Paul shortly realized that he'd arrived in the lamest car. John had driven his white Rolls Royce and George's sports car was flaunting its coolness while Paul and Linda had driven up in a mini van. But how were you supposed to fit five kids into a sports car? Put them in the trunk, his thoughts answered, but he immediately silenced them.

The doors slid open and Paul had to admit he felt like a school bus driver. He looked at Linda when they'd both gotten out and said, "Remind me, why did we irresponsibly decide to have children?"

"Oh, hush," she said, lightly brushing his arm with her glove. "You love them and you know it."

"Two would have been fine, thank you," he mumbled, watching Stella, Mary, and James pile out of the car, throwing snowballs at each other. He went around to Beatrice's car seat and pulled her out. She was bundled up with so many jackets and scarves, Paul could hardly see her head peeking out.

The front door of the house was quite literally kicked open and Dhani came barreling out, followed by a reluctant and shy-looking Julian.

"Hey, kid!" Linda said, ruffling Dhani's mop of dark hair. He was grinning lopsidedly and Paul couldn't help but think of George.

Julian was awkwardly standing off to the side, kicking snow around with his boot. Linda saw this and, like always, had to get him talking. Linda didn't tolerate anyone being quiet or shy, not with her around anyway. She'd get them talking easier than Paul could have ever thought possible.

"Hi, Jules," she said, kindly smiling down at him.

"Hi," he said, still kicking snow.

"How are you? Are you excited for Christmas?"

"I'm fine, and I guess."

"You guess?" Linda feigned surprise. "How could you say "I guess" when it's a kid's favorite time of the year? Don't act all Scrooge on us, Jules."

Julian couldn't help but crack a grin.

"There we go," Linda said. "Now, want to help us carry in your presents?"

"Yeah!" Dhani exclaimed.

"I guess," Julian said, but he was smiling.

"I'll take "I guess," " she said, changing her voice into a mumble to match Julian's, "as a yes, then."

Julian giggled and went around to the trunk, Dhani shortly behind him.

"I'll take Beatrice inside where she can play with Sean," Paul said.

* * *

"Hey!" Stella yelled at Mary. "You got snow all over my phone!"

"Well, you shouldn't have your nose in it," Mary replied haughtily, making another snow ball that would mostly likely be aimed for Stella. "It's Christmas time, not I'll-have-my-nose-permanently-stuck-in-my-smartphone time."

"Oh, sod off," Stella snapped.

"Hey! Watch your language, missy!" Linda scolded as she was walking by with a large gift. Stella stuck her tongue out at her back just to make herself feel better.

"Mum!" Mary squealed. "Stella just blew you a raspberry!"

Linda glared pointedly over her shoulder but never stopped walking. "Stella, do you want to be grounded for the rest of Christmas?"

"No."

"Then stop acting up."

The urge to roll her eyes was strong, but she restrained herself because Mary would just tell on her again. She just continued about her business on her phone, ignoring the snow ball that hit her shoulder.

"Ooh! You're going goth like Lee?" Mary said, peering ver her shoulder.

Stella jerked her phone away. "No!"

"I just read your texts," Mary said. "That's what you were talking about."

"No, it's not!"

"Yes, it is."

"No. We were talking about Barbies."

"I'm not stupid, Stella," Mary said, planting her hands on her hips.

Stella sighed. "Please don't tell Mum and Dad."

"I won't . . . for a price." Mary grinned wickedly.

"Oh, God. What is it?"

"I want your ice cream for the next month."

Stella loved ice cream, but she really wanted this to be kept a secret until she and Lee get it done. "Okay, fine."

"Great. Your secret is safe with me."

"What secret?" came a familiar voice.

Stella and Mary whirled to see Uncle George staring at them suspiciously, wearing rubber gardening boots and a hat. Oh, no, Stella thought. There was no way they'd be able to fool Uncle George. She didn't think anyone could fool him. He knew all and saw all. A shudder coursed through her.

Mary sighed. "Well, since you caught us, we'll tell you."

What? Stella thoughts screamed.

"You see, Stella ate a hamburger and wanted me to keep it a secret from Dad. He'd get really angry with her if he knew."

Relief flowed through Stella, but she tried not to let it show.

"Ahhhhh," Uncle George said, dragging it out way too long. He didn't seem to be buying it, but he didn't probe any more. "Well, Vegetarian Leather Jacket needs to get his knickers out of a twist. He's not very much better." With that, he walked to the front door, stomping the snow off his boots.

"Thanks, Mary," Stella said once the door was shut.

"Don't mention it," Mary said. "But, because of that, I'm going to require a month and a half of ice cream."

"That wasn't the deal!"

"I saved your bum from Uncle George, didn't I?"

You're evil, Stella thought. "Fine."

Mary smiled at her and patted her shoulder. "I think you'll look good goth, sis." She turned and walked to the front door of George's house. Stella waited for a few more moments before following, not knowing whether to feel relieved or nervous.