Blame It On The Mistletoe

showered her with sweets and the best home cooking she'd ever tasted.

The front door opened and Macy smiled her first genuine smile in days. Her mother's beaming face met her gaze and Macy laughed before running to the porch. Her mother caught her in a tight hug, squeezing her to the point she couldn't breathe before letting go.

'Oh Macy, look at you! I swear you get prettier every time I see you.'

'You say that every time you see me, Mom,” Macy said, laughing.

'Well, that's because it's true.” Rose cupped Macy's face in her hands, kissing her cheek before she looked to her left. Macy didn't have to look to know her mother had seen Sean. Her mother's eyes lit up instantly. “Macy Marie Carter. Why didn't you tell me this man was so gorgeous,” she said, lifting a hand and smoothing down her hair.

Macy raised an eyebrow at her mother's action before she turned her head, looking over her shoulder at Sean. He was smiling and stopped by her side.

'Probably the same reason she didn't tell me her mother was so beautiful,” Sean said.

Rose blushed. “Oh, he's a charmer, isn't he?'

'He's something, all right,” Macy muttered.

Macy watched them talk, smiling and laughing like she didn't even exist. She'd never seen her mother look so… flushed. Of course, her mother was right. Sean was gorgeous. The day she'd walked into the clinic for her job interview and saw him she almost swallowed her tongue. A six-foot tall hunk with wide shoulders and a thick mane of dark hair was not what she had been expecting. His eyes were a deep shade of brown with small gold flecks and the body he hid under his clothes, she was sure, belonged to a seasoned swimmer. The man was simply the best looking thing she'd seen in ages and it had taken her weeks to be able to look at him while actually speaking. Every time she tried, she got tongue tied and stammered like a fool. Her interview for the receptionist job was a total disaster due to her inability to look at him and form a coherent thought. She'd babbled like an idiot but, much to her surprise, he hired her anyway.

She looked to her mother when she heard her laugh and frowned at the look she was giving her. “What?'

Rose laughed louder, shaking her head and glancing back at Sean. “Is she always this starry eyed when she looks at you?'

Starry eyed?

'Always,” Sean said, reaching out and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. He pulled her close to his side and gave her a light squeeze. “The fact she still looks at me like that after two years is the reason our relationship always feels brand new. When she stops, we'll be in trouble.'

Her mother laughed again, laying a hand on her heart and shaking her head. “Well, come inside. It's entirely too cold out here. I'll have the boys come get your luggage in a few minutes.'

Macy knew her face was blood red just from his arm over her shoulder. She felt like a schoolgirl with a crush and jabbed her elbow lightly into Sean's ribs when he started toward the house, to get him to let go. He didn't release his hold on her and a look up at his face told her he was enjoying this way too much. He knew she was uncomfortable and loved every minute of it.

They walked in the house and the smell of fresh gingerbread hit full force. Her stomach grumbled instantly. No matter how sick she was, her mothers gingerbread cookies always made things better. Today was no exception.

The sight of her father, her brothers and their wives sitting around the living room completely eliminated her earlier case of nerves. She was swept up in warm hugs and kisses and tears stung her eyes by the time the last family member let go of her.

When she finally stepped back, her smile dimmed when she realized everyone was looking at Sean and they didn't all look happy.

'So, this is the elusive boyfriend, then?” her father asked.

'Be nice, Gerald,” Rose said.

Macy glanced over at her shoulder at Sean and actually felt sorry for the guy. He was about to get nailed to the wall for something entirely not his fault. She swallowed before taking a step back to him and hesitantly took his hand. “Um, Dad, this is Sean Mathis. Sean, my father, Gerald.'

'Mr. Carter,” Sean said, reaching out his free hand. “It's nice to finally meet you. Macy talks about you constantly. I'm sorry it's taken so long to get up here to meet you. I apologize for that. I have no excuse other than I can be too selfish for my own good. Luckily your daughter is a forgiving woman and overlooks my faults.'

Macy watched her father expectantly, chewing on her bottom lip. He stared at Sean for long minutes before extending his hand and grabbing the one Sean still held out. When he shook it and smiled, Macy let out the breath she'd been holding.

Introductions were made and Macy almost sagged in relief when no one railed on Sean for staying away for so long. She looked to her mother when she motioned to the other room with a nod of her head.

She turned to Sean, grabbing his arm to get his attention. “My mom wants to talk to me. Will you be okay by yourself?” she asked.

'Yeah. I've got to get on their good side eventually. It might as well be now.'

Macy gave him a hesitant smile and glanced around the room. She took a calming breath before nodding her head at Sean and leaving to find her mother.

She found her in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, smiling like the Cheshire cat. She noticed instantly her mother had brushed her hair and pulled it up, pinning the pale locks to the back of her head. She smiled at the sight.

'You are in so much trouble, missy.'

'What for?” Macy said.

'What for, she says. You know exactly what for,” her mother said. “How dare you bring that man in here without warning me. I was a complete mess.'

Macy laughed and looked her mother over from head to toe. She'd changed her blouse too, she noticed. “Well, you're not a mess now.'

'Of course I'm not, now,” Rose said. “Do you think your father will notice I changed?'

'Does he normally?'

'No. I bought a black wig at Halloween and wore it for over six hours and he never said a word. The man doesn't notice anything unless I burn his supper.'

Macy laughed and walked across the room, embracing her mother and kissing her cheek. “I've missed you.'

'I've missed you too, Macy. I never could figure out why you preferred living so far south when you could be close to us.” She chuckled and said, “After seeing that man of yours, I know. I'd be anywhere he was too.'

Macy blushed and stepped away. She wasn't sure why she felt so embarrassed. It wasn't like Sean was really hers. Maybe it was because she was purposely deceiving them. It wasn't so bad when she did it over the phone. She didn't have to look them in the eye while she lied to them. Now, she did.

The shuffle of feet and giggles caught her attention and Macy turned, looking at the kitchen door. She rolled her eyes when her sister-in-laws, Pam and Gwen grinned at her and shook their heads.

'Bruce has already informed me that Sean is taken and he better not catch me so much as looking at the man in any way that I wouldn't look at my own children. That man is too jealous for his own good,” Pam said, laughing.

'With good reason,” Gwen said. “Macy, it's no wonder you've kept him all to yourself. I would have too. Sean is yummy in ways I can't even describe.'

Macy grinned. “I'll be sure to tell Greg you think so.'

'Don't you dare,” Gwen screeched. “He'll have me locked in the bedroom for the remainder of our visit.'

'As he should,” Rose said. “You can't dump my son for Macy's boyfriend no matter how attractive he is. Besides, it's my daughter Sean is in love with.'

Macy blushed and looked out the window, listening to them discuss Sean. This would be more difficult than she thought. She couldn't deny anything they said. He was yummy. She'd known that from the moment she laid eyes on him. Pretending to be in love with Sean and make it convincing wouldn't be a problem. She practically was now. No, the problems would come later, after Sean spent the week pretending to be in love with her. Would she be able to convince her heart he was only acting when all was said and done? Could she spend a week with him, being all