Hi and welcome to the Jingle Bell Hop! If you’ve stumbled here first, click here and check out the Blog Hop from the beginning. Really, it’s more enjoyable that way. And now, the 4th day of Christmas:
Four Ex-Boyfriends Calling
Breakfast in bed. Braith smiled sleepily and stretched, careful not to disturb the tray of goodies.
“Good morning,” Jake said and kissed her just as she was about to wish him the same.
“G’mornin’,” she replied. “What’s all this?”
“Oh, this? This is nothing. Just something to get you into holiday spirits. I have the whole day planned.”
Braith raised an eyebrow but left it at that. She already knew there was no point trying to pry anything out of Jake. When it came to surprises, he was worse than the sphinx. So instead she ate her breakfast, croissants, fruit and coffee with a healthy side of Jake. It was cold outside, the windows white with frost. She didn’t want to leave the bed, but Jake had other plans.
When they were finished with breakfast he left her to wash up. Her cell phone was ringing when she got out of the shower. Scrubbing a towel over her head, she didn’t even look at the caller ID, just answered. “Hello?”
“Braith! Hey.”
Braith held the phone away from her to frown at the screen. “Matthew?”
“Yeah, just wanted to wish you happy holidays, you know?”
“Uh… okay.”
“So listen, are you busy today? I’m in town and I really wanted to see you before I leave. Just to talk.”
Talk. Braith shuddered. That’s all he’d ever done in their three month relationship. Talk. About everything. His work, his friends, his family, his plans for the future – which somehow turned into plans for their future… “Yeah, Matt, I’m busy. My new boyfriend’s taking me out on the town.”
“Oh.”
“Yep.”
“Huh. So… you don’t have a half hour to grab a cup of coffee or something? I really want to see you.”
“I’m sorry, Matt,” she said. “Don’t… don’t call me again, okay?”
Braith was still frowning when she got dressed. She’d broken up with Matt two years ago, why would he be calling her now? That was weird, right?
“Hey, babe, everything okay?”
Braith shook herself. “Yeah, fine. I just had a really—”
Her phone rang again.
“—weird phone call.”
Jake frowned. “Who’s that?”
Braith checked out the caller ID. “What the…” She held up a finger for Jake to wait and answered. “Tommy?”
“Braith, hey! I’m so glad you didn’t change your number.”
What the hell? “I’m starting to think I should have.”
Jake was giving her a strange look and all she could do was shrug helplessly. All she wanted to do today was spend time with her gorgeous boyfriend and at this rate she’d be lucky if she got out of the house with him. What was it, day of the exes? Someone should have told her.
“Oh, you funny girl,” Tommy said. “Hey, you wanna grab some lunch today?”
“No, I don’t. You broke up with me a year ago.”
“Uh, yeah, that’s kinda what I wanted to talk to you about.”
Braith hung up and threw her phone on the bed.
“What was that?” Jake asked.
Braith stared at the phone as if it had grown a head. “I have no idea. Can we just go?”
“Yeah, come on.”
He took her to the ice skating rink. It was so cold that the rink was almost deserted, and they got to skate around any which way they wanted. They danced to a slow song, and Jake spun her around to a fast one, and she laughed until her face started getting numb with cold.
Afterward he took her to a cozy little café to warm up and they spent two hours sitting in a plush love seat by the fireplace, sipping hot chocolates and joking about Christmas presents.
At four in the afternoon her phone rang again. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Who keeps calling you so much?”
“I swear, it’s like the holidays bring all the bugs out of the woodwork.” The caller ID said Jonah. Sweet merciful God, was there some evil fairy screwing with her today? Just his name brought up godawful memories of the fiasco that had been their break-up. She’d ended up the butt of jokes for weeks afterward.
Disgusted that his number was even still in her address book, she rejected the call. “For some reason all my exes seem to thing today’s a good day to get back in touch,” she told Jake.
“I’m not sure what to think about that.”
“Yeah well, I’ve told you about some of the guys I’ve dated.”
“Yeah,” he said, just as her phone rang again. “That’s what concerns me.”
