Page 8 of Cabin Fever Baby

I knew one thing for sure—I would be spending a lot of time out here.

Forcing myself to keep going, I turned away from the view, my gaze skipping over huge outdoor couches, just waiting for me to curl up with a book.

Hopefully, a little sun and a cozy blanket would let me enjoy some of the outside. Then I noticed the slim outdoor heaters and swooned.

God, yes. Perfection.

With one last longing look, I closed the door and locked up before I checked the gift basket. It had an array of cheeses and crackers and wine along with instructions for the fireplace, internet, sound system, and security. There was a discreet gold tulle bag tucked behind the wine with foil packets that I doubt I’d be using.

Handily, there was also a list of local stores and restaurants if I wanted to venture out or local grocery stores if I wanted to cook, which sounded exactly right.

After I unloaded the Subaru.

I was tired just thinking about it, but Kane and his lovely wife, Bells, would be here bright and early with the tree. Hmm, maybe I should put it in front of the window instead?

Too bad those ominous clouds seemed even closer. But I couldn’t think about that right now.

First, I would unpack, then I could worry about a possible storm.

I ran outside for the first load, then I figured out the sound system and blasted my Christmas songs playlist to keep up my energy. By the time I got all the trees and bags inside, I was sweating and ready to faceplant on the nearest couch.

I rebounded with some of the wine in the basket as well as most of the cheese and crackers since I hadn’t thought to pick up actual dinner. The apple pie was very tempting, especially since it wasn’t like I couldn’t go get another one.

It wouldn’t exactly make it to Christmas without being very stale. So, if I ate some now, I would actually be helping out.

Sort of.

I stared at the massive white box on the kitchen island in the ridiculously posh kitchen hidden just beyond the fireplace. I took another gulp of my wine and ignored it as I nibbled on a cracker.

Nope. I could be strong.

I set my glass down and brought one of the trees up the stairs to where the bedrooms were so I could scope out my spot. This place had eight bedrooms so no one would fight about having their own space like we had when we were kids.

And since I booked this place, I got the first dibs on bedrooms. Q had gifted me a staggering post-tour bonus. We’d made above and beyond the predicted ticket sales, especially since his stage show was little more than a massive projection of video and effects over the whole stage.

Q cared about the songs and the music more than a spectacle and it worked for him and his fans. In fact, it had only increased the interest in him since he was so lost in the music.

Of course, it didn’t hurt that he was exceptionally attractive. Even as his sister, I couldn’t deny that.

And since I’d footed the bill for this place, I didn’t have any guilt about taking the primary bedroom with the huge en suite bathroom and view of the lake that seemed even more awesome from the second floor.

I set the little tree in the sparkly green pot on the bedside table and plugged it in. The cool white lights made the room cozy. I glanced over at the fireplace beside the king-sized bed.

I couldn’t wait to tuck in and watch the flames.AfterI was done.

Before the exceptionally soft-looking bed could lure me, I shut off the light and backed out of the room. I gave one lastglance at the little tree before I rushed back downstairs to get the rest of the trees.

Once they were all set in the rooms, as well as my bags dropped off in my room, I attacked the decorations and set them in piles for the morning. I was near delirious by the time I unpacked all the Target and Brothers Three Orchard gift shop bags.

I just needed to sit down for a few minutes, then I would be good to go again. Just a few minutes was all.

And that was the last thing I knew.

THREE

1 Week til Christmas

“Hudson Thomas MacGregor,you will be at our house for Christmas this year.”