Jingle All the Mitchell Way: A Holiday Novella Read online

  “Three? Are you pregnant again?” Jake asked.

  I felt the need to answer for Amber. “Yep. I knocked her up good this time. It’s going to be a boy. I read somewhere that the first nut is a girl, and the second is a boy. Maybe it’ll be two boys.”

  “Maybe I’ll beat you for saying it,” Amber stated. I could tell she was afraid of having another set of twins.

  “Whatever God gives us we will love, even if it’s triplets.”

  “Didn’t I just get done saying how much I appreciated you? I think I’m changing my mind.”

  I slapped her on the ass playfully. “How are your lines going?”

  “They were good until I looked up and saw this. Leave it to me to be a bad mother.”

  “When they’re quiet, something bad is happening. Isn’t that what my mother always tells you?”

  “She’s right.”

  “It’s fine. This motorhome needed some color added to it. Don’t worry about it, Amber. We’re almost to New Orleans. Maybe two more hours. Maybe you and Jax could put the girls down for a nap before we get there?” Jake suggested.

  Back in the bedroom, Amber was still freaking out about the mess they’d made. “I can’t believe it. I let them sit on the floor with me while I read. They were in their seats though. I made sure they were safe from getting hurt. I thought they were watching the movie.”

  “Jake isn’t mad. Let it go, babe.”

  “No. I’ve got to do something nice for them. I think we should throw them a surprise wedding to say thanks. It doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal, but they’re both stressing over it. I can take my bonus and fly everyone into Dallas for the event. She’s already got her dress. All we would need is for your mom and dad to bring it with them. What do you think?”

  “I think you’ve already planned it out in your head. Have you mentioned it to either of them?”

  “No. It wouldn’t be a surprise.”

  “What if they don’t want to do it?”

  “Jax, they’ve been planning to marry before we were. Just say you’ll help me keep it a secret. I want to do this for them. We owe it to them, baby.”

  “Fine. I’ll help you plan a secret wedding for the guy who stole my girl, and the woman who dumped me for my brother.”

  She shoved me again. “You need hormone medication, Jax Mitchell.”

  “It’s all the estrogen I’m around every day.”

  She stuck her hand between my legs. “Yep, they’re still there. I was getting worried.”

  “Really? A ball check?”

  “Really. Now, keep this a secret. Whatever you do, don’t you dare tell your brother.”

  “What if he confides in me that she’s a monster and he’s changed his mind?”

  “Convince him otherwise or else I’ll be feasting on a ball sandwich for Christmas dinner, and not the kind you would benefit from.”

  I covered my appendages. “You really mean business. Okay. I’ll behave, but only because I know you’ll pay me for my trouble.”

  Amber shook her head. “I get the job done.”

  That she did.

  Later that night was the event my wife had been so nervous about. She was meeting her agent and co-stars of the movie. These people were professionals, and the fact that she’d been offered the part was still unbelievable. The producer happened to be related to the person Amber worked with on Shalan’s music videos. One thing led to another and Amber was getting a call.

  She was dressed in a tight tan colored sequined dress that firmly fit her curvy body, loosening only as it met the floor. Her hair was up with curls coming out of the back, and her makeup looked professional, even though she’d done it while looking through the tiny bathroom mirror. She spun around to give us the full effect. “What do you think?”

  “It’s amazing,” Reese announced.

  “You look like a movie star,” Jake told her.

  “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.” I pulled her into my arms and tucked my face in her neck to lap up her sweet perfume in my nostrils. “And you smell fantastic.”

  She lightly pushed me back. “After the dinner you can do whatever you want to me. Until then, I have to stay exactly like this.”

  I held out my arm for her to take. “Let’s get this show on the road then.”

  Since downtown New Orleans was hard to maneuver the motorhome in, we had a cab pick us up from the outskirts and drive us to the restaurant. I suppose for other reasons, Amber didn’t want to appear like a redneck, rolling up to a five-star establishment in a camper. It made me laugh, but she was too nervous to even consider it to be funny.

