by C. E. Wilson
“Ohh,” Brynne gasped as Carter surrounded her on all sides. “You have no idea.”
Brynne kissed him back when she could, pleased to find she could get goosebumps to rise on his arms seemingly at will.
“You’re better than pancakes,” she whispered in his ear with a barely stifled giggle.
“I sure hope so.”
“I promise.”
***
Brynne didn’t know much about gingerbread houses, but she could have sworn she walked into one when Carter brought her into the kitchen. Aunt Heather was bustling around the massive cooking space, caked in flour and sweating despite the chilly December air outside. Red, white, and green lights blinked from all directions and she could swear that it smelled like graham crackers and gumdrops. Heather’s face was as red as Mrs. Claus’ when the two of them walked in.
“Brynne! Carter! Good morning! I’m sorry I didn’t wake you up. All the boys are planning to arrive around five so I’m trying to get the menu ready for tonight. I’ve been up since two.”
“Two?” Carter asked. “As in two in the morning?”
“You know it,” Heather said proudly. “I’ve been working like a bandit since Jeremy headed over to Sweet Mix. I have to say, this place is turning into a madhouse. Carter, be a dear and put on some more coffee, will you? I already made bacon and eggs so you guys would have something to eat. Oh! And I think there’s some buttermilk biscuits. I’m sorry, I didn’t have time to make pancakes. We’ll have them tomorrow.”
“Aunt Heather, it’s all good,” Carter said with a chuckle as he set Brynne down on the counter near the bustling woman. He got to work making a pot of fresh coffee. “That’s more than anything my parents would bother to make.”
Heather’s expression shifted. “Well, you’re here for the holidays.”
“Do you need my help with anything? Brynne and I can both...” he trailed off as something dawned on him. “The only thing is though, I have to step out for a little.”
“What for?” Heather asked in a rushed voice as she prepared a breakfast plate for Brynne.
“Uh, to check on Uncle Jeremy,” he said quickly. He spared Brynne a small glance. “I won’t be long. Just an hour or two. And some last minute Christmas shopping.”
“I’ll come with you,” Brynne offered, cheerfully filling her mouth with a big bite of biscuit.
“No!” Carter answered immediately. She blinked and raised her head, looking like a deer in headlights. “I mean… uh… no. It’s freezing today, and Aunt Heather could use some company.”
Taking the hint, Brynne nodded and tucked back into her biscuit.
Carter practically slumped in relief that she didn’t make a fuss.
“I hope I don’t get in the way,” Brynne said, watching as Heather bustled around basting garlic rolls, glazing hams and dotting sweet potatoes with marshmallows.
“Oh, you don’t have to be a pro to work in a Holly kitchen,” Heather tutted kindly. “If you knew how much my boys eat, you’d get an early start, too!”
“I’m sure,” Brynne said quietly.
“When are you leaving?” Heather asked Carter.
“I’m not going yet,” Carter said. “I need coffee.”
“A boy your age shouldn’t be so reliant on coffee,” Heather said. “You’re not even in college yet.”
“I’ll be in college this time next year,” Carter scoffed. “Might as well get used to it. And your white chocolate peppermint mocha is incredible.” He smiled over at Brynne. “She grinds her own coffee. I swear, there’s nothing she can’t do.” He laughed to himself as he started in on the bacon, rolling three or four into a thick slice and popping them between his lips. “Maple bacon,” he murmured with a grin. “Fantastic.”
“I figure it’s the holidays so there’s no need to pretend we’re healthy,” Heather said. “Am I to assume your mother will not be coming this year as well?”
Carter frowned. “Uh, no. Probably not. I’m pretty sure she’s dragging Dad to some stuffy event on her family’s side.”
“Of course she is,” Heather muttered, pausing her work for a few moments to reach for a cup of coffee before the carafe was filled. “I was hoping your parents would join us. It’s going to be such a big event, especially with our new guest. Plus, Evan is bringing Amy.”
