Page 84 of Terms and Traditions

Kelsi rolled her eyes, hefting her Delaware-sized purse over her shoulder. Seriously, what did she have in there? It wasn’t even the diaper bag she usually carried. No wonder she had muscle tension. “I prefer my espionage fictional and not threatening my friends.” She flashed a wicked grin. “But it’s given me a whole new villain profile for my next book. We’re gonna nail him—or at least beat him in his own game, Nash.”

I dipped my head in thanks for her supportive gesture, not in the least offended over her thrill at getting new story fodder. Because the thing about Kelsi was that she was a multigenre author—rom-coms and suspense. Everything was potential book material. Which meant Hiram was for sure going to land himself on an FBI watch list in one of her books. And I could guarantee it wouldn’t be a rom-com special.

And I, for one, was already looking forward to reading Kelsi’s fictional plans for his demise—theoretically, of course.

“We just need to get through New Year’s.” Stephanie squeezed my hand again.

“Speaking of.” Kelsi adjusted her monster bag as she paused at the door. “We’re still on for tomorrow. Four couples and half a dozen kids. Should be great.”

Stephanie made a small noise. “Actually, my nana’s here and—”

Kelsi shrieked. “Charmain Russo Addams is in town?!”

Somehow when referring to Nana, you needed all three of those names to fully capture her essence. And then some.

Stephanie laughed. “In the flesh.”

“Bring her!” Kelsi glanced at Emmett. “You and Danielle don’t mind, right?”

This year our festivities would be at the Mitchell residence because we traded holidays between the three of us.

Emmett shrugged, running a hand over his beard. “Don’t see why not but check with Dani.”

Kelsi cackled. “Oh boy, Steph, after hearing all your stories about her, I can’t wait to see her take on Ryan.”

It was my turn to snicker because as much as I loved my best friend, he was no match for Nana. And it would be a glorious thing to witness his set down.

Stephanie’s elbow jabbed into my ribs, cutting off my strangled laughter. “I’m sure she’d love to come. She’s a big fan of yours.”

A genuine smile touched Kelsi’s face. “That might be the nicest Christmas gift I got this year.”

“Compared to the new walking pad I happen to know Ryan surprised you with?” I cut in, teasing.

Kelsi huffed. “And I’m out. Later, boys. I’ll confirm with you when I get home, Steph. Goodnight!”

Emmett shuffled the papers together, semi-neatly. “Hold up, I’ll walk you out.”

“See you tomorrow, Nerf guns blazing,” I called after him.

Emmett stumbled, whirling to face me. “You’re kidding.”

I crossed my arms. “I promised the girls I’d have a surprise for them after Christmas. You wouldn’t want me to break a promise to your young, impressionable daughters, would you?”

“And you thought Nerf guns were the way to go? With six kids in the house? Why would you do this to me?”

My grin sharpened, and I struggled to rein in my laughter. It wasn’t often I got my unflappable friend ruffled. “Oh, a little something you might remember as the Freshman Shower Escapade.”

Emmett’s face slackened, nostrils flaring. “You’re serious right now?”

“As a tombstone, Pennybags. I get my revenge fifteen years later, and it is sweet.”

Kelsi cackled from the hallway, clearly in on the joke. No doubt thanks to Ryan spilling the details.

Stephanie’s curls bounced as she watched our conversation shoot back and forth like a ping-pong ball. “I have so many questions right now,” she said, hazel eyes dancing.

Emmett growled like the bear he was. “Don’t you dare, Nashville.”

“Ooh,” Stephanie teased. “Nashville, huh?”