It was Jonah again. Braith rejected the call. Three seconds later, he called again. “Oh for the love of God.” She picked up. “Stop calling me.” And she hung up again. For a couple of minutes, both of them stared at the phone, waiting to see if it would ring again. It didn’t.
Breathing a cautious sigh of relief, Braith stuck the phone in her pocket and hugged herself to Jake’s side. He put his arms around her instantly. How did she ever get so lucky?”
They went Christmas gift shopping. Braith only had a few people left on her list but Jake, the male that he was, had left everything to the last minute. She helped him pick out presents for his entire family and two of his friends, and by the time they were finished, the car was loaded and she was exhausted.
She was so happy to be back home she almost missed it when Jake said, “I made reservations for dinner.”
That usually meant somewhere fancy. Braith stifled a groan. He had that come-and-get-me smile on his face that always made her want to take a nip of his lower lip. She could deny him nothing when he smiled at her like that, because she knew he reserved it just for her.
So she dressed up, put on mascara and lipstick, and met him at the front door. He was holding her fancy coat out to her and looking very pleased with himself. “What have you got up your sleeve?”
In answer, he showed her his sleeves. Nothing.
There was fancy in this town, and then there was La Riviere, a French restaurant people made reservations in months in advance. To say she was slack jawed didn’t even cover it. They ate three scrumptious courses by candle light, and then dessert arrived in the form of a small chocolate cake for them to share. It had two sparklers stuck into the top and it wasn’t until they had burned down that she could see the diamond ring perched in a chocolate boat between them.
Braith’s breath caught. She looked at Jake to ask if they’d delivered it to the wrong table and saw a look in his eyes that almost made her cry. “Marry me, Braith,” he said softly.
Her phone rang.
Braith couldn’t form a single word while he kept holding her gaze. He hadn’t moved a fraction of an inch and it was like the world had frozen around them.
Except for her ringing phone.
Braith looked at the ring, a beautiful engraved golden band with a perfectly round diamond in the middle. It was one of a matched set she’d once seen in a magazine. The other would be a pure band that would fit into this one. It was a Celtic design she’d admired for maybe ten seconds. How could he have known?
Her phone rang louder.
Braith fished it out of her jacket, barely glanced at the screen. Richard the Rich. Also known as the pompous dick who’d cheated on her with the French maid with fake boobs. She accepted the call. “Dickie? Hey, I’m getting married. Bye.”
Jake’s smile lit up her soul. He took the ring and slid it on to her finger, then clasped her hand in both of his. “Now I’ve got you all to myself.”
Her phone vibrated with a text message. Braith turned it off. “Forever and a day. I hope you’re ready.”
**None of these pictures belong to me, they belong to their respective owners and are only used here for decoration 
**
Michelle M
/ December 9, 2011Fun little story. thanks for sharing
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Thanks for stopping by! =)
Amy S.
/ December 9, 2011Great story! Loved the pics too.
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Thanks lol they sure made my day
nancy defreitas
/ December 9, 2011On the fourth day of christmas santa gave to me four calling birds. npl42011@hotmail.com
Barbara
/ December 9, 2011AHHHH! But, I’d have thrown that darn phone away LONG before dinner….but, then the story wouldn’t have been near as interesting! Happy holidays!
barbbattaglia at yahoo dot com
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Oh, I would have too. But honestly, who could have known that all four would call on the same day??
Yadira A.
/ December 9, 2011That was a cute story:)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Thank you! And to you as well =D
Christine
/ December 9, 2011Great story! Thanks for particapating in the Hop. I’m having so much fun!
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011I am too lol these are always fun.
julie barrett
/ December 9, 2011and nice decoration they are, thanks for sharing.
Happy holidays all
Julie
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Mmm yes… the only thing missing is some ornaments.
Cheryl Lynne
/ December 9, 2011Great story and pics! Happy Holidays!
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Happy Holidays! =)
phyllisc7
/ December 9, 2011Thanks for the story and for sharing it.
Merry Christmas and thanks for the giveaway!
pnc07 (at) aol (dot) com
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Thanks for stopping by =) Happy Holidays!
dreabecraft
/ December 9, 2011Oh man I am happy I am married to my high school sweetheart and have no chance of this happening to me lol.
