Twelve Dates For Christmas

Chapter 12- Millie

Morning came too soon. After lying awake most of the night, I was exhausted, but eager to enact the plan I'd concocted.

I'd hoped to wake before the guys, but from the soft sounds in the living room, I knew they were all up. I dressed quickly, taking time to do my makeup and curl my normally bone-straight hair.

With their wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree, I needed only to walk out into the living room.

Alex whipped up his head from his book, followed by Roth, then Laz. They stared at me in my red plaid dress that hugged my body but flared out at my hips, ending just above my knees. Black tights covered my legs and my feet lifted me several inches in red heels that had a silver jeweled buckle.

"Merry Christmas," I said cheerfully.

They smiled one by one, and it made my heart soar.

The scent of sugar and cinnamon had me sniffing the air. "Oh my grimoire, please tell me you made cinnamon rolls," I said to Roth, who chuckled.

"They're almost done."

I winked. "Cinnamon rolls will get you everywhere, my friend." When I headed into the kitchen to grab coffee, the three bustled after me, watching me as though I'd lost my marbles.

After the first sip, I closed my eyes and smiled. Truly, coffee is happiness. And that first taste always lifted my mood.

The men stood in the wide doorway, waiting.

"Are they done yet? I'm starving." I took another long swallow and sighed.

Roth stepped forward to grab an oven mitt. I sashayed out of the way, still feeling two sets of eyes tracking my every move. It may have been a tad cruel to not tell them right away what I was planning, but there was an order that needed to be followed. Without the process, it wouldn't have the same effect.

The cinnamon rolls were pulled out and set on top of the oven. Delicious-smelling steam wafted through the kitchen, and I breathed it in deeply while grabbing four plates.

I watched Roth smear frosting over the tops of the cinnamon pastries, salivating for my first taste. He plated two for each of us, which I handed around.

"Should we do presents before or after eating?" I asked, unable to contain my smile. The frosting melted and dripped down the sides, oozing into a puddle on the plate. With one hand I tore off a hunk of the roll and popped it on my mouth, then sucked my fingers clean.

Laz looked uneasy. "We were hoping for your answer first." He scrubbed a hand over the back of his neck.

My lips twisted into a smile. "Alright then. Come with me."

They followed without hesitation, leaving their breakfast behind. In the living room I gestured to the couch.

"Please sit."

They had to cram together but managed to all fit.

I knelt in front of the tree, grabbed three identical little boxes, and handed them out. They undid the satin ribbons with interest. Alex's was a deep shade of red, Laz's was green, and Roth's was gold—just like their eyes.

When they pulled off the lids, they stared into their boxes with confused expressions, then looked to each other, and up to me.

"Michigan keychains?" Alex asked with furrowed brows.