Because of his severe stutter, Atticus never fulfills his childhood wish to make a joyful noise onstage at Christmastime. Now going by AC, the same problem isolates him with only his cat Spud for company as he forgoes the holiday season and personal, meaningful relationships altogether.<br><br>On their way to pass the yuletide in Mexico, AC and Spud encounter a stranded band who call themselves The 12 Drummers Drumming. Though AC tries to resist the urge to help, he’s somehow convinced to drive them back up north in his van to ensure they make their Christmas Eve gig.<br><br>AC immediately rates each guy, figuring on a one in twelve chance to at least score a holiday hookup. As he spends time with each, he sees them in less superficial terms. Sparks ignite, and by the time Christmas Eve arrives, AC has a whole new reason to believe in Christmas magic and romance.

12 Drummers Thumbing

“Sure enough, you are. I had all I could do not to push to the head of the line after Emery told me about the cat you gave him,” Stone claimed. “I had no idea the AC Maughan was so hot, or that he was you…or you’re him. I came close to accosting you during one of our other stops, but you’ve been on the phone a lot lately.”


“Yeah.” AC went around to his side of the van and climbed in.


“Oh, my god. I love your stuff,” Stone said, plopping into his seat. “I have over a hundred pieces.”


“W-w-wow.” AC was getting a little scared.


“Gotta calm down. Gotta calm down.” The mantra didn’t work. Stone squealed. “You know what you should do? Go on QVC.”


“C-can you c-close your d-door, s-so we can g-go?” Two birds with one stone, human Stone shut the door and also knew now why AC would never present his stuff on any home shopping network, no matter how popular it became.


With both doors closed, AC started the van and took off.


Chapter 26