by Terra Kelly
“Really? I would love that, but are you sure you want to leave the cafe for that long?”
She moved her hands up his chest. “I am and it would be wonderful for Lexie. We would have to get creative about how Santa found her at each place.” They both sat there giggling and thinking of a few fun ways to surprise Lexie.
Jim was sitting on the end of the couch. “Okay, who has a white flag, a white anything? I give, I can’t eat another bite.”
Lexie was sitting on Joshua’s lap and playing with her stuffed babies. Joshua moaned. “Same here.” Then he tickled Lexie’s side. “She made me eat that last cheese danish.”
Isabel was holding a glass of red wine. “She forced you? That cute face forced you? I think not.”
Drew took of swig of his beer. “I do kind of want another dinner roll slathered in butter.”
They all made gagging sounds and threw a few pillows at him.
Chapter 12
After several hours, Lexie was sound asleep with her head resting on Josh’s chest. Connie and Jim went and crashed in Alyssa and Alex’s room. The rest of them were snuggled on the floor in the living room. Josh moved Lexie to the floor with her head resting on a pillow. At about 11:00 p.m., Alex heard a light tap on the door. He moved Alyssa off him and rose to grab the door before it woke everyone up. When he opened the door, there were two gorgeous women standing there. He looked confused, then looked closer and realized they looked just like Alyssa.
“Alex, is everything okay?” Alyssa asked, she woke to a flash of cool air and realized Alex was not next to her. She looked up and saw Alex at the door. As she moved closer to the door, she noticed two women standing there. Now confused, she walked up beside Alex. Her sleepy eyes came into focus, confused, “Jax? Georgie?”
Alex glanced at Alyssa and noticed the look of shock on her face. “Come on in ladies. Let’s go into the kitchen.” He closed the door, turned to head to the kitchen and noticed his brothers were looking at him, concerned. “All good guys, it’s her sisters. She doesn’t have any issues with them, so go back to sleep.”
Alyssa was putting on a pot of coffee. “Jax, Georgie, why are you here? I mean, I’m happy to see you both but it’s late?”
Jacqueline took her coat off and hung it on the back of the kitchen chair. “Well, we found out what Mom and Dad were up to and tried to stop them. Obviously, we were too late.”
Georgiana laughed. “More like late for the bus, party, and after-party. We’re so sorry, sis.”
Alex walked into the room and went to stand near Alyssa. Alyssa touched his arm. “Alex, these are my twin sisters Georgiana and Jacqueline. We call them Jax and Georgie in the family. Guys, this is Alex Winters, and everyone in the living room is his family. Well, except sweet Lexie.” She moved over and leaned on the island opposite her sisters. “Shouldn’t you be mad at me or something?”
Jax walked around the island. “Beautiful, when you left Georgie, and I were heartbroken. We felt like we lost our other half… or other third.” They all three laughed. “We knew you needed to find yourself again and would come back in your own time.”
Georgie got up and smiled, then looked toward Alex, “Alex, you are one fine specimen.”
Alyssa and Jax burst out laughing and pushed their sister. Alyssa tried to look shocked, but kept laughing, “Oh my God, Georgie.” She grabbed Alex’s hand and was still in fits of giggles. Then she tried to look so serious. “Wait till you see his brothers.”
Alex shook his head, “You girls have catching up to-do. Might I suggest Lexie’s room for this fun new reunion?”
Alyssa touched the side of his face and smiled. “Good idea, baby. Okay you two, shhhhh.” Then they grabbed coffee and went to catch-up.
Alyssa was sitting at the head of Lexie’s bed. Jax and Georgie were at the foot of her bed. Alyssa asked, “Did you see mom and dad after they went to my cafe?”
Jax just sighed. “No, we have seen no one. We discovered a plane ticket to Boise yesterday. Georgie called mom and asked about the plane ticket. She sounded odd, like she was holding something back. So, Georgie called in a favor with a friend, let’s not discuss that. The friend worked their magic, and after several hours, we discovered what was going on. We found emails to and from Kirk and Maria. The emails date back like two years. They have kept in communication all this time. The weird part is, Georgie and I didn’t even know.”
Georgie shook her head. “Yeah, and we spend a lot of time with them.”
Alyssa sounded concerned. “Maria was abrasive today. Did the emails share anything about a private detective?”
