Christmas Romance (The Best Christmas Romance of 2016): The Love List Christmas by Sharon Kleve, Jennifer Conner, Angela Ford, Natalie-Nicole Bates

her. I’d never thrown a holiday party before. William hadn’t liked them.
    “Hello.” Dakota always sounded cheerful.
    “Hey there. I know this is short notice but do you have plans for Thanksgiving?”
    “No. Count me in.”
    I mentally clapped my hands. “No problem. I’m going to call Maisey and see if she’s free, and I was thinking of inviting Kady, her son, and mom and dad too. Tegan, Rebecca and Chloe already mentioned they had plans.”
    “Sounds like fun. I can’t wait. What should I bring?”
    “Nothing. I’m going to do it all. How about starting the festivities at 4:00 p.m.?” My stomach fluttered at the thought of cooking for a large group. My gran did it while growing up, I was sure she could give me some pointers.
    “I have to work every day until then to get that day off. See you then.” The phone clicked in my ear.
    Maisey said she’d love to come, that she didn’t have any plans, but she wouldn’t be bringing Sean. She didn’t elaborate. Maybe they were having relationship problems.
    Kady was ecstatic and was bringing Editon, her son Noah, and mom and dad. It was going to be a full house.

    Keaton had an emergency at the clinic Thanksgiving Day and didn’t know what time he’d be over to help setup for dinner. He felt terrible but I had it handled. I’d been planning every detail for the last two weeks.
    The turkey was in the oven, the potatoes were mashed, the gravy was waiting for the yummy drippings, and all my appetizers were waiting for my guests to arrive. When I heard tires crunch on the freshly packed snow, I popped the baked brie in puff pastry with caramelized pecans and apples, along with bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapenos in the oven. Several bottles of red wine were breathing and the white wine was chilling in the refrigerator.
    Kady, Editon and her family arrived first and Maisey and Dakota drove up shortly after.
    “Come in and get warm.” I stored everyone’s coats and purses in the back bedroom. The dog and kittens were tucked in my bedroom.
    “Where’s Keaton?” Editon looked around.
    “He’ll be here soon. What can I get you to drink?” Everyone rattled off their drink choices.
    Kady stepped into the kitchen. “Let me help you with the wine and I’ll get Noah a root beer.”
    “Great. Thank you.”
    Maisey and Dakota walked in and Dakota sniffed the air. “Something smells wonderful. What can we do?”
    “Do you mind setting the appetizers out? I pointed to the counter. “They are fresh out of the oven.”
    “You bet.” They each took a platter and left the kitchen.
    “I wish Keaton didn’t have to work, but a little Chihuahua swallowed a turkey bone. Keaton gave him something to make it pass so he wouldn’t have to perform surgery. He’s staying to see which way things go.”
    Kady chuckled at how I phrased the predicament. She sipped her wine and got a dreamy look in her eye. “Did you ever tell Keaton about The Love List? I guess a lot of the single guys in town know about The Love List. They have mixed feelings about the whole thing. Do you think Keaton would mind if his name was in the basket?”
    “Yes. I do.” Keaton stepped farther into the kitchen. “Did you draw my name? Is that why you went out with me?” He sounded hurt.
    Kady grabbed the root beer and a couple bottles of wine. “Take your time. I’ll entertain everyone.” She didn’t wait for our reply and left the kitchen.
    I reached out and touched his arm. “No. I already met you. The girls knew I cared for you. They rigged it so when it was my turn all the pieces of paper had your name on them.”
    “If you cared for me, then why did you choose a name?”
    “We were drinking and laughing and I wasn’t taking it seriously. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings. I care deeply for you.”
    Before he could respond, the phone rang and the timer on the turkey went off. “Would you mind answering that while I check on dinner?”
    “Yes. I guess I overreacted.” Keaton reached