Blood Money (1) | The Inheritance Games

XXVII. christmas tree farm

"And when I'm feeling alone you remind me of home, Oh, baby, baby, Merry Christmas." 

Noah.

Much to my dismay, Jameson had asked Maja about spending Christmas at Hawthorne House and she had somehow said yes.

So here we are. Maja knocking on the door with me helping Grams with my arm in hers.

"So this is your girlfriend?" Grams confirms, "Yeah, but don't tell Dad." I beg. "That's fine. But why was your sister blushing on the phone when she got invited?" She says suspiciously.

"I couldn't tell you." I hum in confusion.

"Hmm.. I hope they have green beans." Grams growls with excitement. "I'm sure they will. I told Spence they were your favourite." I wink at her, helping her up the stairs of the large porch and entering the front doors. 

Being greeted by Xander I let him link his arm with Grams, flirting that playful way he always does. She swots his arm scolding, he just laughs and leads her to the closet to deposit her jacket.

"Merry Christmas." I watch Jameson grin as he tells Maja, hugging her tight. Just as Grams had pointed out, Maja's cheeks are glowing a bright red.

"Thatcher." Nash nods firmly, still wary around me after the whole fucked-his-sister thing.

"Merry Christmas." I reply, shaking his hand. I'm immediately a little more comfortable when he pulls me in for a quick hug, showing he doesn't actually hold any grudges.

"Merry Christmas, Noah." Avery smiles sweetly, giving me a friendly hug and introducing me to her sister, who has bright blue hair. 

Everyone's here except Grayson and Spencer.

A lot of pleasantries are passed around us all. Everyone wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and catching up.

I hear her before I see her. The sound of her chirpy voice and thick heels echoing down the halls before she even enters the foyer. But the second she does my whole body warms.

Wearing a perfectly fitted champagne sequinned dress. Her brown hair is curled as apposed to her usual straightened hair. Her makeup is glowing, nothing particularly unique or dazzling, but it's beyond anything else because it's her.

Her heels don't quite make her as tall as Grayson as they strut in together, busy talking about who knows what. 

"Noah!" She smiles happily. "Spence." I grin in awe.

She walks towards me, ditching her brother to come to my side, not that he cares, greeting Maja kindly.

"Merry Christmas." I plant a kiss on her cheek, careful not to ruin her makeup.

"Merry Christmas." Spencer replies.

"Looking gorgeous, Pumpkin." Grams re-approaches, having deposited her jacket with Xander. Spencer blushes under her light makeup. "So are you, it's good to see you again." Spencer smiles, hugging Grams and earning a pinch on the cheek.

"And who is this handsome fella?" Grams looks at Nash and smiles coyly. "Careful, you're his type." Jameson says with dead seriousness.

"I'm Nash, Ma'am." He says pleasantly. 

"Don't even think about it." I warn, he raises his hands in surrender.

"Noah, I've got your present. It's in my room." Spencer smirks, winking to me subtly. "Nice try. Dinner's almost ready." Nash scoffs.