Chuckling to himself, he reached into the box and pulled out the gingerbread man whose bright red construction helmet paired nicely with his candy cane–inspired hammer. Holding it up beside his face, he caught her eye and waggled his brows. ‘Great likeness.’
She couldn’t help grinning. Why did he have to be so cute?
The gift-giving continued and Beth was handed another present, this time by Ollie.
‘From Mick and Celia,’ Beth said, fingering the tag, then offered Noah’s parents a grateful smile, feeling slightly more comfortable with the attention this time around. Reaching into the gift bag, she pulled out a stunning silver picture frame. ‘Oh, it’s gorgeous!’
She ran her fingers over the smooth bevelled edge, her gaze landing on the stock image of—
Her breath hitched. A much younger version of her mother smiled up at her. The freckles on her nose appeared less pronounced, her sun-kissed skin darker than Beth remembered. Behind her, a man stood with his arms wrapped around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder. The white shirt he wore made his green eyes pop.
This was no stock image. These were her parents.
Bryce was at least five years older than he’d been in the photo hanging on Noah’s wall, the one with Mick and his parents, taken when they sat around the dining table. His jawline was stronger in this image and he had a small scar above his right eyebrow. Tears sprang to her eyes when she noticed the way his lips curved. He looked so content to be holding Rosie in his arms.
‘I found it when I went searching for photos of Bryce,’ Celia told her, a slight frown marring her features. ‘I wanted to do something special with it, but I … I didn’t even consider that it might be upsetting for you. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—’
‘No, Celia, it’s perfect!’ And she meant it. Because here was visible evidence that her parents had loved each other. The gift was so incredibly thoughtful and meaningful, perhaps more so than any gift she’d ever received. Her heart was so full right now—which was absolutely terrifying.
She managed a smile for Celia’s sake, even as she tried not to panic. Everyone was coming to mean so much to her. Celia and Mick, Ellie, Noah, Flo, Marge and Tom. And the more space a person took up in your heart, the more it would hurt when you had to say goodbye.
Pushing the thought away, Beth tried to remain calm as she watched more gifts get opened until, eventually, there was only one left under the tree. And it had her name on it.
‘Who’s it fwom?’ Ollie wanted to know.
Beth checked the gift tag but the only name on it was hers. ‘I’m not sure.’
‘Ooh.’ Ellie shuffled to the edge of her seat. ‘I love a good mystery.’
‘Must be from Santa,’ Charlotte mused as she played with one of her new toys.
‘You’re right, sweetie. It could be.’ Ethan smiled down at his daughter.
‘Well, what’re you waiting for?’ Sarah said. ‘Open it.’
Beth peeled the wrapping paper from a small box, removed the lid and—
‘Oh …’
A gold pendant shaped like a bird hung on a simple chain and, on the inside of the lid, a card explained the bird’s significance.
When you find yourself at a crossroads, do not let anxious thoughts or fear of the unknown keep you from choosing the path that most excites you. Like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, rejoice in the pleasure of each new start—what comes next might be the most incredible period of your life.
Trembling, she touched the pendant, its symbolism magical and beautiful and alarmingly confronting. Because what if she stayed?
What if she officially quit her job at Dream Home Builders, withdrew her expression of interest on the cottage and stayed here in Karlup? For good?
Squeezing her eyes closed, she pressed her fingers to her lips. She couldn’t. She’d built a life for herself in Townsville. How could she risk it all for fledgling friendships and the ghosts of a family that no longer walked the earth? Plus, if she stayed, she’d only grow closer to these people, and she didn’t think she could bear the pain when she inevitably lost them.
‘I think it’s time for a swim,’ Mick suggested.
Ollie cheered, but Charlotte complained—she wanted to see the gift Beth had received.
‘Later, honey.’ Sarah ushered her daughter from the room and everyone filed out.
Until only Noah remained.
He knelt before her. His ugly sweater vest, no longer flashing, lay discarded on the other couch, and he wore his dark-grey T-shirt once more. ‘Beth? Are you okay?’
