James returns with a tray, setting it on the table. “Who’s for coffee?”

Richard shudders. “Not for me James.”

“You can share mine,” offers Mitch, reaching for her teapot.

Richard scowls at the peppermint-scented steam.

James pours into a cup and saucer then offers it up. “Ryan?”

“Thank you, yes.” Ryan sips at the coffee then freezes, staring at the tablecloth. “Fuck me. Is this what he drinks?”

“’fraid so.”

He glares. “You could have warned me. It’s like fucking refrigerator coolant.”

Across the table, Mitch looks up to the mistletoe above the hearth. “Larry?”

“Yes?” He looks in the right general direction, but nothing registers in his expression.

Clueless…

She casts eyes upward again, this time definitely eye-pointing.

He shuffles in his seat. “Mitch, this isn't really...”

Mitch stands, placing herself squarely under the mistletoe, pats her lips with a forefinger. “I'm going to insist.”

Larry’s mouth works and a flush rises up his neck…

Way outside his comfort zone…

… nonetheless, he stands, loops an arm around the lovely woman and kisses her lightly on the lips…

on like

and opens his mouth over hers in a real kiss.

Rhett and Scarlet…

They had nothing.

them,

table, I slip fingers into his. “It’s something special they have, isn’t

nods slowly. He’s holding something in his other hand, turning it over and

have misheard him. “Sorry, what was

“Marry me.” In his outstretched hand is the ring from Mitch’s

I swallow hard.

please take it.” He offers the ring to

silence has fallen. Every face is staring

get

I… think about

ring into my palm,

I turn to him. “Kirstie, what would you like?” He holds up a bottle in either hand. “Brandy? Or

*****

it sounds forced. “I don’t see any new jewellery. I don’t smell

happened, I don’t think…” But she’s cut short by Michael’s grin. Her lips

would like to release your death-grip on Cara for five minutes, Michael and I will show you your Christmas

Her forehead crinkles.

“It’s from all of us, Babe. Go put on some warm clothes. And boots and socks.

widen. “My

scarf and gloves and a warm

“But Cara…”

out her arms. “I’ll take her,” she says. She grins

“Aren’t you coming?”

on Beth’s thigh. “I would prefer that Elizabeth stay warm and

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