Holiday Wedding by Robyn Neeley Read Free Book Online Page B

this trip it? Crazy or not, it would give her two weeks alone with Drew in an enchanting winter paradise. The thought of them sipping wine snuggled in front of a cozy fire sent her heart racing. “I’m in,” she blurted.
    “I’m not.” Drew stood and exited, mumbling under his breath.
    “He’ll come around,” Luke said. Reaching over, he patted Lauren’s hand. “You should probably head out early and start packing. It’s cold up there.”
    Lauren grabbed the folder, the keys Drew had thrown, and their dolls. “So, Luke, what are you really up to?”
    “I want to give Kate the most amazing wedding.” His sly grin was a dead giveaway. “And Santa may have told me about your Christmas wish.”
    “My fat raise?”
    “That’s not what you asked for.” He squeezed her shoulders. “And you and I both know it.”
    “But what about Olivia? She’s Drew’s assistant. Surely she’ll want to go.”
    “Already taken care of. Dad’s got her helping him sort through his files.” He laughed. “He told her he’s planning on working on his memoir, and really needs her help.”
    Lauren couldn’t help but chuckle at that deceit. “That should keep her busy.” She glanced at the Happily Ever After dolls. “Are you sure you trust Drew and me with your happily ever after? With our track record …”
    Luke reached out and touched her hand. “You’ve got two weeks. Get to work.”
    Lauren smiled at her boss, all but sure he wasn’t referring to just planning his wedding.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Drew flew through the flagship store, dodging little people left and right. Holiday music filled the air, worsening his bad mood. Who did Luke think he was? Seriously. Sending him and Lauren off to some town in the middle of nowhere to plan a wedding during what was arguably the busiest time of the year for the company?
    He stopped short of the children’s books section and stared at the gold plaque on the wall.
    In Memory of Carol Cannon. The Heart of JDL Toys
.
    “Mom, can you talk some sense into your other son?” He let his fingers glide over the tiny engraved words. This area of the toy store had been a special place for both Luke and Drew. It was here their mother would read to them for endless hours, encouraging both boys to be whatever they wanted to be.
    Had he let her down? Most days lately he felt like a complete screw-up.
    “Candy cane for your thoughts?”
    Drew turned around to see a jolly old St. Nick offering him a small candy cane wrapped in plastic and ribbon. “Thanks.” He took it, twirling the ribbon between his fingers. “Drew Cannon.”
    “Kris Kringle.”
    “Right. Got that from the outfit.” Drew smirked at the recognizable red and white costume, complete with black boots. “Thanks for the candy cane, Santa.”
    “Mrs. Claus won’t let me give out any Christmas cookies this year.” He chuckled and Drew was pretty sure that act made his plump belly roll underneath the red suit. “Says I’ll eat them all.”
    “Hazard of the job, right?” Drew shoved the candy in his pants pocket. Maybe he’d give it to Luke later and tell him to suck it.
    “Something like that. Well, I should head up and take my seat.” He slid his glasses up his nose and glanced around. “I was out yesterday.” He pointed to his red cane. “Doctor’s appointment. It looks like it’s going to be a busy day.”
    That it was. The store bustled with holiday shoppers zooming in every direction. Drew had completely forgotten that the third floor transformed into Santa’s Village the day after Thanksgiving.
    Before his mom died and he’d given up on Christmas, he’d spent hours playing with the magnificent toy train set up to circle the stage where Santa sat. One year, his parents had even dressed Luke and him up as elves and let them help out, giving out toys to the kids waiting to see Santa.
    He laughed. Probably the only time in Luke’s life that he gave a toy out for free.
    “Well, good luck up there.” He leaned