Merry Mitchell (Mitchell/Healy Family #3.5) Read Online Free PDF Page A

sister. Christian left a note that said, “Retaliation.”
    I didn’t know what that meant until I opened the box to find a stink bomb, and not the kind that only lasted a few minutes. This was one of those that teens used in schools, causing hallways to have to evacuate. It was the kind of stink bomb that brought tears to the eyes it was so potent. I hadn’t seen one in a long time, and knew she had Ethan help her obtain it. I knew exactly what my sister had in mind when she wanted to retaliate, and the twins were in for a big surprise when we were done with them this holiday. This year we’d have the last laugh, and it was going to be bittersweet.
    I could hardly wait to see them puking in the driveway.
    This holiday would go down in history, and the inner child in me felt invigorated.
     
     

Chapter 5
    Shalan
     
    After being completely humiliated, I was reluctant to leave my bedroom. Sure, we were grown-ups, and it was obvious that we had sex, but she was his sweet mother. I went to church with her and his grandmother. Now they were going to look at me and pray for my sins. I felt dirty over it, which only entertained Noah. I think in some ways he wanted to get caught, just so he could brag about it happening.
    When I finally found my way back downstairs I could tell he was up to something. His ornery grin made it obvious. “Whatever you’re up to, don’t. I can already tell it’s something bad.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about, darlin’.”
    “Don’t you dare darlin’ me, Noah Mitchell. I know that look. What’re you up to?”
    He chuckled and pulled something out of a small container. “It’s a stink bomb.”
    “For what?” I probably shouldn’t have asked. It made me an accomplice. “Never mind, don’t tell me. I don’t think I want to be involved. I can already see the wheels in your brain turning, and that means trouble when I know it involves your cousins.”
    “No one will be injured in this prank though. It’s completely safe. Come on, you were all for the vinegar.”
    I threw up my hands. “This is all you, babe. I’m not involved. I love you, but I’m not involved in this one. I can see it ending badly.”
    For the time being, Noah put the item back in the box and got ready for us to go over to his parents for dinner. This would be the last night before we were overwhelmed with guests, so we needed to enjoy it. I collected two good bottles of wine before we left the house. While Noah and his family schemed against their cousins, I’d be content with my glass of red sitting by the warm fire with the older adults. After being caught red-handed earlier, I needed to be on my best behavior, since they were the only family I had left. I couldn’t stand to disappoint them.
    Stuffed shells were one of my favorites, and Noah’s mother made them like no other. I ate four, and slowly went into a food induced coma afterwards. I was so full that after helping clear the table I plopped down on the couch and stretched out my body. It was a good thing I was wearing yoga pants, because I’m sure my jeans weren’t going to button.
    Noah came over and sat down next to me. “You ate more than me. Are you sure you ain’t pregnant?”
    I looked around the room, checking to make sure nobody heard him. “Would you stop? So what if I over ate? It was delicious. That doesn’t mean I’m with child.”
    Noah leaned over so no one else could hear. I could feel his lips tracing the lobe of my ear, while I tried hopelessly to ignore the hot and bothered feeling it was giving me. “I’m in love with you. If you were carryin’ my child, I’d be ecstatic. You’ll be a beautiful mother, Shalan. I just know it.”
    How was I supposed to respond to that? How could I look at him and argue with that kind of compliment. “I’m not pregnant.”
    He snickered and took a sip of his beer. Once he turned his attention to the rest of the people in the room, I found myself daydreaming about being