Page 87 of Seducing Sasquatch

My stomach drops as I remember her. God, I wish she was here. Another Christmas she isn’t here for. Maybe it hurts a little more this time because for the first time since she passed, I’m celebrating the holidays.

My father never bothered to celebrate. The staff were kind enough to cook me a nice dinner and wish me a pleasant evening. We didn’t even have a tree. It was like nothing beyond his work existed. Not even the memory of Mom…

“See this one too?” Arden points to the frame below Mom and I let out a stuttered laugh. It’s a photo of us. When we climbed the peak. With me on Arden’s shoulders and our grins matching, I smile warmly at the recent memory.

“I made the frame for this one,” he explains. “Do you like them?”

I nod, wiping at my wet cheeks. “I love them, thank you.” I can’t bear to look any longer, so I bury my face in his neck. No one has ever made anything for me before. I’ve never had my own photo put up on the wall either. It feels like I belong. Like all the other photos are connected and now mine is too.

Arden strokes my back. “I’m glad, baby.”

I let him take me back to the cabin where he cleans me up and helps me get dressed to go to his parents. With two thick jackets and a beanie I’m ready to face the weather.

Our trek on the snowmobile is peaceful as I watch the white forest pass us by and the familiar rise of his parents’ cabin grows closer.

The lights are on, the chimney is smoking, and a beautiful wreath hangs on the front door. Fairy lights twinkle from the patio banister and I chuckle at the very lopsided Santa decoration standing at the base of the steps. He’s seen better winters.

Arden kills the engine and takes my hand, leading me up the slippery steps before opening the door.

“Hello!” He calls.

A chorus of cheers and excited ‘welcomes’ echo through the cabin. We step inside and Arden helps me out of my jackets. I kick off my boots and put them on the rack before patting down my pocket to make sure Arden’s present didn’t fall out on the way here.

A ruckus of noise fills the living room as the TV plays music and every set is occupied with a unique Sasquatch. Some are jet black while others are brown like Arden. A couple sit together on the sofa with two children on their laps, their fur a mix of blonde and brown spots.

“Welcome!” Sadie chimes from the kitchen, Noelle beside her.

I smile shyly as Arden hugs his dad and shakes the hands of a few people near us. It’s pandemonium with children laughing upstairs and others running around with their new toys.

“This is the tribe.” Arden dips his head to whisper into my ear. “Mom does a big cook up once a year.”

“They’re your family?” I ask.

He nods. “Some are but others are fellow shifters. I’ll introduce you.”

I grab his hand, needing his warmth to ground me. Lifting his head he smiles and announces, “it’s good to see everyone! Merry Christmas!”

Some raise their glasses to toast, others cheer, but the energy is warm and inviting. Everyone smiles at me as my gaze wanders the room.

“This is my mate, Blake Hart.” Arden finishes his announcement by raising my hand in celebration and kissing my knuckles.

My heart skips a beat as I feel heat bloom in my cheeks. Blake Hart. Not Blake Lennox.

“Welcome!” A large Sasquatch with a long beard reaching his round belly claps me on the shoulder. I nod, thanking him quietly.

No one seems to care. I’m not a shifter like them. In fact, they all seem extremely pleased with Arden. Some share their excitement of our mating while others give him cheeky winks.

I wander into the kitchen where it’s all hands on deck. Noelle helps Sadie with the dishes while Katie and John set the table.

“Is there anything I can help with?” I ask from the corner of the kitchen bench, not quite sure where to stand so I’m not in the way.

“Would you be able to mash the potatoes?” Noelle smiles, passing me a bowl of steaming peeled potatoes and a masher.

It’s simple enough, just like the cheese grater, and I do my best to not make a mess. Sadie adds the milk and cheese while I mix it all together, careful to get all the lumps.

“Thank you for my gift,” I say to Sadie as she takes the bowl and puts it into a nicer dish with a serving spoon.

I don’t see it coming and I flinch as she pulls me into a tight hug. She’s much larger than I am and I practically get lost in her silky fur.