“You can try calling and asking her,” Carter said between bites, “but I think I’ll be the one representing the family this year.”
“And every year,” Heather muttered.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Taking a seat at the barstool, he draped a loose hand over Brynne’s back and smoothed a few circles over with his thumb. He was immediately reminded of how thin her shirt was. She would look amazing in the sweater. “You should make me a list of anything else you need picked up. And you said the guys weren’t coming until five?”
“That’s what they said,” Aunt Heather said, finally sitting down and wiping the sweat from her brow. “You know my boys. Some could show up earlier and some could...” she trailed off as the doorbell rung, “... and some could show up right now. I’m willing to bet that’s Evan and Amy.”
Brynne straightened up in alarm, watching as Heather hurried to answer the door. She wasn’t ready! She had barely woken up and now new humans were here. She was still as a cat as the door opened. A deep voice and a melodic one floated closer, along with incoming footsteps.
“Relax,” Carter said, looking with worry at her shaking hands. “It’s just Evan and his fiancé, Amy. They’re cool, Brynne. Evan’s the oldest so he’s the most responsible. I’ve always looked up to him.”
“What are his thoughts on elves?” Brynne asked as she measured the distance to a bag of potatoes she could hide behind. “They won’t—”
“If Aunt Heather thought for a second that you’d be in any danger, she’d let us know. Trust me, Brynne. My cousins are outgoing. They’re...” he trailed off with a frown. If Brynne had been alarmed by the size of him, he couldn’t imagine how she was going to react to Evan. Evan was a star tight end when he was in high school, and though he had settled since, and was about to finish his master’s degree in accounting, he was still a massive, massive man – even in a suit.
“He’s what?” Brynne asked.
“Just try to relax.” Leaning closer on the counter, he pressed his lips to her forehead. “Have I steered you wrong yet?”
Brynne sighed. “I guess not.”
Footsteps rounded the corner. “Oh! Looks like someone beat us here, babe!”
Brynne turned and was confronted by the largest human she had ever seen. His head seemed to scrape the ceiling and his shoulders filled the doorway. Brynne could only gape as he came right over, pulling Carter up into what looked like a bone-crushing hug. He made Carter look like a child. His fiancé strolled in after, laughing with Heather. Brynne glanced back to the potatoes, then swallowed and stood on shaky legs.
“Hello, I’m Brynne,” she said as steadily as she could.
Every eye in the kitchen turned her way and she forced herself to stand her ground.
“Evan, Amy, this is Carter’s new friend,” Aunt Heather said, brandishing her hand towards the elf. “She’s staying with us for a little while.”
Amy looked down at Brynne and smiled broadly. She had a youthful face and black hair that fell across her olive-colored skin perfectly. She was curvy to the point of being a little heavy, but it suited her.
“I’m Amy,” she said, walking up to the counter and holding out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Evan’s fiancé. And you said you’re friends with Carter?”
“Carter’s always been a softie for strays,” the enormous Evan broke in as he squeezed Amy from behind. “I take it you haven’t been here that long?”
“She’s been here for a few nights now,” Carter said as he came over and rested a hand by her feet. “She’s going through some family stuff and needed a place to stay. I thought this was a good place for her.”
“It’s seventy-five,” Heather huffed. “You know I like to keep the house warm. Oh, that reminds me, I’ll be right back.” As soon as she left, the kitchen became quiet.
“Sweltering, is more like it,” Evan said, finally managing to pull his hands away from Amy and fixing Brynne with a hard look. “So you liking it here, so far? I have to say, I think you’re probably the only one of you within a mile of here. I thought you guys were more comfortable living together down by skid row.”
Brynne kept her expression as blank as possible and focused on breathing. This was just rudeness, not hostility. She could deal with that. She forced herself to smile.
“It’s been strange for me, being the only elf around,” she admitted, “but I’m not alone. That’s the important part.” Warmth blossomed in her chest as she heard Carter shift in his seat.
