Page 34 of Miss Christmas

Didn’t they grit their pathway? Maybe I could offer to shovel this off. I wouldn’t want the kiddies to slip, after all.

I’m about to knock on the door when it swings open, and a rosy complexion accompanies a wide smile as the familiar voice greets me.

“Dylan Charmer! Look at you!”

I smile over the top of the gifts as Cassie sneaks a look over her shoulder into the hallway and beyond.

“Hey, Cassie, I’m just dropping these off for Merry—”

“Come in, come in! She’s just in the shower. She’ll be pleased to see her stuff, I’m sure! Sugar?”

Cassie calls her husband, Tom, who pops his head round the corner, nodding at me with a grin.

“Help the poor lad, won’t you?” She commands, nodding at my arms which are filled with bags. “I’ll take her bags up to her room. Then I’ll pop the kettle on.”

“Oh, I can’t stay—” I begin, but Tom makes a face at me, telling me to be silent.

“What’s that?” Cassie whips her head around to me, her green eyes narrowing.

“No sugar, please.” I sigh, handing the gifts over to Tom, who nods at me.

“Close call, mate. You’re staying for a cuppa.”