  As much as I’d like to say I kept my cool when I walked into the room and laid eyes on America’s voted sexiest man alive of the current year, I’d be lying. I held out my shaking hands, my mouth dropping open, and only gibberish escaping my lips. Amber had to pick up the pieces for me. “Sorry about my husband. He’s been excited to meet everyone. This is Jax, and I’m Amber. It’s great to finally see you in person.”

  “You too, Amber. I look forward to working with you on this project. I think it’s great we’re bringing in a fresh face. People get tired of the same actors being in every damn thing that comes out, don’t you agree, Jax?”

  I nodded my head, still in disbelief that the man in front of me was someone I idolized. “Sure.”

  “Amber, I’d like you to meet Katherine Milton.” She’d won several Golden Globe awards and been nominated for more Emmys than I could recall. This woman, probably the age of my parents, held out her hand to me. The first thing I noticed was the large rock on her finger. When she noticed she placed her other hand on top of mine. “I remember when my husband came along for my first meet and greet. Do you remember that, Don?” She turned to him and then back to me.

  Her husband was a lifesaver. “Oh yeah. Don’t worry. It gets easier.”

  Katherine continued. “We’re all just human beings, Jax. After tonight, it’ll be like drinks with friends.”

  “I hope so. I just about shit my pants when I saw you walk in.”

  It was quiet for second, and the look on my wife’s face told me I’d been inappropriate, but then something fantastic happened. The room filled with laughter. These famous people were entertained by me. I’d been accepted, and seeing Amber calm down was like a breath of fresh air. After that it was a lot more comfortable. Don and I sat next to each other so we could talk about life, while Amber, her agent, and the other two actors discussed the movie. The producer showed up later, passing out some paperwork for each of them. The meeting lasted for hours, and thankfully I never ran out of funny things to say. By the time it was over I felt like these people were pretty cool. They weren’t out to steal my wife. This was their job and they got where they were because they were professionals.

  Once everyone went back to their hotels, I decided to take my wife out to listen to some jazz and experience the beautiful city. We walked around, entertained by the people and sounds, high on life.

  The cab ride back to the RV was intense. Amber couldn’t keep her hands off of me. “I want you, Jax. Let’s make another pit stop. Please.” Two blocks from the place the family was parked, we found a hotel room and checked in. We knew neither of us were in any condition to keep our love making low-key. This called for some no-holds-barred romping in the sheets, and I was about to give her exactly what she’d asked of me.

  Chapter 10

  Jake

  Reese and I weren’t surprised Jax and Amber never made it back to the RV after dinner and drinks. We bet each other what time they’d call to tell us they were staying somewhere in town. If I knew my brother like I thought I did, he was getting laid. Even the text he’d sent left little to the imagination.

  Booty call. See you in the morning. - Jaxinator

  With them gone, and the girls sleeping comfortably in the twin bunkroom next to the master, we took advantage of being alone ourselves. We turned on a cartoon in case the twins woke u
p, and closed the door that separated the two rooms. Reese was waiting in bed for me as I stripped down to my boxers. “Who says we can’t have fun too?”

  “This is nice. I’m kind of looking forward to taking this thing out with just the two of us. Maybe after we’re married we could take a trip to the Grand Canyon.”

  “Like for our honeymoon?”

  “I don’t know about that, Jake. I mean, this motorhome is nice, but I was thinking sandy beaches and a hut looking out at the ocean.”

  “All I’m thinking about is you being my wife, naked and in a bed. I couldn’t give two shits where we go.”

  “After we’re married, let’s make plans. I think we can get good use out of this. Maybe it’s not such a bad purchase. I know Amber and Jax really appreciate what we’re doing. She keeps thanking me, like keeping the twins is going to be difficult. Don’t they know how much we love them? I can’t wait to fill our house with little feet.”

  Reese and I hadn’t been trying to get pregnant, but we hadn’t been using birth control for some time, so if it happened we’d be thrilled. When Amber announced they were expecting again, I worried Reese would feel defeated. Maybe she’d think there was something wrong with us. “You haven’t said much about the baby on the way.”

