Jingle all the Mitchell Way: a holiday novella(19)

I shook my head and fastened my seat belt. We might only be driving until we found a safe place to park, but it was already going to feel like forever with my brother at my side.

Not even twenty-four hours after pulling out of the driveway, Reese was annoyed. I had a terrible feeling I might be spending the holidays alone in an RV, instead of the fun filled trip I’d planned in my head. One flat tire, and a fabricated ghost later, it felt like all was turning to shit quick. Not even Santa would be able to help my crew.

Maybe my parents were right. Perhaps this was the worst idea I’d ever made.

I turned my attention back to Jax, who in spite of everything was still in good spirits. “Rudolph.”





Chapter 9


Jax


After getting only a few hours of sleep, Jake got back on the road before daylight. The temperature had risen well above freezing, and in the parking lot we’d stopped in, we could see the traffic becoming heavier on the highway.

After making a pit stop at a coffee shop, we were armed with enough caffeine to maneuver heavy machinery. “Day two here we come.” I heard Jake say as I fastened my safety belt.

With a couple clicks I had the GPS set and listened to the sound of the computer generated voice. “How come they picked a woman’s voice for this? Who wants to take orders from a female while driving?” I asked.

“I don’t know. Is there an option to change it?”

“Do you really want me to mess around with it when we’re trying to get back on the route?”

“Not really.”

Loud screaming could be heard from behind us. I turned to see Reese and Amber securing the twins in safety seats before they got their breakfast. I’d gotten them little ball-shaped donuts to chow down on, knowing in a matter of hours they’d be high on sugar, giving everyone a fit. After a few minutes, the motorhome was quiet. A movie was turned on for the twins and they sat quietly stuffing food into their tiny mouths. Amber came up and crouched down beside the passenger seat. “Thanks for the latte, babe.”

I kissed her on the lips like we did each morning when I headed out to work on the ranch. “Welcome. Did you get much sleep last night?”

“Well, I didn’t have to hear you snoring, so that helped.” She snickered. “I’m teasing. Reese gave me a pill to calm me down. After that I don’t remember much, so I guess I did. What about you? Did you drive all night?”

“We’re just leaving Georgia. The weather wasn’t on our side.”

“That sucks. I was hoping the girls could get out and stretch their legs some today. It’s hard to keep them in those seats.”

I felt bad. It was like they were being punished. They didn’t understand it was for their safety. “How about we stop for lunch and let them run around? I’ll find a park or something that will wear them out.”

“Good idea. Will we be in New Orleans before nightfall? I have that dinner meeting with my agent tonight.”

“Yeah. Is that the one where you’re meeting the cast?”

“Yes. You’re still coming with me, aren’t you?”

“Of course,” I said with a smile, all the while contemplating threatening any man that came within three feet of her. I couldn’t lead on how nervous I was about her being in the limelight. Amber didn’t need more on her plate. She was a great woman, who didn’t deserve to be accused of something she probably wouldn’t even do. “I’m looking forward to it. Finally Noah won’t be the only one in the family who knows famous people.”

Amber grinned like she was trying to read me. “Well, I better get back to the girls.”

“They’re only four feet away. Can’t you sit here for a bit with me? I miss you.”

“We’ve been together this whole time.”

“It feels like you’ve been miles away.”

Jake started pretending to gag in the seat across from me. “You two are pathetic. Go in the back and take care of the itch so I don’t have to hear you whine all damn day.”

“Suck my balls. If I want to miss my woman I can.”

“Amber, we should have left him at home,” Reese suggested.

She giggled. “No. I couldn’t do this without him. He’s my rock.” She stood to walk back toward the girls. “Love you babe. Don’t listen to Jake. I think it’s cute when you whine.”

I punched my brother lightly on the arm when she was gone. “See, f*ckstick. That’s how you keep the wife happy.”

“Keep telling yourself that. I know for a fact you’re freaking out about her meeting those sexy ass men she’s going to be filming with. Did she tell you about the shower scene?”

“The what?” My ass was coming off the seat before I had the chance to unbuckle myself. “Amber, is he for real? If so, we’re turning this tin box around and going home. No way are you showing the world those tits.”

“Tits,” one of my little girls repeated.

I pointed toward the culprit. “Don’t say that. It’s a bad word.”

“Tits. Tits,” her sister said.

They both laughed and did it again. “Tits.”

I rolled my eyes and focused on Amber, who was sitting at the table sipping on her latte as if nothing was the matter. “It’s just a shower scene, babe. I’m sure I can keep my bottoms on.”