~*Drea*~
dreabecraft(@)aol.com
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Lucky duck !! XD
Jackie
/ December 9, 2011Such a cute story
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Thanks =) Glad you enjoyed it.
Brenda B.
/ December 9, 2011cute story! Happy Holidays!
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Happy Holidays to you, too! =)
Christine Merritt
/ December 9, 2011The Perfect way to say Yes to a sweet proposal – Bravo!
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011I thought so too XD Perfect way to propose as well.
cynthiaweldingcynthia welding
/ December 9, 2011Loved the story. Merry Christmas!!
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Thank you! To you as well
Elizabeth Bancroft
/ December 9, 2011Loved the story. And for Christmas Santa told me I am going to be a grandmother again.
rhapsdyb@yahoo.com
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Oh wow, congratulations! That must be exciting.
Marcia C
/ December 9, 2011Great Story! Merry Christmas!
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Merry Christmas
Lyn Taylor
/ December 9, 2011Loving all the different takes on the 12 Days of Christmas
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Me too!
Shadow
/ December 9, 2011Great little story! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Thanks for stopping by
Happy Holidays!
Gloria
/ December 9, 2011Thanks for the post. Have a blessed Christmas!
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011And to you as well
Nina Pierce
/ December 9, 2011Fun story, Alianne! The pictures are delicious! Too bad all the guys were such jerks!
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011LMAO! Yes, that is a real shame *shakes head* But you only need one good one, right?
Jacki C.
/ December 9, 2011fun story – I enjoyed the pictures for a “visual”.
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Thanks for stopping by, Jacki
kimberly Wise
/ December 9, 2011Thanks for doing this Hop… I loved the Halloween one!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Merry Christmas to you too!
Cathy M
/ December 9, 2011Very fun,and thanks for sharing those pic’s with us.
Happy Holidays
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Happy Holidays!
Renee Bennett
/ December 9, 2011Loved the story. And the eye candy was the topping on the Christmas cake.
I’d like to jingle their bells.
I am having a wonderful time going to all the sites in Santa’s sleigh! I love visiting with old friends and finding new authors and books to add to my wish list. !!
Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win such a great prize!
reneebennett35 at yahoo dot com
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011Thanks for stopping by! It’s great to read people are enjoying this. We authors do too, you know
Even the huge chore of wading through all those pictures of hot men to find just the right ones.
Happy Holidays!
Ezra Solomon
/ December 9, 2011Nice eye candy and story!
bizdotbizinc@yahoo.com
Laura H.
/ December 9, 2011Great story! I especially loved the part about cuddling in front a fire at the cafe, sipping hot chocolate and just talking!
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
Alianne
/ December 9, 2011That about sums up my ideal winter afternoon lol Sadly there is not much winter here and hot guys who want to have a conversation are so rare… *sigh* lol
Happy Holidays!
Carol L
/ December 9, 2011Thank you so much for sharing Braithe’s story.. Love the name. I really enjoyed it. Happy Holidays.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Thanks for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed
Krysykat
/ December 9, 2011Hmmm…. I wonder that text said, lol. This was awesome I loved it!
Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011I’m not telling lol
Shari
/ December 9, 2011Very cute story! Happy Holiday!
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Same to you!
Thanks for stopping by.
jennifer mathis
/ December 10, 2011great story but why were they all calling on the same day ?or did i miss that ?
meandi09@Yahoo.com
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Just a freak coincidence. Holidays always bring out the strange in people
Tammy January
/ December 10, 2011Very nice, happy holidays
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Likewise to you
WildAboutBones
/ December 10, 2011Thanks for the eye candy – yummy. The excerpt was fun – I should have such problems. This is a fun way to do a blog. You are a new (to me) author and I look forward to reading your titles.
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Thanks!
Glad you’re enjoying the hop. I myself am having a blast.
Happy Holidays!
wakeangel
/ December 10, 2011Cute story!
Fedora
/ December 10, 2011How cute, Alianne! What a sweet holiday treat–thanks so much!
f dot chen at comcast dot net
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Thanks for stopping by
Merry Christmas!
christy mitchiner
/ December 10, 2011hiliarous story! Loved it!
Christy
practimom@yahoo.com
Joder
/ December 10, 2011Thanks for the sweet little story. Thanks too for being part of this blog hop and Happy Holidays!
