“I’m the champion five years running.” I pointed to August. “He’s had second place three of those years.”
“Yeah, well this year is mine. Or maybe it’s Imogen’s.” August tossed a bottle of glue at me. “We have two new Hawthornes this year.”
“Bond, aren’t you doing an egg?” Imogen called out to where her bodyguard leaned against the wall.
“Yes, please do join us. We have plenty of eggs and everyone has to participate.” Mom gestured for him to take a seat. “Diana, please bring an extra egg for Mr. Bond.”
The twins broke out laughing at her use of the man’s name. Then Imogen joined in. I looked around to see what joke I’d somehow missed. I wasn’t the only one not laughing, until finally Mia laughed, then Parker, and before long I was laughing as well.
“I’ve no idea what’s so hilarious. Personally, I think it’s a stall tactic.” Murphy tossed her egg from one hand to the other. “Chloe, you have any idea yet how you’re gonna decorate yours?”
“I feel like we missed a pretty big joke.” I looked around at the group at the other end of the table.
“I think you’re right.” Chloe leaned toward me to answer. “Did Murphy just ask me a question? I may have missed it.”
“Yep, she asked if you have any idea how you’re decorating your egg.”
“Thanks, wouldn’t want to be on anyone’s bad side during this competition,” Chloe smiled and raised her eyebrows.
“Good point. I don’t have to be nice, though, just the newbies.” I pointed toward Murphy. “Better answer, she’s looking at us.”
“Murphy, sorry, Trey was talking at the same time. I have no idea yet. I wanna get a good look at the supplies.” Chloe surveyed the table.
“Diana is gonna ring the bell any minute and everyone is going to attack that supply table.” Murphy pointed to the table.
“You might want to take a peek to see what you want to grab,” I said.
“You can’t be serious?” Chloe looked directly at me. “So, if that’s true, then you’re saying I need to grab whatever it is you want to get. That is, if I wanna beat you.”
“Oh, ho, ho, you think you can beat the grand champion on your first try?” I leaned back in my chair. “Then I’ll let you have a head start to the table for supplies.”
“Well, I can’t beat you because I’m not a Hawthorne, but I can make a prettier egg than you,” Chloe taunted. “I guess you don’t have to worry about me beating you.”
“We can have a contest amongst us, and Diana and Hank can decide,” I said. “You know, a friendly contest. Go on, I’ll let you go first.”
“Nice try. You just don’t want me to see what you’re going to pick.” Chloe turned her chair to face the craft table. “Challenge accepted.”
“Ah, Three, you can’t charm your way with this one.” Murphy turned her chair too. “Why don’t you let everyone go before you?”
“Because you guys can’t be trusted. You’d take all the supplies,” I pointed to the twins, “especially those two.”
The bantering amongst the family came to an immediate halt when Diana entered, ringing a large bell.
“Game on, Three,” Murphy called out, leaving her seat for the supply table. “Come on, Chloe, let’s go!”
Chapter 6
Chloe
I’d met Parker after he and Mia were married when they’d traveled to Sydney for a visit on their honeymoon. I thought Parker was very attractive, with the cutest dimples and green eyes, but Trey was gorgeous. He had the same cute dimples, but his eyes were a brighter, more vibrant green.
“Let’s go, Chloe,” Murphy pulled me out of my chair, “we have to get the jump on the boys.”
I could hear Trey softly laughing as I was pulled away. I should’ve been thinking about where my daughter was in all of this chaos, but all my brain could do was show me Trey’s adorable dimpled smile, like it was stuck on repeat.
Snap out of it, girl. He’s just a cute guy and you go home too soon to get involved.
“Crickey, these are some expensive decorations,” I blurted out without thinking. “Mia, bring Sophie over here by me.”
“Mummy, I’m helping Aunt Mia and Uncle Parker over here,” Sophie shouted back. “You play with the matching boys.”
Everyone stopped and turned to Mia and Sophie like something awful had happened.
“Oh my God. Did she say, ‘the matching boys’?” Murphy snorted. “That is amazing. I’m definitely calling them that from now on.”
I could hear light snickers going through the group. Then, like a dam exploding, the twins burst out laughing in unison, only to have the whole family join in. Before I knew it, I was laughing with them.
“Why is everyone laughing?” Sophie asked Mia. “I think they’re just being silly, right?”
“Yes, baby girl, they are just being silly, and they thought you were very funny.” Mia handed Sophie a bottle of glitter. “Come on, we have our stuff so let’s get started before them.”
“Choose wisely.” I felt the whisper at my ear before I heard it.
“I know what I’m getting so you just get your own stuff, mister.” I answered without looking back for fear he would see my blush.
This is going to be a weird couple of weeks if he hangs around.
We spent the next hour gluing sequins and jewels until Diana returned with drinks for everyone. Surprisingly, it wasn’t wine but mint and lemon water, along with a tray of cookies. I’d noticed a while ago that Trey had moved over to his own side table and was shielding his egg whenever anyone tried to look.
“Hey Three, just because you’re hiding over there doesn’t mean your egg will be the
best,” Murphy called out from our side of the room. “For all we know, you’re copying us.”
“Why would I need to copy you, Brat? Just eat your cookies like a good girl,” Trey teased back. “Better rest up too, because you‘ll need it for the egg hunt.”
“You’re not going to win the egg hunt this year either,” Parker finally spoke out. “I think my lovely bride and I are going to take the trophy this time.”
“Maybe my bride will be my good luck.” August winked at Imogen next to me. “We’re giving Mom and Dad a run this year.”
“There’s a fair go, we can win,” Imogen said with a wink back. “First, let’s win this egg decorating and be champions.”
“I don’t know, they seem pretty serious.” I looked around at the family. “They’ve been doing this for a while.”
Imogen nudged me, “Or we can show these Seppos what Aussies can do.”
“Ace idea.” I leaned closer to her. “Do you think they would allow it?”
“There’s no way of knowing, but I don’t think August would like it.” Imogen pointed to a very serious-looking August. “Then again, he may want to be with his matching boy.”