.”

Emma let out a long breath. “I’ve already had a wedding.”

“Exactly.” Veronica returned to the bags.

Anna walked over to Park and helped with setting up. Shrieking, she raised a bottle in the air. “Tequila!”