Sleighed by the Farmer’s Daughter (Sweet Christmas Kisses)

Chapter Eighteen

The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the house as Mackenzie padded down the stairs in her new reindeer pajamas. Entering the kitchen, she found her mom and Holly already bustling around, preparing a breakfast feast. Seth, wearing the same reindeer pajamas, was setting the table, a grin tugging at his lips.

“Morning, Peppermint,” he teased.

“Morning, Tinsel,” Mack replied, her heart skipping a beat at how natural it felt to share this moment with him. “Ready for the big day?”

“More than ready,” he said, handing her a cup of coffee. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”

Nick, Daniel, and Josh came in from the barn as the rest of the family trickled in, each member clad in the same festive pajamas, bringing with them a sense of joy that was almost palpable. The kitchen filled with laughter as they all squeezed around the table, passing plates of pancakes, bacon, and eggs, their chatter lively and warm.

“Decided you could sleep in after doing chores for only a week?” Daniel teased Mack playfully with a shoulder nudge.

“Sleep in? What time is it?” Mack asked, suddenly concerned. “My phone is dead, and my alarm clock was flashing when I woke up, so I assumed I was up on time. I guess the sun is a little bright for 5:00 a.m.”

“Five? Baby sister, it’s almost nine,” Dan chortled.

“What? You guys have already fed the calves, right?” Mack’s worry was evident.

“Nope. That’s your job when you’re home. They’re probably in there bawling from starvation,” Dan teased further.

“Stop messing with her,” Seth interjected from his place beside her, placing a gentle kiss on her head. “I took care of the morning chores, and Patrick and your dad helped. I unplugged your alarm and phone last night so you could rest. You’ve been working hard this week and deserved a few extra hours of sleep.”

“Thank you,” Mack whispered, resting her head on his shoulder. “I woke feeling like a new person. Now I know why.”

She reached over and pinched Dan. “Jerk.” His yelp brought another round of laughter from the family.

After breakfast, they gathered on the stairs for the annual Christmas photo. Seth offered to take it but was immediately shot down.

“At least for this holiday, you’re part of the family. Go grab your spot next to Mack and make sure to smile nice and big,” Allison instructed as she adjusted the digital camera on a tripod and directed her grandkids on how to pose. Moments later, she claimed her spot in the middle and said, “Okay, everyone, on three, say ‘trees.’ One, two, three!”

“Trees!” rang out as she clicked the remote button, and the flash went off several times in quick succession.

“Wow, I see where you get your photography passion from,” Seth remarked. “Your mom was serious about getting a good shot.”

“Oh yeah,” Mack replied, “and if she doesn’t like this sequence, we’ll be back on the stairs for a retake. Notice how no one scattered after the flash? We’ve learned from experience not to move until we get permission.”

“We’re good!” Allison called, allowing the family to disperse.

They moved to the living room, where the tree sparkled with ornaments collected over the years. The gift exchange was filled with laughter as the brothers played pranks on one another, wrapping ridiculous items in extravagant boxes or tiny tools in large wads of paper and duct tape. The children gushed over their new toys, with Tessa showing sincere gratitude for her new Kindle.

“My niece loves to read and has been asking for a tablet for years. Now that she’s twelve, Nick and Holly decided she was old enough to use it responsibly,” Mack explained.

The day continued in a whirlwind of games that left everyone doubled over with laughter. Board games turned into loud competitions, and card games saw alliances form and break with every round. The house echoed with joy, the kind that only comes from being surrounded by loved ones.

As the afternoon wore on, Allison and Holly prepared a sumptuous dinner, filling the house with the comforting aromas of roast turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and fresh-baked rolls. They gathered around the table, giving thanks for the food, the family, and the unexpected blessings that had come their way.

With full bellies and warm hearts, they bundled up and made their way to the village, riding the snowmobiles her brothers had spent the morning reassembling. The kids were pulled down the packed trail on sleds, shrieking with delight as they raced down the perfect sledding slope Seth had created. Even the adults couldn’t resist taking a turn, their laughter echoing through the crisp winter air.

“Best gift ever, Seth!” ten-year-old Leah shouted as she sped past him, her sled kicking up a flurry of snow.

The day was capped off with a spirited snowball fight, with each team determined to claim victory. Seth packed the ammunition while Mack expertly launched it at her brothers, most snowballs hitting their marks with satisfying splats and groans.

In the chaos, Patrick appeared with a mischievous grin, holding a sprig of mistletoe over Mack and Seth’s heads.

“Rules are rules,” he declared, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “You two have to kiss.”

The family collectively paused their attacks to see what would happen. Seth looked at Mack, his heart thudding in his chest. He reached out, gently taking her hand in his, and stepped closer. Mack’s breath hitched as she gazed up at him, her brown eyes meeting his green ones. Time seemed to slow as snowflakes danced around them, the world narrowing to just the two of them. Seth leaned in, hesitating for the briefest moment to ensure she was comfortable.

When their lips finally met, the kiss was soft and sweet, yet full of unspoken promise. It was as if the cold air melted away, leaving only warmth between them. Mack’s hand instinctively moved to rest on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her touch.

As they slowly pulled apart, Mack opened her eyes to find Seth regarding her with a mixture of tenderness and something deeper, something that made her heart flutter. The world seemed to fade back in around them, but they stayed close, savoring the connection that had been sparked.

“That was nice,” she whispered, her words barely more than a breath.

“It was,” Seth murmured, leaning in just enough to press his forehead gently against hers, “And you are the best Christmas gift I could have ever asked for.”