Free A Christmas Howl by Laurien Berenson

cause.”
    Bertie sighed. She was wavering, I could tell.
    â€œBetween the kids, and Santa, and the pets, there’s going to be a lot going on. You know I’ll need someone there who’s really good with dogs. And the best person I could think of was you.”
    â€œNot Aunt Peg?”
    I lifted a brow. “Can you picture Aunt Peg in an elf costume?”
    â€œWait a minute.” Bertie spun around. “You didn’t say anything about an elf costume .”
    â€œUmm . . .”
    â€œBefore you answer,” she warned, “bear in mind that it’s a deal breaker.”
    â€œThen no,” I said quickly. “The costume isn’t mandatory. Though I bet you’d look cute in a pair of striped tights.”
    That was an understatement. Bertie was gorgeous. She had thick auburn hair, killer cheekbones, and the kind of body that instantly rendered every other woman practically invisible. If anyone could pull off a forest-green tunic and pointy shoes, it would be my sister-in-law.
    â€œDon’t even think about it,” she said.
    â€œAll right, you don’t have to dress up. But will you come and help out? If I’m going to tackle a project this size—especially with Mr. Hanover watching—I’m going to need back-up I can count on. It’s just for a few hours. And I’ll owe you one.”
    â€œYou’re not going to let me say no, are you?”
    Not if I could help it. I’d beg if I had to.
    Bertie went back to bathing the Toy Poodle. Even though her back was turned, I heard her mutter, “Someone should have warned me before I married into this family.”
    â€œI tried to,” I told her. “You didn’t listen.” And thank God for that, I thought.
    â€œAll right,” said Bertie. “I’m in.”

LYRICAL PRESS books are published by
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    Copyright © 2015 by Laurien Berenson
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    ISBN: 978-1-4967-0350-7
    First Kensington Electronic Edition: October 2015