“To be fair,” Grant mutters, grimacing. “Disagreements are often part of a traditional family Christmas.”
Mirna’s glare could turn a mere mortal to stone, and Grant rightfully shrinks. “Disagreements are one thing, young man, making her feel unwelcome is quite another. We would have never let her come if we’d known you were going to treat her this way.”
Mom flushes, and even Dad hangs his head. “Again, we’re so sorry this has happened and?—”
“Stop,” Finley cuts in. “Look, I understand why Grant’s upset, and I don’t blame him for it.”
“Finley—” I start, but she raises her hand, silencing me.
“No,” she says softly, looking up at me. Tears pool in her eyes. “The last two days were everything I ever dreamed of having with my mom. I never would have had them without you.” Her voice trembles. “So, thank you.”
I catch her hand, pressing it to my chest. “Please don’t go,” I whisper, my heart raw.
A tear falls down her cheek. “You know this is best. Just like you know you need to stay.” She rises on her toes and brushes a soft kiss against my cheek.
Mirna’s voice cuts like steel. “Asking her to stay is selfish. And you know it.”
I do. That’s the problem. I want her here more than I’ve wanted anything in a long time. But what she needs isn’t me. It’s to get out of this house. And the truth lands like a blow to the gut.
I can’t ask her to stay. But I don’t know how to let her go.
Finley turns to my family. “Thank you for a magical two days. It’s more than I could have ever asked for. You’ve all been so gracious…” Her voice breaks, and it takes everything in me not to pull her into my arms. But I’ve already failed her, and now her friends are here to do what I couldn’t.
“Finley,” Mom whispers, tears spilling. She rushes forward, wrapping her in a hug so fierce that I think she might keep her here by sheer force of will. Finally, she pulls back, cupping Finley’s cheek. “You are the best thing that ever happened to Alex. I hope you won’t hold the last eighteen hours against him.”
Finley nods, and my heart sinks. We only had this week. Once we’re back in Atlanta, our lives go back to the way they were. Only now, the thought of that feels hollow.
Mallory steps in next, hugging Finley while she cries. “You were the sister I always wanted. Please come back. We’ll lock Grant in a barn next time.”
Finley releases a choked laugh. “You’re the sister I’ve always wanted too.”
Dad embraces her quickly, his voice rough. “Young lady, you brought the magic of Christmas back to this family, and you brought home our wayward son. For that, I’ll always be grateful. And as my wife said, I hope you give us another chance, but I understand if you don’t.”
She manages a tight smile. “Thank you.”
Tyler hugs her next. “You deserve the best, Finley. Sorry we didn’t give it to you.”
Grant lingers, shame etched across his face. Finally, he mutters, “Sorry, Finley. I was out of line. I promise to do better. You don’t have to go.”
“Thank you for your apology,” she says, brushing at a tear. “But we both know I need to.”
He nods, hanging his head again.
Mirna steps forward, resting a hand on Finley’s arm. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
Finley looks at Mom, then scans the room—her gaze lingering on Grant. “I think it’s for the best.”
“Then go get your things.”
Finley holds her eyes for a beat, then nods and heads upstairs.
We all stand in awkward silence for a few seconds before Mom says, “You ladies traveled all this way. Would you like to stay a little while? We have breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls.”
Barb perks up immediately. “I could eat.”
Mirna lifts an arm to block her. “You can wait until we get to the Airbnb.”
My heart stutters. “You’re … not leaving today?”
