Page 41 of Terms and Traditions

“Did it work?” Hailey asked, leaning forward in anticipation. Like needing to know if this couple got together over ten years ago was necessary to her current happiness.

I shrugged. “He married her.”

Hailey clasped her hands together, sighing moonily like it was the most romantic thing she’d ever heard.

“And I totally need to see these home movie versions,” I added.

Hailey’s grin was devious as she whipped out her phone.

Stephanie lunged at her cousin. “Don’t you dare!” she shrieked. “And since when did you make digital proof?”

Hailey shushed her. “Remember the children!” To me she mouthed Later, giving me a conspiratory nod. Stretching, she added, “As fun as this has been, I’ve gotta get to bed. Nana’s got a food list a mile long, and the annual snowball war is tomorrow. And skiing on the twenty-sixth. I’m tired just thinking about it.”

“Snowball war?” I asked. “You Addamses can’t do anything easy, can you? Why have a fight if you can have a war?”

“Now you’re asking the right questions.” Hailey smirked then glanced at Stephanie. “How much did you prepare him for this experience?”

Stephanie groaned, eyes sliding shut as she sagged against the back of the plaid couch. “Clearly not enough. Great-Aunt Edith just about got him earlier.”

Hailey shuddered with horror. “You’re a lucky man, Nash Prescott.”

“For escaping Edith?” I raised an eyebrow.

Fondness touched her smile when she glanced at Stephanie. “Sure. But also your taste in women. You picked a keeper.”

“Hail,” Stephanie warned, but Hailey jumped up before the throw pillow Stephanie tossed at her could do any damage.

Halfway up the stairs, she paused to blow a kiss and waggle her fingers. “Behave yourselves now! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

Stephanie tried to splutter out a reply, but the cackling pixie was already gone.

I only chuckled and draped an arm along the sofa back, lightly touching her shoulders. “She’s good for you. I’m glad you invited me.”

The suspicion on Stephanie’s face told me she thought I was kidding, but I wasn’t. Rising, I held out a hand to her. “Let me escort my girlfriend to her room for the night. Something tells me we’re going to need all the rest we can get for this war tomorrow.”

She grasped my hand, letting me pull her upwards. Till we were standing close. Too close. I could make out the smattering of freckles on her cheekbones. Adorable. The flecks of gold in her hazel eyes. Funny how I’d never noticed them before. She gripped my hand, setting her free hand against my chest as she swayed lightly on her feet, eyes slipping shut.

I lightly grasped her waist, waiting a moment for her to catch her balance. Her eyes blinked open again, and a man could get lost in their depths, twinkling with sparkling lights from the Christmas tree. The softness of her smile…

“Oh, sorry!”

We jumped apart at the chagrined voice. Zara lingered at the edge of the room, her bright pink nails fidgeting nervously with the belt of her blush-pink silk bathrobe. Without the makeup, she appeared more normal, and weariness drooped her smile as she adjusted the clear framed blue-light glasses she wore.

“Hey, Zara.” Stephanie offered an awkward wave.

Zara’s smile brightened. “I didn’t mean to interrupt, just came to get some water but got a little turned around.”

I laughed lightly. “It’s an easy thing to do around here.”

She glanced between us. “It’s Nash and Stephanie, right? There are so many names. I’m trying not to mix everyone up.”

Stephanie nodded. “That’s us.”

I had to admit I was impressed by the woman. Hiram may have been a class-A jerk, but his newest wife at least had some humanity left in her.

“Are you joining us for the snowball war in the morning?” Stephanie asked.

Zara tittered lightly. “That’s one initiation I’ll be happy to participate in as a spectator.”