Hot for the Holidays (21 Holiday Short Stories): A Collection of Naughty and Nice Holiday Romances

by Anthology

  The silence stretched as Jake lifted his phone from the dock and grabbed his package of prints from the passenger seat. He had the office door open, bell dinging, before Nick responded.

  "I hear you. And you have nothing to worry about. We’ve been through some tough times together, but this isn’t something you need to be concerned about." He’d known Nick practically his whole life; he was like a younger brother. Somehow he wasn’t convinced.

  "You coming back soon? Like, sometime today?"

  "Yes, Mother. Now quit nagging." Nick nearly growled the words. "I may even bring a little friend."

  Huh. "I don’t care if you load your truck full and haul them all back with you. Just as long as you’re back here tomorrow. There’s gonna be some pretty tough ’splainin’ to do if you’re not sitting at Allie’s Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow." Because Allie would have her family feast tomorrow if he had to cook it himself.

  Chapter Eight

  Allie peered down at their son, sleeping in her arms and her chin quivered. "Guess our big Thanksgiving plans for tomorrow have to change, huh? I wonder what they’re serving in the cafeteria."

  Jake stood from the rocker and wandered to gaze down at the little guy. His lips drew into a firm line. The doc had assured them that Thad was fine. Healthy. He just needed a little extra attention. Allie had already spent an entire day at the hospital, shuffling between her room and the nursery, but maybe she could use a final couple of hours before they brought Thad home. "We’re not eating in the cafeteria, Allie. We have a houseful of family coming in, and you’ve been making plans for weeks. Your mom’s already started the preparations." He chuckled. "She’s letting the twins help."

  Allie gave him a tight smile, but snugged the covers around her baby and held him closer. "I’m not leaving without Thad, Jake. The doctor said his treatment could last several days. How can we leave him here?"

  "There’s no need—" He started to interrupt.

  She cut him off. "I understand that I can’t sleep here," She indicated the room with an impatient wave of her arm. "Holidays are times for family to spend together. I don’t care. I’m not leaving him here alone."

  Jake moved to the bed and perched on the edge of the mattress. He tugged at one of her hands and sandwiched it between his. "Allie, the nurses will take wonderful care of him if we’re not here for two hours. What about Trey and the twins? They’ll want you at home."

  Allie closed her eyes and shook her head. He released her and rubbed his hand over her shoulder and down her arm. The Thanksgiving holiday was the day Allie loved most. A day to enjoy friends and family without the commercialism of other holidays. Her plans seemed to be falling apart.

  And he hadn’t even told her about Trey and Bentley.

  He’d left his phone charging in the truck when he returned this morning. He should check it for messages. Had they landed yet? Were they even on their way? The uncertainty had a riot of angry bees buzzing in his gut.

  Sylvie, the same nurse they had the morning before, was due in any minute and they’d lose the Tadpole to the nursery. He laid his hand on the boy’s smooth head and let it rest there. Didn’t she realize how heavy his heart felt right now? Sometimes it just plain sucked trying to stay strong and keep things together for everyone. He tilted forward, let his forehead rest against Allie’s, Thad and his sweet baby smell trapped between them.

  "Okay, sweetheart. Whatever—"

  A throat cleared in the doorway, and he reluctantly pulled away to address the interruption. Jake hadn’t seen Thad’s pediatrician since several hours earlier in the nursery, but the physician stepped into the room now wearing scrubs and a stethoscope and made himself at home in the cushioned rocker. He smiled and set the chair in motion with his toes. "So, you ready to take this little guy home this afternoon?"

  Allie rocketed upright. "What? Really? Do you hear that, Jake? We can take him home!" Allie’s face bloomed even as Jake’s brow furrowed. She pulled Thad away from her shoulder so she could grin into his sleeping face, yet addressed the doctor. "Is he finished with his treatment?"

