#Holiday: A Hashtag Series Short Story (Hashtag #6.5)

by Cambria Hebert

  I didn’t speak or blink. Or breathe.

  I couldn’t do anything but stand there and stare at the most fucking beautiful thing I’d ever laid eyes on.

  Except my wife and daughter of course.

  Unable to contain herself anymore, Ivy lunged at me, wrapping her arms around my waist and squealing. “Do you like it?”

  My mouth went dry.

  I glanced at Romeo.

  Was this for real?

  He nodded.

  “Fucking hell,” I muttered and rubbed a hand over my face, then blinked up at the object I was sure would disappear.

  It was still there.

  Behind me, everyone started to snicker.

  “Does that mean he doesn’t like it?” Ivy worried and pulled back to look behind us.

  I snagged her around the waist and pulled her back in.

  “This is for me?” I asked, hoarse.

  “We lied about the garage being for the owners of the house. We’ve been hiding this here since we got here!”

  “Are you fucking for real right now!” I whooped out.

  “Hells yeah.” Romeo came to stand behind me, and we both admired the view.

  It was a brand new truck.

  But not just any truck.

  A Ford F-150 Tuscany Shelby Cobra.

  It was like the baddest bitch of all trucks. A souped-up Mustang in truck form. I’d never seen one in person. They were hard as hell to get ahold of. There were only twenty in Canada and not many more here in the States.

  Most people had to preorder them just to get one.

  And it was sitting right the fuck in front of me.

  “That’s mine?” I asked again, wanting to be sure.

  A set of keys appeared. Romeo dangled them over my shoulder and in front of my face.

  I snatched them and ran out into the garage. The cement floor was cold as ice, but I didn’t care. Fuck the cold. This truck was the shit wet dreams were made of.

  I looked it over almost frantically, trying to take it all in. It was bright blue with a silver-toned racing stripe that stretched across the hood, down the honeycomb grill, and all the way across the tunnel cover over the bed and down the tailgate.

  It was a seven hundred horsepower, which meant it owned the freaking road.

  The name Shelby was on the side, and there was a cobra logo on the front grill. It was lifted off the ground with suspension kits and boasted eighteen-inch wheels.

  The interior was like the finest ass I’d ever seen. It made me want to cry. Climate controlled seats, logo embroidered headrests, and just about every bell and whistle a guy could imagine.

  It was a four door, which meant it had seating for five, and I could take Nova for a ride.

  Drew, Trent, and Romeo all came forward, and we went total guy mode and basically went over it with a fine-tooth comb.

  It. Was. Awesome.

  “So you like it?” Ivy finally said from near the garage door. Nova was in her arms, buried beneath a bunch of blankets, and Rimmel was beside her.

  “I think I came in my sweats,” I deadpanned. “I had a freaking orgasm right in my boxers, and I’m still sporting a hard-on for this truck.”

  “Eww,” Rimmel drawled out.

  “Sorry, sis,” I said and shrugged. Some things just had to be said.

  “How the hell did you guys get one of these?” Then my bubble of awe deflated. “How much did it cost?”

  A little worry flashed across Ivy’s face, and that made me even more anxious.

  “Kiss it good-bye and let’s go inside.” Romeo slapped me on the back. “You can visit it later.”

  I felt sad when I stepped in the house away from it.

  Rimmel went into the kitchen and snatched a cookie from the container and sat at the island. Romeo went over and lifted her up and sat back down with her in his lap.

  “It was my idea to get you a new truck,” Ivy said from close by. “Yours is older, and ever since the sugar in the gas tank thing…” Her voice faded away.

  “Your truck is a piece of shit and you needed a new one,” Rome deadpanned.

  “My truck isn’t that bad,” I said, defending my ride.

  “You insisted I drive the Range Rover because it was safe. Well, now I’m insisting you drive that new truck for the same reason.”

  “Baby, that truck cost way more than your Rover.” I reasoned.

  She blanched. “Are you mad?”

  I made a rude sound and crossed to her. When she was in my arms, I leaned down in her ear and whispered. “I fucking love it so hard. Times two. Times ten. I could never be mad at you for doing something so awesome for me.”

  Truth was the price tag was probably going to give me hives. I had a kid to feed, and we were building a family compound, but what the hell? We could afford it, and now that we both had new cars and a house on the way, we wouldn’t need to make any more big purchases. Besides, Anthony was working on an endorsement deal for me right now, and if I got it, then the cost of this truck would be covered.

  Ivy tightened her arms around my waist for long moments, then pulled back. Her blue eyes were bright, and it reminded me of the truck. I wondered if she picked it to match her eyes.

  Knowing her, she totally did.

  “I told Drew I wanted to get you a new truck and asked him what kind.” Ivy began.

  Drew made a sound. “I opened up my latest GearShark magazine and pointed to an ad for it. I told her that truck was the freaking king of trucks. I never thought she’d actually try and buy one.” He shook his head like he was bewildered.