Georgie made a sarcastic sound. “Well, interesting that you asked that. That was the one thing that pissed us off the most. She hired a private detective over a year ago. He has been watching you and reporting back to her.”
Alyssa was pissed. “Over a year? They told me only the last two months.”
Jax smiled. “Yeah, well she told mom and dad that, too. They had no idea about the private detective and were pissed when they found out. I don’t think we need to aim our frustration at mom and dad. I think it’s Maria and Kirk who are the issue here.”
Georgie shook her head. “Agreed. They can kiss my ass for all I care. I’m sorry, Alyssa. I know how much you loved Derek, but his parents are a piece of work.”
“Love.”
Jax and Georgie looked at her confused. Georgie asked, “I’m sorry?”
Alyssa smiled. “I love Derek, and I always will. I also love Alex and I’m lucky to have met him.”
Jax and Georgie smiled and leaned in to hug Alyssa tight. Jax sighed. “I missed this. Can we not let two years separate us again? I promise I will run after you both and not give you time to breathe.”
Georgie laughed. “Ditto.”
Alyssa sniffed. “Dammit, I’m so tired of crying. I promise to keep you close even if I have to walk away from mom and dad for awhile.” She then started to fill them in on why she left, what has been going on, and when she met Alex. They ended up staying up late catching up. When they crashed, they all snuggled close together on Lexie’s bed.
“Momma, Momma! You are hogging the bed.” Lexie was shaking Alyssa’s arm and had her face right next to hers. “Momma, Momma!”
Alyssa woke with a start, she looked at Lexie with sleepy eyes. “Baby, you okay?”
“You are hogging the bed, Momma.” She tried to climb on the bed but stopped. “Who are they, Momma?”
Georgie laughed. “Is that Lexie-mister?”
Lexie’s eyes went wide. “Momma?”
Alyssa smiled. “You recognize that nickname, don’t you? That is your Aunt Georgie and Aunt Jax, they stopped by late last night.”
“Oh, YAY!” Then she ran from the room and came back a few minutes later with Alex in tow. “Look Alex, it my Aunts.”
Alex laughed. “Yes it is, cutie. I have a feeling they need a few more hours of sleep. They had a lot of catching up to do last night. What do you say, you force Josh and Grant to take you outside and make Ms. Snowman?”
Georgie sat up. “How many of “you” are there?”
Jax and Alyssa erupted with laughter. Alyssa asked, “Do you have some rope, we may need to tie her up?”
Georgie sniggered. “Bite me, sis.”
They all heard a knock and looked toward the door. Connie and Jim were standing there looking confused. Connie smiled. “Everyone okay? It looks like we missed something important last night?”
Alyssa sat up, stretched, and rose from the bed. “Sorry Connie, it’s okay. My sisters came by late last night. They found out what my parents were doing and were worried about Lexie and I.”
Jim sounded confused. “So, your relationship with them was never a problem?”
Jax sat up, her hair in all different directions and her clothes looking very rumpled. “We knew Alyssa needed to get away and felt it was best to wait for her to contact us. We all agreed last night that was a bunch of crap.” She pushed Georgie’s back to get her moving. “Alyssa was
put through more than any human should endure in a very short time. She needed to leave, it was best for her and Lexie.” She looked around the room. “Where is that gorgeous little Lexie-meister by the way?”
Lexie hopped out from behind Alex and hopped up and down. “I here!”
Georgie and Jax looked at each other, Georgie spoke first, “What? This cannot be, you are too big. Oh my goodness, you may end up being tall just like your Daddy.”
Alex laughed. “Yeah? How tall was Derek?”
Jax smiled. “About your height.”
Georgie yawned. “Okay everyone, I need a hug from Lexie and coffee, and in that order please.”
Lexie ran over and climbed onto the bed. “I here! I love hugs!”
The tiny house was so full of happy sounds. Everyone was running into each other while trying to get ready for the day. Some of the group went over to Alex’s house to get ready. Finally, about 10:00 a.m. everyone was ready to attack the day. Georgie was just walking out of Alyssa’s room, she had her face buried in her phone. She plowed right into someone. She went to apologize and had the words, “I’m sor…” stuck in the air between her and Grant. Georgie found it next to impossible to not stare.