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Merry Christmas!
Wendy
/ December 10, 2011Mery Christmas everyone
Wendy
nancyg5997
/ December 10, 2011Lovely story-thanks for it. Happy holidays to all.
nancyg5997 (at)gmail.com
Terri
/ December 10, 2011Cute story. Thanks!
Rebecca Zanetti
/ December 10, 2011Loved the story – thanks! Happy Holidays.
Elaine R
/ December 10, 2011Shoot, I wanted to find out why the exes were all calling her.
drkcherry@gmail.com
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Aww lol I’m sorry. Maybe it’s just the holidays?
Mary Preston
/ December 10, 2011Good morning indeed!! Is that a saxophone you have there or are you just happy to see me?
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011LMAO!
acriss22
/ December 10, 2011I wanted to know too, is it a final goodbye to the old and ringing in the new year with love and happiness? hmm* Happy Holidays! rshereifa at yahoo dot com
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Well, ex number one wanted ‘to talk.’ Maybe they were hoping to get back together with Braith?
Joanne B.
/ December 10, 2011What a cute story! Thanks. Happy holidays.
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Sherry
/ December 10, 2011Yeah for the blog hop and the great story too.
Natasha D
/ December 10, 2011Great Story. Brilliant ending. One day I’ll experience a white Christmas. Siggghhhh.
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011I hope you do. They are beautiful.
Happy Holidays!
Pamk
/ December 10, 2011cute story. Hope your holidays are Merry and Bright.
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Thanks, Pamk, same to you
Renee' S.
/ December 10, 2011Hello Alianne,
LOL & particpating in the Blog Hop.
That was a Great Story & Thank You for the ManCandy
Talke Care & Wishing You a Very Happy Holiday Season,
Renee; S.
paranormalromancefan@yahoo.com
Alianne
/ December 10, 2011Hi Renee,
Thank you! And thanks for reading through the hop
Hope you have a great Holiday Season too!
Susan McGrath Romito
/ December 10, 2011Very cute story!!
Lindsey E
/ December 11, 2011Another great short story.
linze_e at hotmail.com
books4me
/ December 11, 2011Sweet story! Thank you for sharing!
BookAttict (@BookAttict)
/ December 11, 2011Thanks for the great story & giveaway! Happy Holidays!
elizabeth@bookattict.com
Rae M.
/ December 11, 2011Guys can be so weird sometimes, I’d completely believe if this story came from something that actually happened!
Thanks for sharing!
Alianne
/ December 11, 2011LOL My lips are sealed. Thanks for stopping by
Happy Holidays!
June M.
/ December 11, 2011Very cute story!
Happy Holidays!!!
June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
Tonya
/ December 11, 2011Great story! Thanks for the eye candy! I really want to blow on that ones instrument.
lol Happy holidays!
tonyapeterson35(at)yahoo(dot)com
Savanna Kougar
/ December 11, 2011Oh, that was a fun, heart-warming ending. Thanks, and happy holidays.
Alianne
/ December 11, 2011Thank you for stopping by =) Merry Christmas.
Na S.
/ December 11, 2011Thank you for sharing a story and happy holidays to you!
Alianne
/ December 11, 2011Happy Holidays to you as well
Eva P.
/ December 11, 2011Awesome story, thanks for sharing! I enjoyed it
Alianne
/ December 11, 2011Thanks for reading!
Glad you liked it.
lisagk
/ December 11, 2011Jake seemed perfect, planned a perfect day and an even more perfect proposal. Poor Braith dated a lot of losers before finding Mr. Perfect. Thanks for the story.
Alianne
/ December 11, 2011Sometimes the good ones take a while to get there. But they’re so worth the wait.
courtneyslater
/ December 11, 2011Such a cute story!
Pomma
/ December 12, 2011I’m late as I live in the interior of Alaska, so it seems I am always behind these days…LOL
Loved the story, ti was like they all had radar…perhaps remembering what they once had with her….and they were all lonely for the holidays…..hhhmmm makes ya think…LOL
Marry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours1
Thank you for being a part of the Jingle Bell Hop!
Darcy
pommawolf @hotmail.com