Summary:

Ilya’s not taken one step inside the cottage (The cottage) and he’s already struggling to take it all in. Nothing about the outside of the “cottage” actually betrays what’s waiting for him inside, and if it weren’t for Shane blocking the exit as he stands there with the bags, he’d take a step out to double-check the door. Or the calendar. Because the living room looks like a department store exploded its entire Christmas stock in there. There are fairy lights, stockings, tinsel, and garlands, but the focal point of the room is the sizable Christmas tree that stands right by the fireplace. With no decorations.