  Trent laughed. “She was like a damn dog with a bone.”

  I pinned her with a stare. “How the hell did you get ahold of the Shelby model?”

  She grimaced. “I didn’t. I couldn’t find out anything, and the minute they saw me coming, my blond hair and slight southern accent was a neon sign for them to try and take advantage.”

  I felt my hackles rise. They better not have treated her like that. I’d fucking drive that truck to the lot and put it up their asses.

  “That’s where Romeo came in.” She finished.

  Ah.

  Made total sense now.

  Romeo always got what he wanted, and if he set his sights on that truck, then of course it was in the garage.

  I turned to him, and we exchanged a look. He shrugged. “I made a call. The Ford dealership in Cali was more than happy to provide the star of the Maryland Knights with the truck of his dreams.”

  “So they thought it was for you?” I said.

  “No. They knew exactly who it was for. I was talking about you.”

  Surreal.

  My life was entirely surreal.

  “So,” I surmised and glanced at Drew and Trent. “You two picked the truck.” My eyes swung to Ivy. “You chose the color and wrote the check.” I looked at Romeo. “You managed to make it all happen.”

  “It was a total family project.” Ivy agreed.

  Rimmel cleared her throat. “I got you a pair of fuzzy dice to hang on the rearview mirror.”

  I laughed.

  “I can’t believe you guys did this for me.” I was overcome with emotion.

  “You deserve it, B,” Rome said and slapped me on the back before going into the kitchen to get some more coffee.

  “Thank you,” I said to everyone.

  “You can thank me by letting me take it for a test drive,” Drew said.

  “Hell no,” I drawled. “No one drives that baby but me.”

  “We’ll see about that,” Trent intoned.

  “Breakfast and presents!” Rimmel announced. She started bustling around the kitchen, and I pulled Ivy into the living room away from everyone.

  Ivy laid the baby in her nearby sleeper and took a moment to make sure she was settled before coming back to stand before me.

  “Epic. That’s what you are.”

  “I hope you still say that after you see the bank statement.” She worried.

  “Nah.” I
scoffed. “But it sure does make what I got you look like a thrift store find.”

  “I don’t care,” she vowed. “You’re everything I could ever ask for.”

  I cupped my hands beneath her arms and lifted, stepping back to pin her against the wall. Her legs wrapped around me, and I pressed in close.

  “It matches your eyes,” I murmured, still thinking of my sweet-ass truck parked just feet away.

  “You noticed.”

  “I notice everything when it comes to you.”

  We started kissing and didn’t come up for air until Drew stepped around the corner and started making gagging sounds.

  After that, we pulled apart, and everyone piled around the tree and started handing out presents.

  Like I mentioned, Nova’s pile was gigantic.

  It was an easy morning filled with laughter, gifts, and family.

  Oh, and sprinkles. I poured that shit on my eggs.

  It made them all festive-like.

  The seven of us spent the entire day around a fire, with Christmas movies on TV, lights twinkling in the tree, and snow swirling just beyond the window.

  We had a traditional turkey dinner that none of us cooked. It was catered, and all we had to do was heat it up and serve.

  Rome and Rimmel disappeared off and on throughout the day, and I knew exactly what they were doing, because it was the same thing Ivy and I did when we managed to sneak away for stolen moments.

  Even without the truck sitting in the garage, this day would have been one of the best holidays of my life.

  What was even better?

  It was only our first one all together. Our family had so many more ahead.

  And every single one of them was going to be merry and bright.

  Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

  Also known as “Kiss” cookies. This is a recipe straight out of my childhood. My Mommom made these every year. This is her recipe. She had a container of cookies on her counter full of Christmas cookies, and these were always a hit.

  She passed this year, so this is my way of remembering her but also sharing a little piece of my memories with you. —Enjoy!

  Ingredients

  1 1/3 cup of flour

  1 tsp. baking soda

  ½ tsp. salt

  ½ cup butter or margarine

  1/3 cup peanut butter (the creamy kind)

  ½ cup white sugar

  ½ cup brown sugar

  1 egg

  1 tsp. vanilla

  1 bag of Hershey Kiss chocolate candy

  Directions

  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

  Cream together butter and peanut butter. Slowly add in sugar. Next add egg and vanilla. Beat well. Slowly mix in dry ingredients.

  Shape dough into very small balls. Roll each ball in sugar (you could use colored if you want or just plain white sugar).

  Place balls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes (depending on your oven). Remove from oven and press one Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie (will flatten cookie out a bit).

  Remove from cookie sheet and place on a sheet of aluminum foil to cool.

  #Holiday Style Rice Krispie Treats

  This is a pretty well-known recipe that I’ve given a twist. I make this often around the holidays because it’s a little different than the traditional cookie, feeds many people, and is popular with kids. Plus, the chocolate chips add a little something extra to make it #Holiday special!