  The doc kicked his long legs out before him and crossed his ankles. A quick frown drew his eyebrows together. "No, not quite yet. He’ll need treatment for a couple of days still, the way we discussed. But that can be handled at home easily enough." He flipped pages on the clipboard in his hand, and his face pinched when he couldn’t seem to find what he was looking for. Finally, he shrugged. "We made arrangements for you to get the equipment you’ll need. I thought a copy of the request form was here. It’s simple, really; just a blanket to lay the baby on. Works basically the same way the lights do, but we find everyone’s more content when they can be together."

  Jake took the still-sleeping Thad from Allie’s arms and stood. Another layer of tension fell away and landed at his feet. All Allie wanted was for her family to be together tomorrow. His gaze landed on his wife. After all she did for him—for all of them—it was an amazing feeling to know she would have this. "I can think of a few people in this family who might be happier with that."

  Allie’s grin lit up her face. "You can’t imagine how much."

  Apparently, that was the answer the doctor expected to hear. He slapped his palms to his knees with a smile and pushed himself up from the chair. "Well, that’s settled then. I have no problem releasing young Thaddeus as soon as your doctor signs you out. He moved to the doorway and paused on the threshold. "Happy holiday, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. The door closed behind him.

  Allie nearly tumbled off the bed and rushed over to wrap her arms around Jake’s waist. "Oh, Jake! I was so worried, and then it all worked out. She lifted her hand to the baby’s back. "You ready to go home and meet your big brother and sister, Thad?" Her nose snuggled into his cocoon-wrapped body.

  Jake lowered the baby to her. "You bet he’s ready. And I’m ready to take my family home."

  Within hours Allie had the baby dressed in the outfit Jake had selected to take him home—ever the optimist, a blue footed sleeper—and they stood on their front porch. He pushed open the be-wreathed door and the clamor and sweet aroma of holiday baking assailed them only a moment before two squealing toddlers barreled into his legs.

  He led Allie and Thad a few steps into the room and squatted to give Addison’s dark pony tail a tug, then ruffled Aiden’s auburn curls. He opened his arms wide and gathered both the twins to him.

  His daughter’s eyes filled with tears. "Daddy, where you?"

  "Ah, Princess Addison, did you forget where we went?" When she nodded, he made a chair of his knee and sat her on it. He grinned and pointed to the bundle in Allie’s arms. Allie lowered herself to the floor beside them. "Remember when Uncle Ryan stayed with you last night?" Addison nodded again. "Mommy and I went to the hospital to get your new brother."

  Katie rounded the corner, wiping her hands on the hem of her apron. "You’re here! I thought I heard you! And with my new grandson." She rushed closer and helped Allie to her feet so she could take the baby from her. She held the infant and wandered the room as she spoke. "Everything that can be done ahead of time for tomorrow night is taken care of. I peeked into Thaddeus’ room while these two tornados took their afternoon naps. It’s adorable, and all ready for the little guy." She gave him a pat and then a kiss on the forehead when he started to fuss. When he immediately turned his nose into her cheek, she chuckled and moved to stand beside Allie.

  "I think I’m not the one he wants right now." She passed the baby to Allie and stroked her fingers over the silkiness of his scalp.

  No, his son wanted Allie. He knew the feeling.

  Katie proceeded to gather up her jacket and handbag. She gave Aiden and Addison each a hug, then kissed her daughter on the cheek. "Such a beautiful baby. I’ll expect to spend plenty of time holding that one when I see you all tomorrow. We can talk on the phone later about dinner, but it’s all under control." Jake moved to hold the door open since her hands were full, and she kissed his cheek before she crossed the threshold
. "All you’ll have to do is hold her chair. It will be perfect."

  He stopped her and wrapped her in his arms. "Thank you, Katie. For taking care of the kids. For taking care of tomorrow’s dinner. We love you. And you’re welcome to spend as much time with the babies as you like."

  Tears sprang to her eyes. She nodded and patted his cheek. "You’re so good for her, Jake. Such a good man. I’ll see you all tomorrow."

  He shut the door behind her and returned to the living room. Allie was seated on the sofa holding the baby and surrounded by the hovering toddlers.