Grant laughed, “Hi, I’m Grant. Are you Jax or Georgie?”
Georgie cleared her throat. “Georgie.” She put her hand out. “Nice to meet you.” She was still having trouble formulating a sentence.
Alyssa walked into the hallway. “Hey you two, breakfast is ready. Georgie, cat got your tongue?”
Georgie looked at Alyssa, walked past Grant toward Alyssa. “You suck.” Then she headed down the hallway to the kitchen.
“So, your sister is not afraid to share her real feelings, I see.”
“You have no idea. Jax and her are complete opposites. Georgie will call a spade a spade. It caused several fights in school. Jax and I love it, we always go to her for advice. Wow, I missed them.”
Grant walked toward her and put his arm around her. “They are here now. I guess I’m glad Alex lost his job in L.A. too, somehow you three needed this reunion.”
Isabel headed into the house. “Okay, who likes shopping? There are two more women here, one of you must?”
Jax smiled. “Hate it with a passion.”
Georgie stood. “Girl, are we going to brave the Black Friday fun?”
Isabel clapped her hands together. “Yes, you with me?”
Alyssa smiled. “I need to run to the cafe but you girls have a blast.” Alex was sitting at the kitchen table finishing his breakfast. She walked over and sat down on his lap, “You want to join me for my cafe run? Or do you want to help Jax, Joshua, and Grant brave the snow fun with Lexie?” She sneaked a piece of bacon from his plate and ate it.
Alex tickled her. “Stealing bacon, there should be a law against that.” He then leaned in and kissed her. “I think I will stay back here and spend more time with my parents.”
She bent down and kissed him. “I won’t be long. I need to talk with Anna and Stu.” She stood. “Do we have enough leftovers for two more people?”
Alex laughed. “Baby, we have leftovers coming out of our ears.”
The rest of the weekend was spent together, running into each other in the tiny house. Georgie and Jax loved getting to know Alex’s family. Georgie especially loved getting to know Grant. By the time Sunday arrived, no one wanted to leave. They had so much fun together but it was time to get back to reality.
When everyone was packed and ready to head out, Lexie was quiet. Jax, Georgie, Alyssa, and Alex were standing on the porch. Lexie was sitting on the top step with her head bent. She was kicking dirt around with her feet. Alex walked over and sat down on the step beside her. “Hey little one, what if we told you that you will see them again soon?”
Lexie looked up, the light coming back into her eyes. “Really? When?”
Alyssa walked over and sat down on the step below them. “Well, I had Aunt Jax and Aunt Georgie notify Santa’s helpers that you would be traveling for Christmas. So now they know where you will be during the holiday season.”
Lexie’s eyes went big. “Oh Momma, are you sure he will find me though?”
Alyssa touched Lexie’s hand. “He knows everything, sweet pea.”
Jax walked over and squatted down beside Lexie. “Cutie, Santa could find you in a snowstorm.”
Georgie laughed. “Or a rainstorm, depending on where you live.”
Joshua walked up. “So, what’s this I hear about Santa?”
Lexie jumped up and leapt into his arms. “Momma, Alex, Aunt Jax, and Aunt Georgie told Santa where I’ll be for Christmas.”
Joshua smiled and sang, “He knows when you’ve been sleeping, he knows when you’re awake, he knows if you’ve been bad or good, so you better be good for goodness’ sake.” Then he beeped her nose and tickled her belly. She giggled and snuggled into him.
Alex looked at Joshua. “Alyssa and I decided we will take a trip to Michigan, and then down to Wilmington for the holidays.”
Grant, Isabel, Drew, Connie, and Jim all walked up to say their goodbyes. Isabel smiled. “Will you all be with us on Christmas?”
Georgie asked, “All? As in, Jax and I can come, too?”
Connie smiled. “Of course, dear. We would love to have you, the more the merrier.”
Jax laughed and looked at Alyssa. “Well sis, looks like you have to put up with us for another month.”
“You both don’t plan on leaving Alyssa’s side for awhile, huh?”
Georgie nodded. “Not a chance.”
Chapter 13
Alyssa was standing at the cash register counting the till. Anna walked up beside her. “So, your sisters are still here?”
Alyssa was holding a stack of twenties. “I have a feeling they may move here. Jax, told me the other day, that they both were looking for jobs.”
