Chapter 30

Brian’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I’m just me. And me wants one of these,” he said, picking a doughnut from the box in an effort to forestall any more praise.

After pouring coffee, they put some of the pastries on a plate and went into the living room. Brian put on some Christmas music, Conley lit the fire in the fireplace, and for the next few minutes they contentedly munched on the goodies and drank coffee.

“Maybe we should see what Santa brought us?” Brian suggested, pointing to the gifts under the tree, at the same moment Sir K began squawking loudly.

“Do we want him down here?” Conley asked with a laugh. “You know he’s not going to stop until he gets some attention.”

“If we can convince him to stay on your shoulder…” Brian grinned.

“We’ll trade off,” Conley replied before going to get the bird.

Brian wondered if having Sir K with them was such a good idea when he eyed the tree with interest. “You will go right back upstairs,” he told him sternly.