  The next hours were as peaceful as anyone could expect in a household that included three children under the age of two. Addison kept a close eye on Thad as he lay unclothed on a fiber-optic blanket. They’d set it up in his portable crib so they could move him about the house and keep an eye on him. She had stripped down to her diaper—of course she had—and found an old flannel blanket to drag around. Heaven forbid that new baby get away with something she couldn’t.

  Aiden was more reserved, and oddly curious. He remained close to the crib and periodically stood to peer between the slats. He seemed to intuit that he was the older brother—by an entire eighteen months—and this little guy was in his charge. It was precious to observe. And telling.

  There was no doubt that Allie would soon rule their expanded household with the precision of Patton rolling his 6th Armored Division into Bastogne. But on Thanksgiving Day, chaos reigned. The clanging and banging in the kitchen and aromas permeating the house were all proof that a feast was being prepared. No need for visual confirmation; Jake stayed clear. Earlier, he’d lined up with the children on the sofa, enthralled with the magnificent floats and balloons of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on television. And now that the rest of the family had arrived, he kept Allie’s dad, Nick, and Ryan occupied with football in the den—and Ryan away from Tess. Nick had showed up without the promised little friend.

  He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and set it on the table beside his chair. There were no messages from either Trey or Bentley, and none of his text messages had been answered. The disappointment was heavy. Something serious must have happened to keep them away, though, and that thought brought worry. He’d have to tell Allie soon that they wouldn’t be arriving today. There was some sort of commotion in the kitchen, and Allie was laughing along with the other women. It wasn’t right to let her continue to presume they’d arrive any minute. And every time she walked into the room and looked around expectantly it broke his heart.

  "Still no word from those two?"

  Jake shook his head at Ryan’s question. "No. I guess they won’t make it after all. Must have gotten held up somewhere along the way."

  Katie walked into the room holding a glass of wine, and searched the room with a quick glance. "Who won’t make it? Isn’t everyone here? I certainly hope so; dinner’s almost ready to be served."

  Jake waved his hand to indicate his phone. "I’ve been trying to get hold of Bentley and Trey since Tuesday afternoon and haven’t heard back from them at all. I’m afraid they got stuck back East and couldn’t get home because of the weather."

  Katie laughed and waved her free hand. "Oh, those two? Did I forget to tell you they called yesterday? They managed to get on an earlier plane, but it only took them to Denver. They had to wait standby for a connecting flight."

  What? Why hadn’t they called him? "So, they’re in Denver? Any idea when they’ll make it all the way home?"

  Just then a pair of tall blond men with winter tans stepped into the room, the younger one held a baby against one broad shoulder. "Did I hear you say you didn’t know if we’d make it here in time? Seems all Gramps and I have been doing for the past day is calling with updates. I talked to Mom; I talked to Grandma; I talked to Kim. I thought Gramps called you. Where else would I be at Thanksgiving? Besides, I heard there was a new member of the family to meet."

  Jake snapped his jaw shut. "Trey! Bentley! You made it!" He rushed to embrace his stepson and then his friend. Nick, Ryan, and Allie’s dad gathered around the new arrivals, as well.

  Bentley seemed perplexed as he pointed his gaze at Trey. "Do you mean to say you never got hold of Jake? Oh, Jake, I’m afraid we owe you an apology. I thought the boy was calling you, keeping you informed."

  "I’m not a boy, Gramps."

  Bentley grinned and bopped him on the side of his head. "When you pull a bonehead stunt like not calling your dad, you are."

  Allie came in the room to stand between Jake and Bentley. Addison chased in behind her, and Allie picked her up. "Dinner’s ready if you’d like to come eat."

  Ryan broke away and strode into the kitchen, scooped up one of his sons—which one was anyone’s guess—and crowded Tess against the counter. She didn’t yell at him when he poked his finger at her, didn’t gut punch him when his quietly growled words seemed ominous. She may have been distracted by their other boy as he clambered onto the counter via the barstool and latched onto Ryan’s back like a baby possum, but nothing crashed to the floor, so he left Ryan to tame his family.

