She clinks her glass with mine, smiling. And then—even though I’m a government-trained lethal weapon, even though I can kill with my thumb—Mr. P launches himself at me, his tongue slurping up the right side of my face and down the left.
Because, if I’m honest, the training isn’t going all that well.
It’s the shortest night of the year, the end of something and the beginning of something new. Full of possibilities. A time for forgiveness, for renewal, for grace. I’ve travelled all over the world, and here, this island, these people, this house, is the very best of it. Bailey sidles over to me and rests her hand around my waist, before putting her head on my shoulder.
“Thank you so much, Irma,” she says softly. “I love you.”
I put my arm around her and give her a good squeeze. “Merry Christmas, dear.”
Then I look around the room, at the smiling faces, the festive sweaters, the family members, the happy children, and I am blessed.
Mo takes his spot at the piano, his hands poised over the keys, the sheet music for the first of many Christmas carols neatly arranged in front of him, even though he can’t really see it. I can feel it humming in my bones, finally, after all the chaos of the last few days: peace on earth.
And then, all together, we sing.
Irma will be returning in 2020 in a new adventure with her nerdy sidekick, Violet Blackheart. To stay in the loop about new releases, contests, and giveaways, please sign up for Maia’s monthly newsletter.
About the Author
Maia Ross is the author of Peace on Earth, the first book in the Beaver Island Mystery series. She makes her home in Toronto with her better half, John.
To be notified about new releases, contests, and giveaways, please sign up for Maia’s monthly newsletter. You can find Maia online at www.maiarossbooks.com.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to all my beta readers for their awesome feedback: Morgan at My Beta Reader, Gaby at Wanderlost, Dustin Porta, and Anna Albo. Copyediting by Andromeda Editing with proofing by Alexa Books.
A special thanks for all their assistance goes out to two of my very favorite authors (and people!), Shanya Krishnasamy and Carolyn Taylor-Watts. Extra special editing was carried out with vigour by Maia McViney, and I am so grateful for all her help and support.
Maia
December 2019
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No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the permission of the author. All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
© 2019 Maia Ross — All Rights Reserved
www.maiarossbooks.com