Embattled Christmas Read Online Free Page B

building he forced his expression to lighten. Being happy for his people would be enough for him this year.
    When he stepped into the bar conversation stopped, then immediately started up again with shouts of greeting. Duncan felt like Norm from Cheers . Laughing, he moved through the ever-changing crowd of people, accepting gentle slaps on the back and holiday wishes. A beer was shoved into his hands and he accepted it gratefully. In the interest of partying he had forgone his usual painkiller cocktail for the night. Beer would have to do.
    John sat at one of the tables, brooding. Duncan slid into the padded bench seat and stretched out his legs. They clinked bottles and raised them in a toast.
    “To soft chairs and cold beer,” Duncan said, raising the bottle.
    John grinned and his dark eyes lit with laughter. “And to compliant women.”
    Duncan barked out a laugh and turned his head to make sure Shannon wasn’t within hearing distance. “Are you trying to land in the doghouse?”
    John shook his head and grinned, eyes searching out his girlfriend. “Nah, I’m good. I can do no wrong tonight.”
    Cocking a brow, Duncan waited for an explanation.
    “I bought her a puppy.”
    The satisfied look on John’s face told Duncan that there might be issues later, if what was going on was what he thought was going on. “Are you sure that’s a good idea, Palmer?”
    Tipping the bottle back, his partner swallowed heavily. “I damn well hope so.” He winked at Duncan. “It’ll work out. Don’t worry.”
    Chad pulled up a spare chair and swung it around backwards. “What are you two old men laughing about?”
    “Palmer’s demise at the hands of an angry woman.”
    Laughing heartily, Chad clinked bottles with Duncan. “I’ll have my camera ready.”
    Palmer shook his head. “You don’t give me any credit.”
    Chad and Duncan laughed again. “Well,” Duncan reminded him softly, “wasn’t it you who got her a set of tires for her birthday a couple months ago?”
    Palmer’s ears reddened just a bit. “Hey, she appreciated those tires I will have you know.”
    But they all laughed.
    Duncan looked around. “Where is Mercy?”
    Chad’s mouth quirked. “Well, she’s kind of avoiding me right now.” He motioned with his chin toward the far corner where the women had begun to congregate with the kids. “I’m missing some big sign I guess, because I can’t figure out what she’s mad at me about. I’m hoping she’ll tell Santa.”
    His blue eyes twinkled with humor.
    Duncan shook his head slowly back and forth. “You both are walking the fine line with women. I’m glad I don’t have to deal with all that drama.”
    Inside he cringed at the lie.
    Chad and John were sharing an odd look.
    “What?” he asked.
    Both men shook their heads and lifted their beer bottles. Duncan felt like they had just had a silent conversation over his head and he wasn’t sure he liked being left out of the loop.
    Ember gave a sharp whistle to get the group’s attention and he pivoted around. Her father Hank stood at her side, smiling out at all of the people. A lot had changed with the older man. He looked healthier and more at ease than the last time Duncan had seen him. This time last year Ember had had him arrested for domestic violence and he had been forced to get treatment for his PTSD issues. Hank held Drew’s hand, the little boy clutching a green Hulk toy under his arm.
    Zeke stood off to the side, his harsh mouth smiling as he watched the woman he loved.
    “We wanted to thank everyone for joining us tonight. We’ve been planning this party for about a month now and all of my wait staff and managers have done a phenomenal job. Please thank Deena and Katy the next time you see them in the bar.”
    Ember leaned into her father. “Dad has also worked really hard to get Frog Dog ready. Most of the food he has prepared himself. With a little help from the sous chef, of course.”
    Drew nodded his head proudly, sending