  Jake reached down to lift Aiden and glanced around to take in the warmth of family and friends surrounding him. There were a few members missing. Some they would see soon, others they would see again eventually; all were there in spirit.

  Katie approached with Trey and Thad and arranged them all for their first holiday photo. He slid one arm around Allie’s shoulders and tucked her close while Aiden and Addison bickered amongst each other in their arms. In the comfort of his home with a candlelit dining table groaning in the background, a renewed sense of peace washed over him. He was truly blessed, and truly thankful. He had everything he could ever wish for.

  The End

  About Ruthie Henrick

  Thank you for purchasing Hot for the Holidays! The Indie Chicks Rock authors are excited to help support ProLiteracy, an amazing international nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting adult literacy. I hope you enjoyed reading Home for the Holiday and spending more time with Jake and Allie and the gang! I had a lot of fun hanging out with them again. If this was your first introduction to these characters and you’d like to read their story from the beginning, please pick up a copy of Twice in a Lifetime. And when you’re done, I’d love to hear what you think ~ Ruthie

  Other Books by Ruthie Henrick

  Twice in a Lifetime

  Fire Over Frost

  By J.A. DeRouen

  Home for the holidays, Emmett Fontaine plans to steer clear of his college heartbreak, Annie Frederick. With a freak ice storm, close quarters, and a tiny surprise wearing pigtails, he may be getting more for Christmas than he bargained for.

  Fire Over Frost is a standalone short story and can be read without having read the other books from The Over Series.

  Chapter One

  Present Day

  Emmett

  I coasted down the sleepy neighborhood street, checking mailbox numbers against the address scribbled on my hot pink post-it. I tore out of the hospital in such a hurry to get home for Christmas break, my handwriting is barely legible. I bolted through the sliding doors into the crisp, cold December air, crumpled note and fruit cake in hand. My attending physician’s wife fancies herself a baker. I’d say she’s more of a mason, because the cake could double as a goddamn brick. But I grabbed said brick with a million dollar smile plastered on my face, and high tailed it out of New Orleans before anyone changed their mind.

  Time off for a medical resident is more valuable than gold … diamonds … a BJ after a 48 hour on-call shift. Time off and a BJ? Damn near priceless. For me, one is markedly easier to get than the other. My sparkling charm and sexy grin don’t win many points with Dr. "Douchebag" Denton, but the ladies seem to like it well enough, even if all I’m willing to offer is my aforementioned charm and a good time.

  I’m headed home for the holidays by the grace of God and a residency interview at Providence General Hospital. Never underestimate the power of a strategi
cally scheduled meeting. Otherwise, I’d be singing "Silent Night" in the on-call room and fielding angry calls from my parents with all the other miserable residents.

  And the good news just kept coming. My sister, Alex, wants to stay close to her obstetrician since she’s in the third trimester of pregnancy. So instead of going to my childhood hometown of Riverside, our Christmas festivities are taking place in Providence—home of Northern University, my old stomping ground. While my parents stay with Alex and West at their house, I’ll be crashing in the garage apartment at West’s old house. My own place without my buddy, Jenson, snoring his ass off in the top bunk? Turducken with the family and a few beers with my old college buddies, all in one trip? Hell yeah! Nothing, and I mean nothing, could ruin this trip.

  Until a phone call from West threw everything into a fucking tailspin.

  "Hey, asshole, ya made it out of town yet?"

  "Is that any way to talk to your bro-in-law? The uncle to your unborn child? The brother to your loving wife—"

  "Cut the shit," West chuckles as the background noise of the television dies with the sound of a screen door slamming. "You’re my reinforcements, man. Your mom is on her way here with a carful of pink shit for Avery’s nursery. I need you to save me from the sea of Pepto Bismol."

  I laugh at the thought of West covered in bows and ribbons. He’s so dead. As if Alex doesn’t have him wrapped around her finger already, this little girl is gonna own him. It’s all over but the crying. My boy West will drown in a sea of estrogen, and probably love every minute of it.