Book Six: Chapter 11

“Too far, Tink! Too far!” He crouched down and pushed some presents out of the way. Tink had pressed herself against the back wall beneath the tree, and was just out of reach. She blew a raspberry at Mike and tried to stand up behind the tree.

The back door slammed, and Beth walked into the living room with a bundle of packages under her arms. Behind her, Suly carried in several more, both of his arms full.

“Sorry ‘bout the door,” he said. “Gettin’ right windy out there, can hardly see.”

Mike looked up at Suly, then cursed when Tink bolted from behind the tree and disappeared up the stairs.

“Is there room under that tree?” Beth sat down with her knees folded beneath her and handed Mike the gifts. He couldn’t help but notice the cream-colored tights under her burgundy sweater dress.

“Uh, yeah.” He shifted packages around and helped Beth place hers. They were meticulously wrapped with shimmering bows on each. He paused when he got to a bright silver one w