Page 82 of Merry Fake Bride

“Don’t worry.” Mom grins. “We have the perfect way for you to build up an appetite for more dessert.”

“An activity?” Kairo glances around the table. “I should warn you that if it has anything to do with sports, then I’ll have to sit out. It wouldn’t be fair on the rest of you.”

“You talk big talk.” Dad snorts over his beer. “I’d like to see you perform sporting miracles in the snow.”

Laughter rises as Mom and Dad begin clearing the table.

Martin leaps to help, but as Kairo stands to do the same, I catch his hand and he lingers.

“It’s a family tradition,” I explain, gazing up at him.

My heart pounds as a thought leaps into my mind. If he leans down and kisses me, will I taste the sweetness of the cranberry sauce that’s passed his lips?

Or will I just taste him?

“What is it?”

“Ice skating.”

“Oh, no.”

“You can’t skate?”

“I’m not exactly coordinated on uneven ground.”

“It’s okay. I’ll teach you.”

“Are you sure you want me to come?” Kairo’s lips twist together. “I would hate to intrude on family traditions more than I already have.”

“You have to come. Besides.” Using his hand for support, I stand slowly and smile. “You’re technically part of this family, so you have to come. It would besorude not to.”

Kairo chuckles and smiles. “Alright. Let’s go ice skating.”

21

KAIRO

“You weren’t kidding!” The laughter coming from Devon as she doubles over next to me, clutching her side, might be the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard in my life.

Even with the cold seeping into my back and the scratch of other skaters in my ear passing us by, none of it matters because Devon’s struggling to remain upright with how hard she’s laughing.

“You—” She gasps and flaps a hand in front of her face. “Youflew!Like a starfish!” Peals of laughter escape her, and it’s infectious.

Even with my ass throbbing, I grin up at her, slightly dazed from where I landed, and watch as tears of mirth bead her eyelashes.

“Oh my God, I can’t breathe!” A scrape of skates comes dangerously close, and I glance up at Martin who’s arrived next to us. Within seconds, he’s smiling too.

“You good?” he asks with a grin.

I nod. “Ow.”

“Oh, no! Are you hurt?” Devon fights to keep her laughter under control and reaches for me with her good hand. “Please don’t be hurt!”

“Would that make you laugh less?” I ask, taking her hand.

“Maybe!” As much as she tries to contain her laughter, she can’t keep a lid on her giggles and she’s only able to pull me to my feet with Martin’s help.

“You’re hopeless,” Martin says and as he skates away, I get the distinct impression he’s not talking about my skills.