The Last Noel Read Online Free PDF Page A

gatherings had to be such a nightmare.
    â€œPub,” David corrected irritably. “And that’s no reason for my kids to be drunks, too.”
    â€œYe’d be referring to me, eh?” Paddy demanded.
    Take control, Skyler ordered herself. And finally spoke up. “Uncle Paddy, you have a drinking problem, and you know it. Jamie, you may have a beer. One.” She stared at her husband. “I’d rather he drink with us than away from us, if he’s going to drink. And he is going to drink. So…sit down. Kat, Frazier, Brenda, what would you like to drink?”
    â€œJust water for me,” Brenda said hurriedly.
    Of course someone so slim and tiny wouldn’t consume a liquid with calories, Skyler thought. Then again, at least the girl had answered on her own. She had been so quiet since her arrival.
    She was shy. Not like this group.
    â€œFrazier, what will you have?”
    â€œI’ll have a beer—if Dad doesn’t think it will turn me into an alcoholic.”
    David stared at his older son, still irritated.
    â€œDon’t be silly. Your father knows that you don’t abuse alcohol.”
    â€œYeah. Not like some of those old boozehounds at the pub,” Frazier said.
    â€œBoozehounds? Those fine fellows put food on your plate,” Paddy said.
    â€œIncluding the ones who fall off their bar stools?” Frazier asked.
    â€œWe don’t serve drunks,” David snapped.
    â€œDad’s right,” Kat said, grinning, “We reserve the right not to serve people who are falling off the bar stools.”
    â€œEven when they’re our relatives,” Jamie chimed in.
    â€œJamie…” Skyler cautioned with a sigh. So much for taking control. David was clearly taking every word seriously, which did not bode well for a pleasant meal.
    â€œMom, what would you like to drink?” Kat asked.
    Skyler hesitated, shaking her head. “Hell. Just give me the whole bottle of whiskey.”
    To her amazement, there was silence.
    Then laughter.
    Even David’s lips twitched.
    â€œCome on, guys, let’s all behave,” Kat said. “We’re driving Mom to drink.”
    â€œLet’s eat,” Skyler said with forced cheer. “Sit down already.”
    â€œYou want us anywhere in particular?” Kat asked, walking up behind her mother and hugging her.
    â€œIn a chair at the table, that’s all,” she said, and gave her daughter a little squeeze in return.
    â€œWe’re short a place setting,” Kat noted.
    â€œNo, we’re not.”
    â€œYes, we are. Count,” Kat said.
    â€œThere are six place settings, and five of us and…Brenda and Paddy,” Skyler said. “I’m sorry. I’ll get another plate.”
    â€œI’ll go find a chair,” Kat said. “I think there’s an extra in the den.”
    â€œI’m so sorry, guys,” Skyler said as Kat hurried out.
    â€œThat’s okay, Mom. You can’t count, but we love you anyway,” Frazier teased, smiling at her.
    She smiled back. “And Dad?”
    His smiled wavered for a moment. “We love Dad, too, of course. Although I think he can count.”
    â€œCute,” Skyler said. “Brenda, please sit down and just ignore my family.”
    Uncle Paddy was staring at her questioningly, and Brenda looked acutely uncomfortable. How the hell had she miscounted? She just hadn’t been thinking clearly. She’d been too busy listening in on other people’s conversations. Worrying.
    She didn’t want arguing. She wanted peace and the whole Norman Rockwell picture.
    â€œI’m sorry for intruding on your family Christmas—” Brenda began.
    â€œDon’t be silly, you’re not intruding in the least, and we’re delighted to have you. I’m just getting absentminded in my old age,” Skyler said.
    â€œIt’s all those years in a bar,” Frazier