My Kind of Christmas

could have gone better. But, Jack, it was an emotional landslide.”
    He leaned both hands on the bar and looked at them. “Well, I’m afraid there’s more where that came from. Ange, your dad and sisters arrived in town this afternoon.”
    “What for?”
    “Your mom didn’t want to leave you before you were ready to go. And she didn’t want to pressure you into driving back to Sacramento. So Sam came, too.”
    “Grandpa?”
    He gave a nod. “With the back of his truck full of presents. Looks like Christmas is at the Sheridan house this year. Your other aunts are missing out, but then you were with them at Thanksgiving and it seems to be their year for their in-laws, anyway....”
    She dropped her head onto the bar and moaned. Patrick gently rubbed her back. “Aw, babe. It’ll be okay,” he whispered to her.
    “We’ll see,” Jack said. Then, uncharacteristically, he poured himself a draft. By way of explanation he said to Patrick, “Your brothers arrived about the same time.”
    “What?”
    “Aiden and Sean. And wives.”
    “Get out!”
    Jack nodded. “And of course Red—little Rosie.” Jack looked at Angie. “Wait till you see the green eyes in that family—it’ll blow your mind.”
    “But they have reservations of some kind—San Diego. The whole family is spending the holiday there.”
    Jack shook his head. “Not anymore, cowboy. They’re so interested in knowing you’re doing all right, they’re canceling. Losing the deposit and everything.”
    “That’s insane! Why would they do that? They’ve been talking about it for a year!”
    “Loyalty,” Jack said. “Sounds like they care about you. And since they can’t get you to San Diego, San Diego is coming to you.” He grinned, a bit evilly. “Happy holidays, son.”
    Paddy dropped his head into his hand. “Holy Mother of God,” he muttered.
    “Yeah,” Jack said. He lifted his brew. “Here’s to family.”
    He drank alone.
    * * *
    Exhaustion fled as Angie and Paddy grabbed their takeout and headed for her cabin. Too many Riordans knew where his was. “I’m serious,” she said. “I say we make a run for it!”
    “You think they’re going away?” Patrick asked. “They’re not going away!”
    “I was taking about my family. We can make a break for it. While there’s still time!”
    “We have Riordans on our tail now! They’d follow fucking bread crumbs! I’ll never shake ’em now.”
    “At least my family is afraid that if they get too close, I’ll have a meltdown. I have a feeling your family is willing to risk it.”
    “Here’s the deal, Angie—we can be nice to them but we are not giving up our nights together! Do you hear me on that? Because the way I see it, we have four nights left and if I have to rent a fifth wheel and take you out in the woods—”
    She burst into laughter. “Who knew you were so sex-crazed?”
    “Hah. Like you aren’t?”
    “I don’t think I’m quite as desperate as you are.”
    “Sure could’ve fooled me,” he said. He pulled into the clearing of her cabin, threw the Jeep into Park and jumped out. Before she could even get out, he was at her side of the Jeep, pulling her out and lifting her into his arms. “Hang on to the takeout,” he said gruffly, carrying her up the porch steps.
    She ran a knuckle along his rough cheek. “Are you angry?” she asked.
    “I’m a little irritated, yeah.”
    “Well, put me down. I want to tell you something.” When she’d landed on her feet on the porch and stood looking up at him, she said, “I want to meet them. I know it doesn’t really mean anything, but still, I want to. Even though we’re going off in different directions. I want to see the green-eyed family. I want to spend some more time with your mother—Jilly says everyone adores her. Your mother must really be something....”
    “She can be a real pain in the ass.”
    “Then there’s my mother,” she said with a laugh. “You’ve met her, but I’d love you to meet my dad. He’s a very nice guy. And my sisters—they’re growing into interesting young women, if a little high maintenance. Wait till you see how little we’re alike. And, oh, Paddy—my grandfather is the most wonderful man. You shouldn’t miss out on meeting him.”
    His anger began to flee as he looked into her eyes with tenderness. “Ange,” he said softly. “I don’t want this to be harder than it has to be. We should be alone. We shouldn’t get too involved with each other’s