A Very Grumpy Christmas (Arcadian Falls Christmas Book 1)

by Jerica MacMillan

“Did you tell Santa you were good this year?” I ask. Her nose scrunches, and she tilts her head to the side. “I feel like I should get a pass this year, what with becoming an orphan and all.” I can’t help barking out a laugh at her answer. “Good point. Did you run that by Santa, though?”

She bangs on a ladder rung. “I told you to shut up. And don’t worry, we’re not taking it down.” “You’re not?” I ask in the same way I ask my students if they’re really sure they want to do whatever boneheaded thing they think they want to do. But she’s entirely unfazed by the clear warning in my tone. She narrows her eyes and crosses her arms. “No. We’re not. Dylan’s almost done. You can finish if you prefer. Either way, you’re participating in the neighborhood lights display.”

My brow crinkles together. “I thought you said those were leftovers.” She glances down at me with a smirk and shakes her head. “I lied.” The duh goes unspoken but is heavily implied. “You really think we have that good of a wreath and this many LED lights just lying around and no one wanted them? In this town? Come on, man.”

“Sarah,” I say in my best teacher voice. “You can’t just decide to decorate my house.” Frowning, she seems to consider my words, then lifts a shoulder in a shrug

and picks up the ladder. “Apparently I can. Night!”