Free Mistletoe Between Friends by Samantha Chase Page B

had with Cam’s colleagues. “We danced, and the food was amazing, and everything was already decorated for Christmas. It was all so beautiful. There was this spot by the banquet hall that had the most amazing display of mistletoe, and we always made sure we stopped and kissed under it before going in to dinner.” The women at the table sighed collectively, and Lily glanced back at Cam while doing her best to look like the adoring girlfriend. “It was all very romantic.”
    â€œIt sounds like it,” Angela said and then looked at her son with a wink. “Who knew my son could be such a romantic? I’m glad you finally came to your senses, Cameron. We’ve all known for years that you cared for Lily as more than a friend. I think I can speak for all of us when I say this is going to make the holidays even more special.” She looked over at Mary. “Just think of the excitement this is going to cause at all of the parties! I think people were starting to take bets on when the two of them would get together, weren’t they?”
    Mary nodded. “I believe so.” She turned and looked at her daughter and Cam. “Seems like the two of you were the last to know.”
    Lily knew she shouldn’t take that as a dig, but somehow she did. Her whole body tensed, but Cam gave her hand a slight squeeze to let her know that he was there for her. He spoke up. “We don’t really care what everyone else was thinking; we needed the time to be right for us. Let them think what they want. What Lily and I feel for each other needed to come out when the time was right. Our trip only confirmed it was the right decision to wait.” He kissed her hand again. “She was worth it.”
    Their fathers finally interrupted and turned the topic of conversation to something they all could participate in. Cam was more than a little relieved for the break. He’d known their mothers were going to be thrilled about their dating, but he hadn’t expected them to make such a big deal out of it. Slipping under the radar was no longer an option, and he had a feeling they were going to be thrust into the spotlight more than he had ever dreamed possible.
    Once dinner was over and things were cleaned up, Angela and Mary took out their calendars and went through the list of social engagements they were all expected to attend. “And now with Cam and Lily’s big news, you know everyone is going to want to see them,” she said to the group as a whole. They were all sitting in the living room, and Cam had Lily tucked beside him with his arm around her. It felt natural and very comforting, although at the same time a little bizarre, because everyone kept looking at them and wanting to talk about them.
    When Cam had come up with this idea, he’d figured they’d announce they were dating, and everyone would be happy and then move on. He didn’t expect them to become the event of the season.
    â€œWe’re going to decorate here tonight, and then we’ll all meet for dinner on Sunday at Mary and Jack’s to do all of their decorating. Thanksgiving will be here on Thursday,” Angela continued as she checked her list, “and then the Christmas parties will kick into gear!” Everyone began talking at once, and then Mary spoke up.
    â€œWe’ll be doing the Christmas cookie baking for the exchange at our place on the fifth, followed by the open house for friends and family on the eighth, and,” she said, looking to Angela to confirm, “you will be hosting the neighborhood get-together on the tenth, and then you have Richard’s company party on the twelfth, right?” Both Richard and Angela nodded. “Then”—she double-checked her list—“we have Jack’s company party on the sixteenth.” Again, everyone nodded.
    â€œBut this year we have a surprise,” Richard Greene said, addressing the group. He looked at his