Beyond the Mistletoe: A Christmas Romance (Beyond Love Book 7) Read Online Free PDF Page B

another ring and risk this.” Ayden planted a kiss on Lily’s cheek, and Brandy and Gabby moaned a hum of happiness.
    “Well, it’s nice to see you again,” he said. His eyes connecting with mine.
    Lily stepped on my toe this time, but I didn’t flinch and didn’t respond.
    Derek picked up his beer and raised his glass. “To Bodie.”
    I flicked my gaze from Eric to Derek and my cheeks warmed, realizing they were both waiting for me to say something. This was going to be an interesting weekend.
    “To Bodie,” I repeated, as we raised our glasses in honor of the sleeping chiwoodle upstairs.

 
    Chapter Five
     
     
    I peered out the window of the hotel lobby and watched the snowflakes gently swirl midair as the light breeze carried them along. Soon, we’d be out braving the weather sitting in a sleigh, feeling the ice crystals pelting any exposed skin. But it was better than allowing myself to stay in my self-contained bubble.
    Maybe.
    Instead of picking and choosing how festive I wanted to be this year, I found myself thrown into an unbalanced storm mixing equal parts of wedding, holidays, and men. Three items I’d tried to stay a safe distance from over the past six years, and now each of the categories came at me from all sides. I held in a shiver and tamped down my sudden desire to be with Bodie, a book, and my favorite fleece throw draped over us both.
    I heard giggling behind me and turned to see Gabby, Brandy, and Lily walking up to greet me. Lily was bundled in a white goose down jacket with grey faux-fur trimming the hood, grey leggings, and an aqua sweater sticking out from underneath her jacket. Gabby wore an ankle-length goose down coat that looked more like a bathrobe than anything, since I couldn’t see what she was wearing underneath, and Brandy had on a blue flannel shirt, jeans, and a black unzipped jacket.
    Gabby was holding four Christmas gift bags, and I wondered what she had up her sleeve this time.
    “Okay, girls. I want you to open up your first gift of the weekend. I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for putting up with me while I planned this wedding. Or more to the point, while Carla planned my wedding and drove me crazy,” Gabby said with a coy smile.
    Carla was Gabby’s stepmom, and she was a fabulous event planner. Carla loved nothing more than finding reasons to throw a party, and something told me this event wouldn’t just be a party it would verge on a gala.
    Gabby handed each of us a bag and set the fourth one on the floor next to the overly plump leather chair she sat down in. Her smile was infectious as she motioned for us each to take a seat.
    “It’s nothing big, but I couldn’t resist. Emily, thank you for taking over so much at the bakery recently. You’re always willing to chip in, and I know I don’t even need to be in the same country to have things run smoothly. Not to mention you’re one of the most levelheaded friends I have.”
    “Hey, I resent that,” Brandy chided, grinning.
    “You’re very levelheaded,” Gabby assured Brandy. “But a little biased sometimes. I wouldn’t change a thing. I love your determination and your ability to make me realize what fun life can be. And, Lily, you’re such a loyal friend, and someone who I never thought would become a love-pusher.”
    “Gabby, we’re blessed to be your friends,” Lily said. Her voice caught and she made a funny noise in her throat. “These pregnancy hormones are rough.”
    “If you say so,” Brandy teased. “I think you’re just finally finding your human side.”
    Lily rolled her eyes, and I took a seat, peeking inside the emerald-green gift bag with bright red tissue poking out the top.
    “Who goes first?” Brandy asked, already digging into the tissue paper.
    “Well, by the looks of things, I’d say you,” Lily laughed.
    The red tissue paper fell to the floor as Brandy pulled out a red and white striped knit cap, gloves, and never-ending scarf.
    “Oh, my gosh!