Page 75 (1/2)

She s away her own tears “You’ve been the most wonderful son I could ask for And we can’t have poor Jere us all open presents That’s just being a good host”

“It’s more than that Thank you”

She swatted the air “Oh, don’t be silly” She sniffed and put on a bright s, hon?”

Jereuys okay?”

“Yep!” Valerie answered “How about a ht snack? It’s Christ of Papy’s cider in the botto on the stove? Do you knoork a gas range?”

Jereerly and hurried out Valerie said, “Let’s finish this up quick smart” She took Max’s chin and kissed his cheek with a loud smack the way she used to when he was still a kid

Soon, all the presents were in place, the cider was stea, and the leftover pets-de-soeur fro The door to his roo the kitchen

“Dad, you’re supposed to be fast asleep!” Valerie chided

“I had to piss, and I smelled what you’re up to out here”

“We all smelled it!” Max’s father said as he entered the kitchen “Is this for Santa?”

Meg followed hi out”

Valerie huffed in exasperation “It’s after ht!”

“And since we skipped out on mass this year, we can worship at the altar of Papy’s treats” Meg grinned and crossed herself “Aave Jeremy a wink and led him out of the kitchen

Max stayed to help Valerie and Dad ladle out the cider intoroo out

It had nagged at hi, and since it was apparently the night for confessions, he blurted, “Jeremy and I… Well, I think we really like each other”

After a beat of silence, Valerie and Dad shared a look “You don’t say!” Valerie struggled to keep a straight face

Max had to laugh “Okay, you figured it out Or Meg blabbed”