One Silent Night (Romeo Family Romance #9) - Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,59

“What?” she asked, a smile trembling over her lips. Mason was the one who’d spoken. He’d extricated himself from the kids and moved to the open chair beside Ava.

“I’m sorry,” Noelle said, eyes widening. “What did you say?”

A wicked grin slid over Mason’s lips as he motioned at her and Holden. “I would congratulate y’all on getting back together, but seeing that dark, impregnable wall between you—” he made a slicing motion with his hand, as if cutting the space between them “—I’d say that y’all are in the middle of one doozy of a lover’s quarrel.”

Noelle’s face burned. Even though she wanted to glance at Holden to get his reaction, she didn’t dare do so, but kept her eyes trained straight ahead.

“Impregnable?” Ramsey hooted, “listen to you, little brother. You’re learning all sorts of big words at college. Pretty soon you’ll be spouting off history facts like Cash.”

Cash just grunted in response. “I love talking history with you anytime, babe,” Ava countered sweetly, patting Cash’s arm.

Mason scowled, rising to the bait, as he shot Ramsey a taunting look. “Pipe down, pretty boy, you’re just jealous that you don’t have my extensive vocabulary.” He thrust out his chest, sporting a cocky grin.

“Yep, that’s it,” Ramsey laughed. A peculiar light lit his eyes. “I just wish I had Mason’s perfect hair.” He threw glances at Cash and Noah.

“Oh, no.” Mason held up his hands, backing up in his seat. “Don’t you dare.”

Ramsey, Cash, and Noah sprang to their feet and rushed at Mason, messing up his hair. Ava scrambled to get out of the way.

“Hey,” Mason said hotly, his face turning bright red, as he tried to fend them off.

“Alright, you scalawags, that’s enough,” Knox warned as Ramsey, Cash, and Noah released Mason. He sat up, smoothing down his hair.

“You’re making quite a name for yourself at UTK,” Holden said to Mason.

Noelle marveled at how effortlessly Holden had adopted a conversational, easy tone. He was obviously steering the conversation away from him and Noelle, but he was doing it with grace.

“Thanks,” Mason said.

“Little brother’s our very own one kick wonder,” Ramsey teased. He’d sat back down next to Hartley. She swatted his arm. “Quit pestering him,” she warned, rolling her eyes. “See what I have to put up with?”

“You know you love me,” Ramsey quipped.

“Yes, I do,” she laughed.

“One kick wonder, my butt,” Mason grumbled. “I’ll have you know, I have some impressive stats.”

“Yes, you do,” Holden agreed.

“He said butt,” Aiden giggled, both hands going over his mouth.

Noelle’s eyes widened. “Aiden,” she exclaimed, giving him a censuring look. “That’s not appropriate.”

“No, it’s not,” Birdie seconded, cutting her eyes at Mason. “Watch your language around the little ones.”

“Sorry,” Mason amended, giving Noelle an apologetic grin.

Knox cleared his throat as he sat up and scooted forward, clasping his hands. “It’s such a blessing having all of y’all here tonight.” His voice caught, eyes shining. “I couldn’t be prouder of my family.” He turned to Birdie. “We did good, didn’t we?”

Her eyes shimmered as she looked around the room. “Yes, we did.” Her gaze lingered on Noelle. “I’m proud of all of my children.”

An unexpected feeling of warmth rose in Noelle’s chest. She was so grateful for Birdie, how she’d welcomed Noelle and Aiden with open arms.

Birdie continued, “Holden, I’m glad that you could join us tonight as well.”

“Thank you.”

Noelle heard the smile in Holden’s voice. She was acutely aware of him beside her. He was such a large part of her life that she didn’t know how she could ever be without him. And yet, she wasn’t sure how to work through her murky, conflicting feelings. She hated the fear lurking in the shadows. She could feel it, even now, despite all of the love and happiness that was in this room. Something bad was about to happen. A sense of foreboding ran through her as she shivered.

Holden reached out and caught hold of her hand. She glanced at him in surprise. His expression was cautious, hopeful. He was throwing her an olive branch. Did she dare take it? She relaxed her hand against his, appreciating his warmth. Despite everything, she couldn’t deny that it was comforting having him beside her.

Knox looked at Zoe, grinning. “Now, I’m going to pass the floor to my favorite daughter who’s heading up our Christmas program.”

“Easy to say, since she’s your only daughter. Who’s your favorite son?” Mason taunted.

“Shh,” Birdie reprimanded.

Grinning, Mason settled back into his seat.

“Can we open presents now?” Aiden asked eagerly. “I have two