Mistletoe Rescue (Mistletoe Kisses)

Chapter 10

Zack hurried over to help his father carry in additional chairs for their traditional Christmas dinner. It was a good thing his parents’ home had room for a large gathering because between his siblings, their spouses and children, and Holly and her family, they would certainly have a full house.

Her sister had awakened a couple of hours after his and Holly’s mistletoe kiss, and the doctors had allowed Ivy to leave the ICU the next day. Her parents had found a vacant hotel room. Considering how most rooms were usually booked, Zack put their good luck to how many of the workers at the Technology Center had left for the holiday break.

He had accompanied Holly when she spoke with her sister. It would take time and probably a lot of work and prayer for Holly to fully forgive her family, but at least she wanted to try now. The relationship might never be the same again, but he had faith they would forge a new one.

“I like Holly,” his father said with a sly grin.

Dad’s gaze darted to each of the half-dozen different locations the family had hung mistletoe. This year, it seemed, anyone going through a doorway was in danger. They usually had one or two strands hanging in strategic locations, but this was excessive. Not that Zack minded. His family was already getting used to how often he kissed Holly.

“I like her too,” Zack said, stating the obvious.

“Are you sure she’s up to spending Christmas with her family?” Dad asked, worried.

Zack loved how his folks and siblings had embraced Holly and her situation, yet still welcomed her relatives. They all shared a firm belief that family bonds should be maintained and strengthened. Where it was possible and healthy.

“It’s a good place to start, especially with so many of us around. You know how good Mom is at changing the subject.” Zack laughed.

“Sadly, your mother learned to do that with my family. Some of them just had no filters at all and could make everybody uncomfortable. Your Holly has just been through a lot, and we want to do what we can to help her.”

“Thanks, Dad. I did offer to go with her to pick them up, but she said she had this.” At the familiar sound of her car, Zack grinned. “That must be her.”

He dashed to the front door and pulled it open to the unusually warm weather, which had already reached sixty degrees. Holly was opening the back door for her sister. Ivy had suffered a concussion and a bit of memory loss, which the doctor said might be a good thing since she didn’t remember the accident at all.

Zack hurried over to open the door for Mrs. Richardson. She had dislocated her shoulder and would likely require surgery for a torn rotator cuff once they returned to Denver. Hopefully, the sling would keep her from hurting too much. The family planned to go back home the next day.

“Let’s get you inside and comfortable,” his mother said, hurrying out the front door. She and Dad had insisted on taking charge of Holly’s parents to protect her from the pressure they kept putting on her to come back to Denver. One of Zack’s older sisters stepped forward to guide Mrs. Richardson up the front steps.

“Your folks are taking such good care of me,” Holly said, wrapping an arm around Zack’s waist.

“That’s what Jarvies do.” They went up the porch steps. “It’s a family tradition, even when we’re battling among ourselves.”

“I like your family traditions.” Eyes twinkling, she glanced at the sprig of mistletoe at the top of the doorjamb.

“So do I.” Zack pulled her close and covered her mouth with his. Moving her soft lips against his, Holly surprised him with the intensity of her response. It was like all the years when he’d been alone, never connecting with anyone else, he was in a cocoon, waiting for Holly to step into his life again. Warmth grew in his chest, and he deepened the kiss, an image of Holly greeting him like this at his imaginary cabin. Forever.

If you loved Zack & Holly’s story in Mistletoe Rescue , then you’ll love Ezra & Lacey’s story in A Wood-Fired Christmas .