  Ingredients

  6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal

  3 Tbsp. margarine or butter

  1 10 oz. package of regular marshmallows OR 4 cups of mini marshmallows

  1 bag of Nestle Toll House swirled chocolate chips (sold around the holidays)

  Directions

  Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add in marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

  Add the Rice Krispies to the melted marshmallow and stir well.

  Add the bag of swirled chocolate chips to the mixture and fold in (they won’t melt).

  Using a buttered spatula or large spoon, press the mixture into a buttered (I use cooking spray on the pan and my spatula) 13X9 pan.

  Let cool, then cut into squares.

  Candy Cane Cocoa

  Nothing says cold, holiday weather better than a crackling fire and a warm mug filled with cocoa. This recipe takes it a step further and adds the flavor of a candy cane!

  Ingredients

  4 cups of milk (Go full fat or skim. It’s up to you! Just remember it will be creamier if it’s not skim.)

  4 candy canes crushed up (This is a good time to use the ones that always break when you pull them out of the box! You know it happens to you, too…)

  3 one ounce squares of semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (your favorite kind!)

  Marshmallow fluff

  4 mini candy canes

  Directions

  In a saucepan, heat the milk over med-low heat until hot. Do not boil.

  Whisk in the chopped-up chocolate and crushed candy cane pieces until everything is melted and smooth.

  Divide the mixture among four mugs and garnish with a dollop of marshmallow fluff. Add a mini candy cane to each mug for a holiday effect and a stirring stick!

  You can also sprinkle red sugar sprinkles over the fluff for a pretty effect.

  Braeden’s Brownie in a Mug

  I had to get in a recipe for B! We all know how much he loves brownies and sprinkles! This is a fun, easy recipe you can make when people drop in unexpectedly during the holiday season.

  Or you can just make it when you want a chocolate fix.

  If you’re like B, you’ll probably make it every day.

  Don’t forget the extra sprinkles!

  Ingredients

  4 Tbsp granulated sugar

  4 Tbsp self-rising flour

  3 Tbsp cocoa powder

  1 egg

  3 Tbsp milk

  3 Tbsp Nutella or any hazelnut flavored spread

  3 Tbsp vegetable oil

  Chocolate sprinkles for topping

  Chocolate icing or whipped cream for topping

  Directions

  Combine all ingredients into a microwave-safe mug. Whisk well - a fork works great for this!

  Microwave for 1 ½ - 3 minutes. This depends on the microwave. It is suggested to check the brownie after 1 ½ minutes and then cook longer if needed.

  Top brownie with a layer of chocolate icing (or whipped cream!) and a layer of chocolate sprinkles!

  Traditional Chocolate Chip Cookies

  You can’t go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie. Warm and gooey from the oven with a glass of cold milk is pretty much a moment of magic in your mouth.

  I make chocolate chip cookies every Christmas, and they always are a #HolidayHit

  You can always mix it up a bit by adding colored chocolate chips, candy pieces, or nuts to this recipe to give it a special twist all your own.

  Ingredients

  2 sticks of butter (softened, not melted)

  2 eggs

  ¾ cup granulated sugar

  ¾ cup brown sugar

  2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  1 tsp. vanilla

  1 tsp. baking soda

  1 tsp. salt

  1 bag milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips

  Directions

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  Using a mixer, beat butter and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla, beating well. Gradually beat in all the dry ingredients until cookie dough forms and is well mixed. Stir in the bag of chocolate chips.

  Drop dough by rounded tablespoons (I use a mini ice cream scoop!) onto a lined or greased baking sheet.

  Bake cookies 10-13 minutes (depending on oven) until golden brown.

  Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack or a sheet of foil to cool.

  Good luck keeping fingers of all ages away!

  Author’s Note

  You thought the #Ha
shtagSeries was done with #Heart, didn’t you?

  Most of you know I’m having a hard time letting these characters go, and with the holidays coming, I realized we never really spent a holiday with them. It was something I really wanted to do, and I thought maybe everyone else might like that as well.

  Last year, I sent out holiday cards and people were disappointed because the list filled up so fast they couldn’t get one. Even though I sent out over 250 cards, it wasn’t enough.

  This year I wanted to do something everyone could have. So this idea was born. It’s like my giant holiday card to you. A story, recipes, and one last Hashtag adventure. I’m pricing it low, lower than I price my other books, because I really want you all to be able to get it. And hopefully make the recipes, reread the story, and just know I’m grateful for you.

  I want to wish you all the very best in the New Year. I hope you achieve everything you set out to do and more. And if you don’t? That’s okay, too.

  I don’t usually make resolutions because, let’s be real, I never keep them. LOL. Why bother? All I know is I plan to keep writing, and I hope you keep reading. I hope I can create a few books that are even half as well received as the Hashtag Series.

  Enjoy the season. Enjoy each other. Be safe and be happy.

  I’ll see you next year.

  XOXO,

  Cambria

  Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.

  Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

  Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.