“I have to say, you’re adorable,” Amy said with a wide grin. “I’ve always been a fan of the elves. There’s a girl who lives down the street from where I live. She’s adopted too, you know. She never went to school with me, but she’s a total sweetheart. Much younger than you, I’d say. It’s about time we all try to get along if you ask me.”
“Amy, you’re talking like you’re a starry-eyed hippie,” Evan laughed sharply. “Not even twenty-one, this one. Not until next month.”
“Like it’s so far away!” Amy squealed loudly. “I was saying that she was young and cute and I’m happy that some of these stupid prejudices are going away.” She smiled towards the elf as Carter unconsciously stroked Brynne’s leg with his finger. His large cousin raised an eyebrow, then crossed his arms.
“Brynne’s going to be here for the party tonight,” Carter said. “I want to show her that we can do a Christmas party the right way.”
“Kinda strange to come this close to Christmas, isn’t it?” Evan said as he drew himself up. “I mean, when did this happen?”
“What the hell are you talking about, Evan?” Carter asked. Brynne noticed his hand stiffen against her leg. “Her family left her a few days ago. Aunt Heather and Uncle Jeremy were nice enough to let her stay.”
“I don’t see why she can’t stay at your place if it’s so important,” Evan huffed. “This is supposed to be a family party. I wasn’t expecting to have some elf skulking around – no offense – while we all get together for pretty much the only time all year. I just talked to Mom last week and she didn’t say a word about this and now we’ll have to tiptoe around an underprivileged elf all night.”
“Evan!” Amy squealed. “You are being seriously rude!”
“Look babe, I love you, but this whole thing is a little weird.”
“You’re being paranoid,” Amy said.
He glanced over at Brynne, then at Carter. “Maybe you’re right,” he said unconvincingly. “It was a long drive and I need to sit down and get a little coffee and breakfast in me. Mom? You make anything?”
“I always have something for my boys.” Aunt Heather beamed as she bustled back into the kitchen. “I’ll get you some coffee and bacon. I have eggs, too! And biscuits. Amy! Sit down, sit down, I’ll make you a plate.”
Amy shot a dark look at her fiancé and took the stool next to Brynne at the counter. He remained standing against the wall.
“So your family left you?” Amy asked Brynne tentatively. “I’m sorry. And so close to Christmas. What a mess, huh?” Her eyes flickered up to Carter’s. “You’re lucky you have such a studly stud to watch after you.” She giggled and poked Carter in the ribs like he was a little kid. “Isn’t that right, super-stud?”
He squirmed and tried to push her hand away, and by the time she let up, Amy and Aunt Heather had tears of laughter running down their cheeks. Brynne tried to hold in a bout of giggles as Carter struggled to regain his dignity, and she looked around the kitchen for help. Her smile froze when her skating gaze caught Evan watching her — the man was far from laughing. Chills ran down her spine at the sight, and she looked away quickly.
“So, um, how long will you two be staying?” Brynne asked politely.
“Just a day or so,” Amy replied, her spoon clinking against the sides of her mug as she stirred three sugars into her already milky coffee. “We still need to make the drive up to my folks in Toronto.”
“Toronto?” Brynne asked, racking her brain.
“It’s in Canada.” Amy said, graciously forgiving her ignorance. “It’s my best kept secret that I’m actually a secret agent.” She put a finger to her lips and nodded playfully before sipping at her coffee.
“Can I get you some coffee, Brynne?” Aunt Heather asked.
“Yes, please,” Brynne said shyly.
“I’ll get it,” Carter said, finally recovered. He found the miniature teacups on the counter. “Do you want cream and sugar?”
“Spoil her like this and she’ll never want to leave,” Evan said from across the room.
“Evan, I’m just getting her some coffee. Do you need to lay down or something?” Carter asked his brooding cousin.
“Doing just fine, shrimp toast.”
He lowered the mug in front of Brynne on the counter. “Here you go. Hope it’s the way you like it.”
“Oh, it’s fine,” Amy said, sliding the mug near her. “And if not, we’ll fix it. I like my coffee light and sweet. Are you the same way?” Brynne nodded, swallowing as she did so. The large man was making her very nervous.
