Page 32 of The Holidays with Mr. Mitchell

I narrowed my eyes, hanging my leather bag on the back of the high stool where I sat across the large kitchen island. “Pennies,” I said. “It’s nothing. Everett Stone may be a competitor in the aviation industry, but I’m pleased we were able to use his jets since ours were mostly booked for other clients.”

Avery turned and grabbed the plates from the cabinet, her perfect ass shaped to remind me to keep my mouth shut and not get into petty arguments.

Time to change the subject.

“How was school today, Izzy Bear?”

“Awesome,” Izzy answered, stealing a bite of a chicken nugget off the baking sheet. “We had a fire drill, and everyone got scared but me.”

“That’s because you’re brave like you’re mother,” I said, smirking at Avery’s arched eyebrow.

“This is true,” Avery said, placing the plates out so that Izzy could divide up the chicken nuggets and fries. “Not many people have the bold warrior spirit like we do, kiddo,” she winked at me.

“Exactly,” I said. “Not many would take on the challenge of boldly declaring a holiday war against their CEO spouse and then immediately start charging millions to the company he’s running.”

“Ah,” Avery smiled. “Could it be that phase one got under your skin a little?”

“Not at all,” I said, recovering. “You act like this is the first lavish event I’ve ever approved.”

“Well, it’s just that it’s a far cry from your one-click option of charcuterie boards, so you know. I was just curious.”

“No need for curiosity, love,” I said, reaching for a few cashews out of the nut tray. “If this is how we show our appreciation to the company? Then it’s approved.”

“Really?” she planted both hands on the counter, her crystal blue eyes glittering in some amusement. “You’re not irritated at all?”

“Nope,” I took another handful of nuts and tossed them in my mouth.

“Good, then you should have the final phases on your desk tomorrow. Cat and I started planning tonight, and this is just going to be magical,” she said with an excited shiver.

I mimicked her, “I can’t wait.”

“Oh, my God, I hate school!” Addy’s voice came from behind me, prompting me to turn around and see my frazzled teen at her limits with school yet again. I extended my arm, inviting her in for a supportive hug, “Homework troubles again?”

“And again and again,” she answered, collapsing into my side.

“Lord, have mercy,” Avery answered. “The drama these days with you and school, Addison,” she started. “I already said I would help you with the homework after dinner.”

“It’s not just that,” she said.

“It’s herboyyy-friend,” Izzy teased.

“Izzy!” Addy snapped. “I don’t have a boyfriend. Be quiet.”

“Not anymore,” Izzy said, smarting off and giggling.

“That’s enough, Izzy,” I said calmly, then turned to Addy. “What’s going on, and when did you have a boyfriend who may have contributed to this?”

“It’s nothing,” she said, pulling away from me.

“Oh, no, you don’t,” Avery chimed in. “Come on. Dinner is on the patio by the pool tonight,” she said, walking around to where I had started to stand.

I bent to kiss her, unable to resist the pull of my sassy wife, her lips tasting faintly of the sweet sauce she’d been testing. “I’ve missed you.”

“You guys are so gross,” Izzy said, trailing her mother, carrying the other two plates of food.

“Thanks for dinner, Izzy Bear,” I said, smiling that, these days, their mother and I couldn’t so much as steal a kiss without being called out for it.

The patio lights swayed lightly in the ocean breeze, casting a golden glow over the table. Avery sat, taking a bite of the finger food our daughter had proudly prepared, the scent of salt air mingling with crispy chicken and fresh citrus from the potted trees nearby.