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Sam leaned against the wall, his plastic-covered tuxedo draped over his arm. “I’m not getting involved in your kinks, Pike.”
“I second that,” Anthony said.
“Is it your birthday?” Declan asked Nick.
“It was Wednesday, but we’re having a joint birthday party tonight after the Festival of Trees. Since all the Winters kids were born in December, and with the wedding, it’s a lot to do four separate birthday parties. Plus Noel’s birthday is Christmas Eve and she always seems to get the short end. You should come.”
“Nah, man, it sounds like a family thing and I don’t want to crash it.”
“We’re not family, and we crash it every year,” Pike said.
Anthony adjusted his ball cap. “I’m invited. He tags along.”
“Dick.”
“I’m technically not family either, but they let me come over and drink their beer because Victoria loves me,” Sam said.
“Dude, I’ve told you. Don’t say my mom’s name like that,” Nick growled.
Clark stepped down off the square platform he’d been standing on. “I’m going to get changed out of this monkey suit, but seriously, Declan, you should come. The Winters family is the definition of the more the merrier.”
Nick clapped him on the back. “Besides, now it’s a matter of principle, because if I tell my mom you’re coming and you don’t show up, you’ll hurt her feelings.”
“And we don’t tolerate anyone hurting his mom’s feelings,” Pike said, cracking his knuckles.
Declan looked around the room at the expectant male faces, thinking that his plan to get away from Holly Winters just blew up in his face.
CHAPTER 11
“You invited declan gallagher to my birthday party?” Holly said, punching Nick on the arm. They were standing in the Winters’ living room next to the Christmas tree Chris and Victoria bid on at the festival of trees today. They’d decided not to go with their traditional ornaments and try something new. The kids had taken all the trimmings off, hauled it into their living room, and barely finished putting the star on the top before Nick dropped the bomb about Declan.
“Ow. Technically, it’s my party too. But don’t blame me! It was Clark!”
Holly drew back her fist to punch Clark’s arm too, but Merry caught it, preventing her fiancé from being pummeled. “No more breaking my things, Holly. You aren’t six.”
“Should I be offended you’re comparing me to a toy?” Clark asked.
“No, because I’m protecting you from her, even after you used me to help your friend seek revenge on Holly.”
Holly pointed her finger at him, a mock scowl on her face. “Yeah, you failed as my future brother-in-law.”
If Holly were being honest with herself, it wasn’t anger at seeing Declan tonight that kicked up her heart rate, but excitement. Sometime today he’d swung by the Festival of Trees and wrapped her SUV in Christmas paper. Inside was an ice chest with a holiday chocolate box inside.
You said coffee or chocolates. You need to lock your car—D
“Come on, Declan’s a good guy. I think if the two of you just stopped this dumb prank war, you might actually find some common ground.”
“Or maybe that’s what you should do for your new channel,” Merry said, picking up an empty ornament box. “Pranking people.”
Nick shook his head. “Noel and I suggested it, and Holly said it would be too much work. She wants something easy, with no elaborate costume changes, make-up, or props.”
“That is correct. Although I could do a holiday series where I prank my siblings and in-laws until they beg for forgiveness.”
“Hey, why am I lumped in with those two?” Nick asked.
“I’m sure you’ll commit a future transgression against me. It’s only a matter of time.”
Nick turned to Merry and Clark with one eyebrow raised. “Will Mom miss her if we tie her up and throw her in the closet?”
