Stumbling Into the Holidays (Stumbling Through Life #3) - Molly O'Hare Page 0,36

I tried to kill Santa.”

Jimmy’s face turned into a playful smile. “I don’t know, Mom. You’ve been known to resort to violence. Look how you just punched Dad in the arm.”

Holly’s jaw hit the floor. “How could you? And on Christmas morning nonetheless. My own son.” Her hand went over her chest.

Ben burst into a hearty laugh as he held his stomach trying to control himself.

“Shut up, Ben,” Holly snapped, glaring at him. “Tell him I did no such thing.”

A wicked smile emerged on Ben’s face as he turned to their son. “Even though, it would’ve been epic to witness… No. Sadly, Waffles pushed your mom out of bed and she landed on her ankle.”

“Oh.” Jimmy shrugged his shoulders, believing that was plausible and went back to playing with his toy. “Makes sense. As long as you didn’t go after Santa, Mom. That would’ve been inexcusable. You’d be on his naughty list for life.”

Holly glared at her husband as she held Peanut in her arms. “I’m gonna get you back for this.”

“I’d like to see you try, Grace.” Ben smiled, taking Peanut from Holly’s arms. “It looks like you’re ready for a nap. Who knew Christmas Morning would take so much out of you?” Ben kissed Helen’s head before walking out of the living room, ignoring a glaring Holly on the couch.

“That’s so funny. Mom, check out Waffles,” Jimmy distracted her from her plot to seek revenge on Ben, which made Holly’s attention go back to the tree.

Her eyes instantly found a fast-asleep Corgi in a pile of discarded wrapping paper with a bone hanging halfway out of his mouth.

Holly’s whole face softened as she watched Waffles kick in his sleep. “Isn’t that just adorable? Too bad he’s not like this all the time.”

Jimmy laughed again. “He’s even snoring.”

“He’s doing it to be cute.”

“Well, it’s working.”

“I know.” Holly flicked her eyes to the ceiling. “That jerk.”

Holly saw Ripley and Twitch slowly inch their way toward Waffles out of the corner of her eye. She knew exactly what was coming next. “Don’t even think about it you two.” Holly pointed at Ripley and Twitch who were seconds from pouncing. “For once in his life, he isn’t being a butthole. Let’s keep it like that.”

Ripley watched Holly for a few moments before glancing back at Waffles. She saw the exact moment in Ripley’s brain when she’d made her choice.

In less than a second, Ripley pulled back before jumping onto her brother with all her might. Followed by little Twitch doing the same.

“Dang it!”

Their attack scared Waffles so bad, he farted as his life flashed before his eyes.

“Eww, Waffles, that’s gross.” Jimmy laughed, as he waved his hands through the air.

Waffles turned to Holly like she was the one that’d betrayed him. “Don’t look at me like that. I didn’t jump on you. Your sister and Twitch did.”

Waffles darted his scowl toward Ripley, who was now playing with Twitch in the discarded wrapping paper that was once Waffles’ bed.

Oh, for fuck’s sake.

“Here it comes.” Holly let out a heavy sigh.

Waffles backed up, shaking his butt from side to side ready to make his move. Just as he was about to jump, Ben walked back into the room. “They got you fair and square, Waffles.”

Instead of going after his sister, Waffles snapped his eyes to Ben.

“I’m sure you’ll get her back eventually.”

Waffles grunted loudly before sulking his butt out of the room.

“How long do you think he’ll play the victim?” Ben asked, as the corner of his lips turned up into a smile.

Jimmy jumped to his feet. “Until we start cooking!”

“You’re probably right.” Holly watched as Waffles turned back one more time giving everyone an evil look before stomping away.

“I know I’m right,” Jimmy giggled watching Waffles leave. “I know my dog.”

That he did.

Holly laughed while jerking her head toward the direction Waffles went. “Go give him some pity scratches and get dressed. You and Dad need to get Grandpa before everyone starts arriving.”

“Isn’t he gonna know I’m only doing it ‘cause he walked away upset and in a mood?”

“When is Waffles not in a mood?” Holly quirked her brow at him.

“True!” Jimmy chuckled. “Waffles, I’m coming! And you’re the biggest scariest dog the whole world has ever seen.” With that, Jimmy took off out of the room.

Holly eyed her husband, a small smile on her face as she shook her head. “At least we aren’t the only ones having to deal with his highness anymore.”

“Jimmy does make it easier in that department. Doesn’t