Drew is still standing under the mistletoe, looking bemused at the tornado that has just blown through the house. He raises one eyebrow at me and looks up at the mistletoe. “Mmm, I guess we better follow them,” I say.

What a geek I am, and a chicken too. Drew sighs as I walk past him. I wonder what his kiss would have tasted like. Just once I’d like a kiss from a “bad boy.” Blushing, I remember his naked body in art class.

Great. Just what I need … sinful, X-rated thoughts on Christmas Day. I’m going to get a seat in hell for sure.

“Are you okay, Dora? You look a little flushed.” Jeff’s voice brings me back to the present, and I feel myself getting redder as he smiles like he knows what I was just thinking about. I elbow him on my way past him to the table and laugh when I hear his “oof.”

“No, I don’t want any of that mess,” Grandmother sniffs as the plate of turducken is passed to her.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Beatrice. It’s just turkey, duck, and chicken, not arsenic.” Grandma is so eloquent.

“Mrs. Phillips, it’s quite good,” Jeff says from the left side of me.

“I’m a traditionalist—roast beef for me, none of this newfangled food.”

Can she sound any snootier? Drew sends me a quick half-smile from across the table and my stomach jumps. I really have to get control of myself. If I want to take a plunge on the wild side, Drew isn’t my choice. Colin, yes. I mean, maybe.

“Well, I like it,” Julie interjects, stuffing more food into her mouth.

“I’m with Grandmother. It’s weird.” Bridget, the traitor, speaks up and then looks down again when she notices Drew peering over at her.

No female is immune to him. When we go out, it’s not normal, especially when all three of them are together. But Drew is the center, the eye of the storm, so to speak. But damn, he is adorable, smexy, and delicious all in one. And well-endowed too. Okay, so I’m not an expert. I’ve seen only a few in my whole life—four in real life, and, no, I’m not giving names, and some in magazines—but Drew’s most definitely measures up.

“Dora, please pass the potatoes.” My mom’s voice penetrates my musings, and when I look up, Drew is staring at me like I’m the only person in the room. Or maybe I’ve got something on my face.

“Jeff,” I whisper, turning my head to him. “Do I have something on my face?”

“No. Why?” he whispers back.

“Drew is staring at me like I do.”

“I think he wants to take a bite of you, Red.”

“Some help you are. And you have gravy on your chin, by the way.”

Is he right? What would Drew want with me? Why do I care? I think I may need to start seeing a therapist. I beginning to think I talk way too much with myself.

18

“I’m so full,” Dad says while leaned back in his chair, rubbing his stomach.

“I agree. I’ll be hitting up the gym next week for sure … or maybe after New Year’s.” Julie pats her stomach and I realize she’s gained weight. How could I have missed that? She sees me looking at her and winks. Oh, sweet fertile mother, she’s pregnant. I want to say something, but it’s not my place to blab the news.

“Me too. Hey, Julie, why don’t you help me put some of this away?” I raise my hand as Drew and Jeff get up and start grabbing plates from the table. “No, Julie and I will do that. Everyone else go into the living room. It won’t take us long, since there’s not much left.” I grab a few dishes and so does Julie before we move into the kitchen.

“Okay, explain the belly.” I grab Julie and turn her to face me.

“I’m fucking pregnant. Oh shit, I’ve really got to stop cussing. They say the baby can hear everything.” Julie’s eyes are shining with unshed tears, and I pull her in for a hug.

“I don’t think the baby hears yet, so you’re safe. When did you find out? I’m so happy! You and Kevin are happy, right? How could you not be? A baby. How far along are you? How many others know?” Julie pulls back from me as I continue to ramble and wipes the tears trickling down her face.

“I’m about two months in. I go to the doctor on January fifth. We’re so happy, Dora. At first, I thought Kevin wouldn’t be. We hadn’t really talked about kids, but he’s so excited. We told our parents last night, and they’re beyond happy for us. At first I thought I had the stomach flu, like everyone in my office, but after I threw up, I felt good and the sick feeling didn’t linger. I still can’t believe it.” Julie’s face glows with glee.

“Are you going to tell my family today?”

“Hell yeah we are, but I wanted you to know first. I don’t know the first thing about being a mother. What if I’m a terrible at it?” The tears return and begin to travel slowly down her cheeks.

“You’ll be an awesome mom.” I hug her again and feel relief as she laughs.

“Hey, you two, we’re waiting to open presents.” We turn to see Taylor standing there with his hands on his hips. “And the grannies are at it again. We need you out there ASAP.”

I put my arm around Julie and we make our way to the living room, hearing a heated discussion between the grandmothers.

“I’m just saying the money is wasted on that ratty old museum. We need new bingo balls and a new paint job on the community center.”

“Ratty old museum? How dare you talk like that about such a place? It is a wealth of information for the population of our town. Bingo balls are a frivolous waste of money, and I will definitely veto it.”

“And I will vote for it, and so will my friends. The money will be ours.”

“Ah, thank goodness. Here they are. Julie, Dora, we’re ready to open presents, so take a seat,” Mom says, looking frazzled.

“First, Julie and Kevin have some exciting news.”

Everyone’s attention focuses on Julie and me, and Julie motions for Kevin to join us. “As our second family, we want to tell you all some great news we recently found out.” Julie swallows hard and the good old tears are back.

“What Julie is trying to say,” Kevin takes her hand and gently squeezes it, “is that we’re going to have a baby.”

A little lump forms in my throat as I see the joy and love in Kevin’s eyes as he looks at his wife. Little niggles of jealousy momentarily blind me, or it might just be these tears, but then I push them away as the room erupts with congratulations followed by a massive hugging session. Blinking away the tears, I find Drew’s eyes glued to mine, and for a brief moment I wonder what kind of father he’d be.

“Well, that was fun.” Jeff turns to look at me in the backseat.

“It’s always fun at the Phillips’ house. Never normal, but always fun.” I’m so drowsy, and the comfy leather seat makes me want to take a nap.

“I love your family. I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to join all of you. I think this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”

Drew’s sexy deep voice makes me sit up straighter. Wait. Why am I thinking about his sexy voice when this poor guy just admitted he’s never had a good Christmas? How utterly sad. I wish I could hug him right now, but I don’t think that would be wise since he’s driving.

“Really? The best? Man, I’m sorry. Well, I don’t know what to say.” Jeff, Mr. Always Knows What to Say, is at a loss for words. I so wish Julie was here to witness this.

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. I’d apologize for the grandmothers, but you knew what you were in for. And, Drew, I love my present. It’s beautiful.” I do love the silver necklace he gave me. It’s an intricate silver design wrapped around a turquoise ball that chimes when I move. “Does it have a meaning?”

Drew laughs, which is a wonderful sound to my ears. What kind of childhood did this guy have when spending a Christmas with people he met only a few months ago is the best he’s ever had? I really need to find out how I’m supposed to help him. I’m most definitely calling Mom tomorrow. We need to pump Henry for more info. Every gift Drew gave out today brought joy to each and every one of us. I’m so confused. He’s projects this image of being a big player, and yet he’s so incredibly sweet and thoughtful at the same time.