“I think I might head down to see Dad,” Evan proclaimed suddenly. “All this girly stuff is making me a little itchy.”
“What girly stuff?” Amy asked. “What have we said?”
Evan didn’t answer, instead jutting his chin towards Brynne before turning to his mother. “Does Dad approve of this?”
“Approve of what?” Heather asked, tilting her head.
“Your new houseguest.”
“Of course he does,” Carter spoke up. “Why wouldn’t he? It was partially his suggestion.”
“Partially?” Evan’s frown deepened. “I’ll bet you had something to do with that huh, Carter? You always have to help everyone.” He looked at his cousin. “I remember a few Christmases ago when you wanted to adopt a dog you found on the corner of the street. Lonely, shaggy little thing.” He shook his head. “I guess some things never change.”
“It’s not like that,” Carter grumbled as Evan began walking over.
“What time are you coming back, babe?” Amy asked.
“I’ll be back at precisely the time I get back.” He leaned in close and kissed Amy tenderly on the cheek. “Try to have some fun with the girls,” he chortled, smirking at Carter as he pulled away. “I’ll keep Dad company at the shop. My cell phone’s on. Let Taylor, Tyler and Shane know I’m there and they can come down as well.”
“Sure thing,” Amy said, watching as he strode from the room. A moment later the front door opened and closed. “He’s tired from the drive,” she said, turning to Brynne. “Driving always puts him in such a bad mood. I’ll bet he’ll be a lot better once he sees his dad.”
“And then Uncle Jeremy can talk to him,” Carter huffed. “I don’t know what his problem was.”
“What do you mean?” Aunt Heather asked. “Something wrong?”
“It’s just that Evan...” Carter trailed off. Come to think of it, it must have been a little strange for Evan to come home for Christmas to suddenly find a Christmas Elf staying at his home. He shook it off, sparing Brynne an apologetic glance. “It’s nothing. Just the drive, I guess.”
“Right,” Brynne said, wishing that she really agreed. A strong knot of anxiety was forming in her chest. She pulled the heavy cup over and hefted it to her lips. Her arms shook from the weight. It may have been the smallest cup they had, but it was the size of a bucket to her. She drained
as much as she could in one sip before lowering it down to the table with a dull clunk.
Hopefully they wouldn’t take offense if she didn’t drink it all.
The clatter of movement in the kitchen finally calmed down as Heather set a third timer for the baking scones and took a seat on the other end of the table.
“Hopefully you can rest for more than five seconds this time,” Brynne remarked, a sympathetic smile on her lips.
Heather laughed, dabbing at her flushed cheeks with a handkerchief. “Not a bad price to pay to get everyone together for the holidays.”
As the breakfast continued, Carter couldn’t help noticing Brynne’s chipper mood had lessened significantly. All thanks to his cousin Evan. He was still shocked with how he had behaved towards Brynne. Comparing her to a stray dog? She was a person. A person he had been observing since he started high school. Watching her. Learning about her. Working up the courage to finally talk to her.
So why couldn’t he bring himself to defend her? He could have easily stood up for her and he hadn’t. He’d just sat there and said nothing. She had to be disappointed in him.
Hopefully the day could be salvaged.
***
“You must want to change out of those PJ’s before I head out,” Carter said reluctantly.
He hated the idea of leaving her there, but she should be fine with his aunt and Amy. Hopefully he would be back before any more of his cousins arrived. He had to go. He had worked up the courage to ask his uncle for the money and it would all be for nothing if he couldn’t get Brynne her gift by the end of the day.
“Come on,” he said, gathering her up before she could respond. He frowned and glanced down. “Unless you’d rather walk? I don’t mean to pick you up without asking first.”
“You’re faster than me, anyway,” Brynne said too quickly, obviously surprised by the sudden action. “It’s weird though, I never thought I could get used to getting scooped up by a human.” She tried to appear comfortable.
