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“SO THIS IS THE PLACE?” Susan asked, settling into a chair with the help of Lila.
Anita smiled at the visitors to the assisted living center. It was currently decked out with holiday decorations, a mixture of Christmas and Hannukah. She and Wyatt sat together at the table, holding hands, waiting for Carly to return with a couple of board games. The room was filled with visiting families, and conversation and laughter buzzed around them.
Sam beamed down at Susan, one hand gripping his walker. “This is the place. There’s an opening if you want to join me.”
Anita’s heart almost melted.
Susan’s blue eyes sparkled. “Don’t tempt me.”
With careful movements, Sam transitioned from the walker and sat in the chair next to Susan. “That’s exactly what I’m hoping to do. Tempt you.”
“Oh, Sam.” She patted his arm, then shook her head. “Let’s take this a day at a time.”
Wyatt nudged Anita, and she smiled. It was definitely amusing to watch the elderly couple across from them flirt.
“What did I miss?” Paula asked, arriving at the table with a festive green bag slung over her shoulder.
Sam looked up as she bent to kiss his cheek. “I’m trying to convince Susan to come to the center,” he said with a wave of his hand. “She’s being stubborn as usual.”
“I’m sure you’ll charm her into it eventually,” Paula said with a wink. “Now, I’ve brought gifts for everyone.” She set the green bag onto the table with a thump.
“For me too?” Carly asked, appearing just then with a stack of board games in her arms.
“Yes, my almost-niece.”
Anita’s gaze snapped to Paula. What had she said?
Paula’s face pinked, and she covered her mouth with one hand. “Oh no. I’m so sorry.” She closed her eyes, dragged in a breath, then opened her eyes again. “Forget I said anything. Rewind. Delete. Erase.”
Wyatt was still holding Anita’s hand, but he’d grown very still. Not moving, not looking at her, not saying anything.
Her mind raced. She didn’t know what to think. What to infer. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe...
“Presents, anyone?” Paula said in a too-bright tone. She began to pull out gift-wrapped boxes from the bag. “This one is for...Gramps.” She handed over a red box with a gold bow. “And...Susan.”
“You didn’t have to do this, dear,” she said, but accepted the gift with a smile.
The next gift Paula pulled out was a rectangular box. “Carly—here’s yours.”
“Oh thanks,” she quipped. “Can I open it tonight?”
“Of course,” Paula said. “Waiting until Christmas is lame.”
Carly laughed.
Paula busied herself pulling out another present. “Lila, this is for you.”
“Thank you so much,” she said, a flush to her cheeks. “I wasn’t expecting a gift exchange. Sorry I didn’t—”
Paula waved a hand. “You’re fine. Christmas is kind of my thing, and I’m not expecting any gifts in return. I’m just excited for the holidays, and we’re all grateful that you brought Susan to visit.
“And next,” she continued, taking out two smaller boxes. “For you, brother, and your sweetheart.” Her brows waggled as she handed over Wyatt’s gift.
Anita accepted the box from her. It was the same size as Wyatt’s.
“All right, everyone.” Paula waved her hands. “Open your gifts. The suspense is killing me.”
“At the same time?” Carly asked.
