“It is, but you made it really special. Thank you.”
“I’m glad I got to be here.” They left the Hilltop and stopped in at Cassie’s house, where she was hosting her annual holiday party for the entire neighborhood.
People were coming and going, and it took Sheila a few minutes squeezing between people to track down her sister in the throng of people.
“There you are. Sis?” Sheila carried a bag of small gifts for her sister and family. “Merry Christmas.”
“Sheila? I was hoping you’d have time to stop in. I’m so glad you’re here.” Cassie hugged her, then looked at Tucker. “Who is this?” Cassie gave her a curious and suspicious look.
“This is Tucker. He’s a really goodfriendof Natalie’s, and mine now.” Sheila emphasized “friend,” but she could already see Cassie’s wheels turning.
“Yes, we are.” Tucker smiled easily toward Sheila, then turned to Cassie. “Really nice to meet you. I see the resemblance between the two of you.”
Sheila sucked in a breath, satisfied with the day. “We just spent time with Mom. It went better than I could have hoped.”
“I’m so glad.” Cassie shook her head. “You just never know, I think that’s the hardest part. It’s been a tough week.”
“I don’t know how you deal with it every week.” Sheila hugged her sister. “This is so hard.”
“I know, but I’m glad you’re here, and even if Mom didn’t know it was you, I think in her heart she feels the connection.”
“She looked so happy.” Sheila was so thankful for the way things had turned out.
Cassie whispered into Sheila’s ear. “He’s so, so, so handsome. That probably made Mom happy too.”
Sheila swatted her away. “Not funny. We’re friends.”
“Seriously? Get that.” Cassie’s eyes widened. “I’m not joking.”
Thankfully Sheila’s nephew raced into the room right at that moment, and she didn’t have to comment.
“Aunt Sheila!” He wrapped himself around her in a big hug. “Merry Christmas.”
“You too, Kyle.” She handed him the bag she’d been carrying. “One present is for your mom and dad. Everything else is for you.”
Kyle leapt in the air, landed, and pumped his fist into the air. “No way!” His smile spread across his face when he took the bag and realized how heavy it was. “Thank you! I can’t wait to open them.”
“Hon, come meet Sheila’s friend Tucker,” Cassie said. Her husband, Bert, walked over and shook Tucker’s hand. It took only a sentence or two for them to fall into deep conversation, and they walked off talking.
Sheila took a moment to soak it all in, finally sharing everything from these last few days with her sister over a cup of eggnog.
Cassie said, “I don’t even care if this is forever, it’s just nice to see you dating someone. And he’s nice.”
“He is.”
“Can you help me refresh the dessert trays?” Cassie asked.
Sheila was already carrying a dish to refill the sausage balls, eating a couple on the way. “I’m on it.”
She heard Bert call over to Kyle. “Son, I have someone foryou to meet. This is Aunt Sheila’s friend, Tucker. You won’t believe what he does for a living.”
“What?”
“He’s the fire chief.”
“No way. You’re a real live hero.” The little boy danced with excitement. “I want to be a fireman someday too.”
“Jackpot.” Cassie leaned in to Sheila. “Y’all just made his day. And you didn’t think to call me and tell me you’re dating a fireman?”
