Page 21 of The Christmas Arrangement

“Nothing about it said professional arrangement,” Merry agrees.

I’m saved from answering by a knock on the door.

I jump up and practically run across the room.

“That must be Dad and Dash.” When I yank open, there are three men standing on the porch. “And Jack,” I add. “Come on in.”

They tromp inside and slam the door closed against the cold. While I hug Jack in greeting, Dad shows Dash around the small space.

“Do you want to take off your coats and stay for a drink?”

I haven’t opened the refrigerator yet, but I know it’ll be fully stocked. That’s standard for the inn. Given the guest, they might have upgraded the food and drink, too. Caviar and champagne? Ugh, I hope not—at least on the salty fish eggs.

“We should get back,” Dad says. “We still have several guests with late arrivals to check in, and I haven’t made the sauce yet.”

“My pizza dough should be done rising,” Merry tells him.

“Oh, we’re not going to be able to come to dinner before the tree lighting.”

My announcement lands on my family like a punch.

“It’s a tradition, Ivy,” my dad says.

“Dad, I know, but we have to go in to the shop. I was gone all day.”

“We?”

“Dash is going to help me.”

Holly snorts. “Do you know how to do anything in the real world?”

I look at Dash for a second, watching him decide whether to be offended, and I realize it’s a fair question.

“The only jobs I’ve ever had have been acting, serving as a spokesperson, and modeling. I’m not sure they qualify me for much in the real world, but I’m here and I’m willing and I’m able. Ivy can just point me in the direction of what she needs.”

Holly nods her approval, and I feel like he’s passed the first of what might be several tests from my sisters.

“Do you want me to bring something for you to eat at the festival?” Merry asks.

“No, we’ll grab something there.”

Noelle wears a small frown but says nothing. Dad wears a bigger frown.

I get out ahead of it. “It won’t become a habit. I promise I’ll only miss pizza and Negronis before the tree lighting on nights when I’m ambushed into fake dating a movie star.”

After a moment, Dad chuckles, Noelle smiles, and the tension evaporates.

Chapter 10

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Dash

* * *

Ivy closes the door behind the Jollys as they leave the cottage and make their way back to the main house in a cloud of laughter and overlapping chatter. She leans her head back against it dramatically, as if she’s holding them off physically. After a moment, she shakes out her hands and sighs, then says, “I told you I’m the only quiet Jolly.”

“I see what you mean.”