  “I’m thrilled for them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have ten children. Jax always joked about it.”

  “I’m just glad he didn’t end up having ten kids with you. That would have sucked for me. Ten little reminders of us never being together.”

  “Good thing I came to my senses. I don’t think my uterus could handle ten children, Jake. I’ll settle for one or two though. Hopefully it will happen for us, and until it does, we’re going to spoil the hell out of our nieces and nephews.”

  “Speaking of family,” I said, sort of changing the subject. “I think we should play a prank on Jax and Amber.”

  She leaned closer to me, kissing me gently on the tip of my nose. “What do you have in mind?”

  “He’s made it clear he doesn’t want Amber knowing about the old man who died in this RV. I say we make him think it’s really haunted. Jax is gullible. He’ll fall for it. Before we know it he’ll be telling famous people how we’re traveling in a haunted motorhome. They’ll think he’s crazy.”

  “Amber will seriously kill you if she finds out the truth.”

  “So, don’t tell her.”

  “She’s my best friend, Jake. She’s like a sister to me.”

  “We’re talking about Jax, baby. Come on. Let’s give him a show.”

  Reese didn’t take long to convince. She laughed against my chest, her face coming up, her lips smacking against mine. Within seconds, we were caught up in each other, the idea of torturing my brother put on the backburner while we stole a few minutes for ourselves.

  Jax and Amber showed up before the girls were awake the next morning. While Amber showered, Jax got the twins up, changed and fed. He didn’t talk about what kept them overnight, and I was okay with it, since I knew his details would only make me cringe. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure they did exact what Reese and I had, I just didn’t want the gory details.

  It took Reese a while to get moving. After we were both dressed for the day, we left my brother and his family to go sightsee. Amber had to be on set by noon, but insisted Jax would be fine until we returned.

  Reese and I really enjoyed the French Quarter. We had beignets while listening to the smooth jazz sounds coming from a corner lounge. We took a horse and buggy ride through the streets, and even a short tour of one of the above ground cemeteries. While enjoying our day together, we planned how we were going to scare the shit out of my brother, and then we discussed our wedding.

  By the time we returned I was too tired to think about playing a prank on Jax, so you can imagine how surprised I was to find him sound asleep next to both of the very awake twins. I picked up Olivia and handed her to Reese, motioning for her to go back outside. Then I lifted Lex into my arms, rushing out without waking my brother.

  We moved away from the motorhome, far enough where he wouldn’t hear my voice resonating from outside. Then I rang his phone. He answered almost immediately, his voice gruff. “Yeah?”

  “It’s me. I just wanted you to know Reese and I won’t be home for a while. How are you doing with the girls? Do you need us to bring anything back with us?”

  I could hear shuffling, and then him moving around. “Hold on.” The sound of the phone being sat down was clear. Then he began calling out for them, finally opening the door frantically searching. Jax ran back into the motorhome and picked up the phone. “You need to come back now. Holy shit. It’s the girls. They’re gone. I can’t find them.”

  “Didn’t you lock the door?” I knew he had because I’d used my key to enter.

  “I think so. Oh God. I need to call the police.”

  When he said it I knew it had gone far enough. I had to let him know his precious babies were fine and not kidnapped. “Look outside Jax.”

  “I just did,” he said in a frustrated tone.

  “Look again, man. Maybe you missed something.”

  As soon as he opened the door his eyes locked on us. The girls both pointed to Jax. Olivia called out for him. “Daddy.”

  I’d never seen my brother look as relieved as he did when he saw both of his children. He walked over and grabbed Lex out of my arms. “You’re a dickhead. I thought someone took them.”

  “If you were tired you should have called us.”

  “They fell asleep first. I thought it would be okay if I rested too. Amber does it all the time. I made sure the door was locked and the keys weren’t anywhere near the ignition.”

  “Calm down, bro. We got your ass good. Just admit it.”

