To Do List by Lauren Dane Page B

handiwork.
    “I admit your little diagram helps every year.” Kevin laughed. “Although I think one of these years we should just attack it and just put stuff on any old place we want to.”
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    “Tree diagramming is Belle’s job. It has been since she was four years old. Your job is staying out of jail and not knocking anyone up until you’re twenty-five. We all have our talents.” Brian socked Kevin as he handed Belle a mug of spiced cider.
    “I’m sure it would look just fine if you put the ornaments on willy-nilly. But it looks even better when everything is distributed evenly and according to a variety of color and also with the new stuff mixing with the older and hand-made ornaments. And don’t think I don’t know you all have been telling the story about my shoes all around town.” Belle snorted and adjusted one of the bows one of them had made in grade school.
    “We have this discussion every year. I feel like it’s a tradition along with the tree trimming and the garland stringing. Knock it off, Kev and get that stick out of your ass, Belle. The shoe story is fab, it must be told.” Chelsea sat and put her feet up with a long sigh.
    “You okay?” Belle put her mug down and knelt beside her sister.
    “Tired. Doing this at thirty-two is not as easy as it was when I was in my mid-twenties. Home stretch now, I’ve got three weeks to go and this will be the last trip we take away from home until the baby comes. I’m glad you’re here.” Chelsea touched her forehead to Belle’s.
    “I am too. I’m sorry I missed so much this year,” she said quietly to Chelsea.
    “Promise me you’re going to do something about your job.” Chelsea’s face looked serious.
    “It’s one of the things I’m thinking about on this vacation. I promise.”
    “Belle, you gonna tell us all what’s going on between you and Rafe?” Brian tossed himself into a chair nearby and at that announcement, the rest of the family gathered near as well.
    “Why don’t you tell me about Sissy?” Belle countered and Scott burst out laughing.
    “What about her? She’s a nice girl!” Brian sputtered.
    “I didn’t say she wasn’t so don’t get snotty. I haven’t been around much, remember?
    Tell me about her.”
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    Lauren Dane
    “We know about her. What we don’t know about is you and Rafe.” Kevin waved a hand dismissively at Brian.
    “Belle and I are seeing each other. You have a problem with that?” Rafe walked into the room, kissing Belle’s mother’s cheek and shaking hands with her father before coming straight to Belle’s side and dropping to the floor next to her. “Hey, gorgeous.” He kissed her quickly, respectfully, on the lips before looking around at everyone else.
    “Hi. Did Rosemary get in all right?” Lawd, he made her feel like a giddy schoolgirl.
    “Hello? Am I the only one who didn’t know about this?” Belle’s father asked.
    “ I had no idea and I’m gonna kick Belle’s ass for not telling me!” Chelsea glared at Belle.
    “Can we move on please?” Belle asked but Rafe laughed and pulled her so she leaned against him.
    “I don’t have a problem with it. I think Rafe is a good man. He’s very good looking, has a job, a nice house and he’s already part of the family.” Her mother gave a stern look to the room, daring anyone to disagree.
    “Thank you, Mrs. Taylor. Belle and I have known each other a long time, we enjoy each other’s company and that’s step one. And I’m pretty sure she’s going to organize my kitchen very soon.”
    Belle whacked his arm. Wait ’til he looked in his cabinets at some point. Ha! “Go on and make fun.”
    “I know you had dinner with your folks but do you have room for some pie, Rafe? I just made a pot of coffee too. Decaf. Would you like some?’ Ahh, her mother was the cavalry.
    “I think Belle needs some too.” Rafe stood, bringing her with him.
    “I think Belle is