“Wow, that is exciting, Alyssa,” Anna said, touching her hand on Alyssa’s shoulder. “I know this has been a lot to take in, but I’m so glad you’re talking to your family again. If you could see the difference in your disposition, you would understand.”
Alyssa touched Anna’s hand. “Oh, I promise, I know how somber I was. I didn’t have that one thing to bring me back to reality.”
Anna smiled. “Alex?”
Alyssa laughed. “Well, he is an important piece to that puzzle, but no, family.”
Anna leaned in and gave her a hug. “I love you, sweet girl.”
Alex was walking in holding Lexie in his arms. “Good morning, ladies!”
They both looked up and smiled, Anna leaned forward and squeezed Lexie’s leg. “Well good morning, I thought you were off today, Alex?”
“Stu just called me, asked if I could cover for a few hours. He has a doctor’s appointment he has been trying to get for weeks.”
Alyssa looked concerned. “I hope he is okay?”
He put Lexie down and leaned forward to kiss both ladies on the cheeks. “He assured me everything was fine. Mentioned it was just a routine check-up since he’s not getting any younger.” Alex said, turning to Alyssa. “Want to have lunch with two cuties today?”
Alyssa smiled. “Are Jax and Georgie stopping by for lunch?” Anna burst into laughter and Alex had a look of shock on his face.
“I see how you are. Well, then Lexie will be my date.” Laughing, he walked to the back.
Anna shook her head. “We are lucky to have him here at the cafe. You’re lucky to have him in your life.”
Alyssa glanced toward the pass-through window. “I sure am, Anna.”
The front door flew open and Georgie stormed through. “Oh my God, guess what?”
Alyssa had a look of excitement. “You got a job?”
“I got a job!” Then she danced in place. “And the best part? I start after we get back from Wilmington.”
“Shut up, seriously?” Alyssa walked around the counter and hugged her sister so tight. “Wow, that’s amazing. What kind of magic did you have to work for that op
portunity?”
“I’ll be helping out at Boise State and classes don’t start back up till the middle of January.”
Alyssa smiled. “Well let’s celebrate, shall we have wine?”
Georgie laughed. “You have a man who needs attention. So, I will steal Lexie and you can’t have her back till Monday morning.”
Alyssa looked toward the kitchen and smiled. “Are you sure?”
Georgie just waved a hand in the air toward Alyssa “Where’s my Lexie-meister?”
Lexie hopped on one foot toward them, and said, “Hi Aunt Georgie!”
“Hi cute girl, want to go on a little overnight adventure with Aunt Jax and me?”
“Ohhhhh, yes.” She turned toward Alyssa, and asked, “Is that okay, Mommy?”
Alyssa smiled and bent down in front of Lexie. “You go have fun with your two aunts. I think I may have a few things I need to take care of here.”
Lexie didn’t have to be told twice, she grabbed Georgie’s hand and started for the door. “Come on Aunt Georgie.” Georgie looked back laughing and waved goodbye.
Alex walked up front. “Is that my date leaving?”
Alyssa giggled. “Why, yes it is.” She walked up beside him and moved her hand up his chest. “Georgie just gave us the weekend all to ourselves.”
Alex looked toward Alyssa. “Seriously? Like all to ourselves? No one popping in or calling whenever?”
“I believe that is what “all to ourselves” implies.” She moved her hand down his chest and kept going lower.
“Alyssa, this is not fair. I have to help Stu out, then you’re all mine.” He grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. “Two hours, then it’s playtime.” He bent down to kiss her and headed back to the kitchen.
She stood there watching him go, he had a gorgeous ass. Who was she kidding? He had a gorgeous everything. It was hard to believe that almost three months ago she noticed him sitting in the middle booth, all six feet and four inches stuffed into that little booth. He continued to amaze her every day with his love and support. She was baffled by how lucky she was to have met him. Most men would have high-tailed it and ran far away from her and Lexie. A woman with baggage, plus a kid, that meant disaster. But not in Alex’s eyes, he saw the beauty in her, and continued to fight for her. It was possible this Christmas was going down in history. She planned to give him an amazing Christmas gift. She only hoped she received the required information to make it all happen. Jax was on the “project Alex” case now.