  “As long as you don’t tell my wife this happened, I’ll admit it. I can’t have her worrying about the girls. I’d lay down my life before I let something happen to them. You did get me, but I would have figured out it was you once I calmed down enough to think. Damn.” He hugged his daughter tighter. “I should kick your ass.”

  “You can try, but let’s be fair, I’m in better shape.”

  With that, Jax headed back into the motorhome. He spent the rest of the afternoon with his girls, never letting either of them get more than three feet from him at all times.

  Amber returned after dark. We could all tell the day hadn’t been easy. She looked beat, and headed to the back bedroom without telling us anything. Jax finally left the kids with Reese and I to tend to his wife.

  When Jax returned he said nerves got the best of Amber. She cried herself to sleep, and even with his best efforts, was unable to cheer her up.

  The next morning she left bright and early. I barely heard the door shut when she exited the RV. With Jax down in the dumps because of Amber’s struggles, we decided to get out of the cramped motorhome and do something fun with the girls. What better place to visit than the Audubon Zoo, which is home to nearly two thousand animals from all around the world. As much as I know Amber would have liked to join us, we knew the twins needed a day out for them. After all, what good was a family trip without something to experience for everyone?

  We spent the entire day doing every exhibit, watching the live shows, and picking up little souvenirs that wouldn’t take up a lot of room in the motorhome. They fell asleep on the cab ride back to the RV park, and were so worn out they didn’t even wake up when we carried them to bed.

  Much like at home, we ate an easy dinner and played cards, all while anticipating the return of Amber.

  She didn’t show up until after midnight. Looking as beat as the night before, she seemed in better spirits, even sitting down beside Jax for a hand of cards and late night snack. She was envious of our trip to the zoo, but thankful we were able to give the girls a fun day.

  Since the first day didn’t go as expected, we had to stay for two more nights. That following morning we went on a tour of the bayou. Jax was adamant on seeing as many gators as possible. He
wanted to ride on one of those large airboats, but they weren’t safe enough for the girls, so we had to take a regular tour. I held Lex, while Jax kept a tight grip on Olivia. Every time they’d spot a gator, he’d point so the girls could look. Reese was the official photographer, documenting everything so Amber would be able to experience it as well.

  On our last day in New Orleans, we took the girls to a park called Storyland, where book characters come alive. My little nieces had the time of their lives, dancing whenever they heard music playing. Each moment I spent seeing them happy and smiling made me feel like this trip was worth the money I was going to spend on the RV. My family might be crazy. My brother might act like a moron, but I wouldn’t trade him. We were making memories, experiencing new places we’d never been, all while staying together. I’m not usually sentimental, but it made me feel like I’d made the best decision. I just hoped Jax and Amber could agree.

  Chapter 11

  Jax

  Eight hours. That’s how long it took for us to make it from New Orleans to Dallas. During the drive, which I took turns with Jake, the girls talked about the movie and the experiences Amber had while on the set.

  We even got the girls pictures with Santa, AKA Uncle Jake in a costume, because let’s face it, they weren’t sitting on a stranger’s lap. They screamed bloody murder, but we sent the picture to their grandparents anyway just to say we did.

  We’d managed to keep the secret wedding under wraps, and with the family agreeing to meet us in the city, all we had to do was make sure Reese and Jake were up to tying the knot on a whim.

  While Amber was away from the rest of us, she made calls to family members, who’d all offered to do their part in making everything come together. We’d booked a church, a hall, and even DJ. The food was being catered by the same company the production company was using while shooting in town, and the cake was being made by our Aunt Van, who loved to be creative, and the ceremony would be officiated by Uncle Colt, who’d become ordained a few years back. I think my wife used the prepping as a release for stress she was under. Filming was taking a lot out of her. She worked long hours, and was often too tired to hang out with any of us. I didn’t regret bringing the kids along, because even if we only got to see her a couple hours out of the day, it was still better than nothing. I would have gone crazy without seeing her for weeks on end.