Page 147 of The Christmas Trap

When we walk into Arthur’s townhouse, Otis half bows. "My congratulations, sir, ma’am." He takes our coats, then seems to melt into the closet near the front door.

"How does he do that?" I ask in awe.

"I have a feeling he was born that way," Brody answers, half in jest.

I chuckle.

He leads me down the hallway into the conservatory. The buzz of noises reaches me. All our friends and his family are here.

Summer sees us and a big smile curves her lips.

"There you are." She walks over to us and leans in. Holding my shoulders, she kisses me on both cheeks. "You look incredible.”

“Thanks.” I smile. “I feel incredible.”

"We were wondering when you newlyweds were going to resurface." Sinclair joins us.

He and Brody half hug, half backslap, in the way that men have.

Brody smirks. "Needed to keep my wife to myself for a little while."

“It must be true love.” James walks over to join us. His attention is on Brody’s cuff links.

They have tiny Santa’s hats on them. I couldn’t resist buying them for my husband. I was touched that he wore them right away.

“It is.” Brody pulls me close and kisses my forehead.

“How disgustingly sweet the two of you are.” James sighs. "I managed not to call or message, so as not to disturb your newly-wedded bliss. I hope you noticed?"

"It was exceptionally peaceful not to see your ugly mug." Brody chuckles.

"Your loss." He turns to me. "Wonderful to see you, Lark, and congratulations on the new position."

"Thank you.” I smile at him with genuine fondness.

I understand Brody enough to know that he doesn’t let too many people close. Not even his own brothers. Perhaps, to some extent, his grandfather. But it’s James who’s Brody’s true wingman.

"I have to admit, when I heard the news, I was taken aback. But then it made sense." He shoots Brody a sideways glance. "She’s smarter than you. More patient. More astute. And you delegated so much to her in such a short period of time, it was logical for you to make her the CEO."

Brody frowns. I wonder if he’s going to be pissed off by James’ words. But I should know my husband better. Not once has he been anything but secure in his talents. He puts his arm around my shoulder and draws me close. "Best decision I’ve ever made."

There’s genuine pride in his words.

"I’m not lying when I say she’s the best person for the job. She’s more patient than me. She has the fortitude to not lose her temper with the team. She’ll foster better relations with them."

"Women are more empathetic; it often makes them better leaders." Summer winks at me.

"You won’t find me arguing that," my husband concedes.

James shrugs. "When it comes to managing a kitchen, I’m not so sure.”

All our gazes swivel in his direction.

"Hey, I’m not being sexist. It’s simply a fact." He raises his hand. "Being a chef takes long hours, it’s grueling, it needs complete commitment. It’s physically taxing. Mentally challenging. It’s more than leading a team. It’s innovating on the spot, thinking on your feet, planning out, having fail safes in place. It takes a one thousand percent commitment, to the exclusion of having a family or a personal life of any kind."

"It’s like being a doctor—" Brody begins.

"Exactly." James nods, pleased.