Under The Christmas Tree Robyn Carr Novels & Stories

I stretched to kiss Dean's cheek and I walked out of the door. * * * * By the time everyone in the house was up, we all gathered around the Christmas tree, wished one another a Happy Christmas and opened up gifts. It actually felt good to know that Dean's family took out of their time to get gifts for me. I also found it really sweet and loving of them that they gave Christmas presents to all the workers in their home too. Turns out, the Ryan's always spend their Christmas going to different orphanages every year and giving out gifts and presents to the children. I loved how much good was in them, felt nice to know that there were still genuinely good wealthy people out there.

~REGINA~ "Whatever you do, don't stand under the mistletoe." I made sure that Karina's advice registered in my subconscious, even though I had no clue what usually happened under the mistletoe. Why would I? When I had no time to attend events on Christmas because I was busy working my ass off for my fees. "Would another game ensue?" I couldn't help asking myself as I slipped into the red evening dress— another one of Karina's hand-me-downs.

I looked once more at my princess lying on the cold bed, I felt every inch of my body shudder with rage and fury. Exit the hospital towards the parking lot. I got into my car and left on a painful and sad path of homesickness. As I drove, I felt my muscles rotting as if a virus had taken over everything. I parked near the shore and started walking. It was already dark and the lights from the buildings adorned the city, like decorations on a Christmas tree. My Christmas miracle. What did my father mean by that?

It would look lovely on our tree. Our tree. The thought makes me smile. This year... For the first time in a very long time... Christmas actually feels like something I can look forward to. Not because everything is perfect. It isn't. My family is still trapped with Damon. The alliance negotiations are still dragging on. Everything could still go wrong. But for this one moment... Shopping for Christmas... I feel peaceful. Sienna picks up a little wolf ornament. She stares at it quietly for several seconds. Long enough that I notice.

Ava’s POV One week until Christmas Eve, and Jamie showed up with a tree strapped to the roof of a borrowed car. It wasn’t a massive one, just a modest little fir that fit snugly in the corner of the library without demanding we rearrange the furniture. She hauled it through the front door herself, pine needles scattering across the floor, her cheeks flushed from the cold and her eyes bright with that particular ferocity she got when she'd decided something was happening and heaven help whoever stood in her way.

However, as I turned to leave, Louis took my hand and said, "No matter what your mom says, I'll only believe what I see. "Our wedding will go ahead as planned. Don't you dare think about leaving me." My eyes stung with unexpected tears. This was the first time anyone had chosen to believe me despite my mother's words. … After the disastrous Christmas dinner, Louis noticed my lingering gloom and suggested that we go on a road trip for a few days. We chose to go to a nearby small town. The festive atmosphere here felt much richer. The food was also wonderfully fresh. Louis and I had a great time.

"Or you might find you get more than you bargained for!" Sasha looked up at him thoughtfully as she leaned back against the bank of cushions, thinking how disgustingly healthy and vibrant and sexy he looked in a charcoal sweater and dark cords. But he looked distinctly grumpy, too—and just when she had thought that things between them were ticking along so beautifully. It was the month of December, and In one corner of the room over by the window stood the Christmas tree which Kaleb had dressed the day before—although she had masterminded all decorations from her almost permanent position on the sofa!

I shoved them in my pockets when I got to the top step. To my surprise, a massive Christmas tree stood in the center of the rooftop, the snow capping it beautifully. It was lit by multicolor lights, a wine bottle sitting underneath it amongst a few other gifts. “The things I do for you, mom,” I laughed. Walking over to the tree, I bent down to grab the bottle, one of the ornaments catching my eye. USB drives?

Ryan Christmas with my family was better than I could have ever imagined. The look on the twins faces as they unwrapped gifts after gifts gave me more satisfaction than any other thing, but what crowned it all was Julia. I was transfixed by her and hadn't even meant to tease her, but the sight of the redness crawling up her cheek made me want to actually tease her just to see her reaction. There was a comfortable silence between us as Olivia's favourite melody, a soft piano piece, played in the background while I helped set the table and she stood across from me, placing the bowls of dishes on the dinner table.

Robin has had a few drinks, his moves are freer than usual. He won’t shy away from making a move. I know from the way he’s watching Carson. That hunger in his eyes is like looking in a mirror. A really fucking irritating mirror. “I told you he’s just a cool friend.” Lynn snorts at her twin, snapping me back to the conversation. “What is this?” There’s a mischievous gleam in her eyes as she turns to him, licking her lips, he glares. “Carson’s birthday gift for me was a hand painted portrait of myself,”