Wednesday (Timeless Series #3) by E. L. Todd Page A

and his enthusiasm reminded me of Yaya’s innate spirit. “Merry Christmas.”
    “Merry Christmas.” He hugged me like we’d known each other forever. “Yaya invited me to spend the holidays with you. My kids are on the west coast, and I’m too tired to fly.”
    “Understandable. I’m Francesca, by the way.”
    He waved my comment away. “I know who you are. The Muffin Girl.”
    I smiled.
    “I’m Joe. It’s a pleasure to formerly meet you.”
    “You too.” I pulled Hawke to my side. “This is Hawke, my—” Saying boyfriend felt oddly out of place. He didn’t feel like a boyfriend. He was something much deeper than that. But I couldn’t find the right word. “Hawke.”
    “It’s nice to meet you, sir.” Hawke shook his hand. “You better treat Yaya right. You got two guys to deal with.”
    Axel cracked his knuckles loudly.
    “Oh, stop.” Yaya slapped Axel on the wrist.
    “I’ve got no reason to be scared,” Joe said. “So continue your threats all you want.”
    “Good answer,” Hawke said.
    “If everyone is done making threats, dinner is ready.” Yaya removed her apron and set it on the counter.
    Joe walked to her side. “You need help setting the table, dear?”
    “Sure. Can you carry the turkey?”
    “Sure thing.”
    I smiled while watching their interaction, seeing how well they worked together. “Don’t chase him off,” I whispered to Hawke and Axel. “I really like him.”
    “I like him too,” Marie said. “They’re so cute together.”
    ***
    We exchanged gifts after dinner. I made Yaya a custom blanket with pictures of Axel and me from our childhood. She was moved to tears, like she usually was. Marie loved the handwritten letter Axel made of his wedding vows. Marie got me a picture frame of the two of us on her wedding day. Overall, it was truly a great Christmas.
    “What did you get Hawke?” Marie asked.
    I was a little embarrassed to say it out loud. “I made him a blanket.”
    “A blanket?” Axel blurted. “Sorry, Hawke.”
    “I made it out of his old t-shirts…” I swallowed the lump in my throat as the awkwardness set in the air.
    “And I loved it.” Hawke stuffed the ripped wrapping paper into a garbage bag.
    “What did he get you?” Marie asked.
    I pointed to the locket at my throat. “It has a picture of us inside.”
    “Awe,” Marie said. “That’s so cute.”
    “That is cute,” Axel said in agreement.
    “What’s the writing on the front?” Yaya squinted her eyes as she tried to get a look.
    I didn’t want to say that part out loud. People would probably think it’s cheesy and over-the-top.
    Hawke answered before I did. “We are forever.” He didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed by the words he had engraved, even in front of his best friend.
    “Awe…” Marie’s eyes watered and she quickly fanned them.
    Axel’s happiness died away. “What the hell, Hawke?”
    “What?” Hawke asked.
    “I gave her a really great gift and you had to stomp all over it with your damn locket.” He grabbed a ball of old wrapping paper and chucked it at Hawke.
    “No.” Marie grabbed his wrist. “I loved it, Axel. I’m just happy my best friend is happy.” She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him tightly.
    Axel visibly melted the second Marie paid attention to him, like always. He breathed a noticeable sigh and rested his head on hers, like there was no place on earth he’d rather be than in her arms.
    ***
    A blizzard hit Manhattan and shut down most modes of transportation. Snow piled on the streets and the sidewalks, and schools were closed. I loved the winter snow, but I hated being cold. Unfortunately, they went hand in hand.
    The alarm went off at five. and I slowly moved out of the warm bed, immediately feeling the cold air against my naked body.
    Hawke stirred the moment I left his arms. “What are you doing?” His hair was messy from rolling around the night before, and his eyes were heavy with sleep.
    “I’ve got to work.” I