It’s #BookQW and Beri & Fern ‘hope’ for a good first holiday together!
More from Chapter 1:
Brow furrowed, Fern’s mom looked between them. “What are you doing home from school?” she asked in her Irish accent.
“Half day, Mom,” Fern said cheerily. “They know it’s a waste to keep us there with vacation. Whatcha making? Secret holiday gifts?”
“Not so much secret as late. I have nae cooked in so long that I forgot how much time it would take.”
Fern sniffed. “Bread,” she said longingly. “You made bread. But why do you have the bread machine out here?”
Heather cocked her head. “Because your father has taken over my kitchen, and I remember quite well that his taste of a fresh loaf will leave us with little for our company.”
“Not company, Mom. Family.”
Lady Heather nodded, and a look passed between her and Fern before they both glanced Beri’s way. This had something to do with Fern’s unusual mood, but he had no idea what. He’d known Fern for four months, but her moods remained a mystery. Like why she acted like a skittery hare this afternoon. Being off of school? The gifts? The special treats they’d be having for the Solstice celebration? He could ask, but sometimes Fern didn’t seem to know herself. He just had to hope he knew her well enough to have picked a gift she’d like.
“Er, aye,” he said. “I have been Merlin and Raven’s family for so long, I promise I’ve forgotten how to be company. Can I help with something?”
Lady Heather sighed, and Fern looked amused as she poked him. “Just remember, we’re not related.”
A bit of tension released in his shoulders, and Beri smiled back. It was awkward that they both regarded Merlin as a father, so whenever she spoke her mind like this, it reassured him that despite his harried efforts at fitting in at school and lending his magic on the isle, things were going well between them.
“It’s Gran that Mom’s worried about pleasing with her cooking.” Fern rolled her eyes. “You know, that thing about you never can do things right in your mother’s eyes?”
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Gift yourself a YA cozy fantasy for the holidays!
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On a personal note:
Our local nature center has the loveliest winter holiday decorations!
Happy Holidays!
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