Page 11

All too gladly, I tell her a story of a passionate love that burned hot and quick. Sandy got pregnant and got scared. She pushed me away. I let her. And now, all these years later, we’re here.

“I should be free,” Mom says after her second glass of wine that’s loosening her up. “I’ll tell your siblings. I’m assuming they’re invited as well.”

“Please do.” I give her a small smile. “Thanks for trying for me. It means more than you’ll ever know.”

The iciness she wears like a second skin melts some and I swear her eyes water. Maybe, with time, she’ll learn to accept this.

Nora is a part of our family and that’s not going away.

Ever.

I’m nervous as I trudge through the snow toward the porch of Sandy’s childhood home. The house next door is bright with Christmas lights, outdoor decorations, and even a few animatronics.

Sandy’s house is barren.

Cold.

Sad.

Frowning, I make my way up the steps and rap on the door. Sandy told me not to bring anything, but I grabbed some boxed chocolates from Sweet Opalines next door to Azure Current earlier. There’s a variety and could make for a nice after-dinner treat.

A dog yaps inside and then I hear footsteps. As soon as the door opens, Sandy’s scent envelopes me. She’s radiant in a red and green sweater dress that hugs her figure. My mouth goes dry because she’s just so beautiful.

“Hi,” she says, voice higher than usual. “Please, come in. You’re a little early. The kids will be over soon.”

I make my way inside and close the door behind me. Her lips curl into a pretty smile when I hand her the chocolates.

“Take off your coat and stay a while. I need to grab Dad.”

I remove my coat and hang it on a hook by the door. I’m a little surprised that the cute cottage home is lacking any Christmas decor. The only sign it’s Christmas is Sandy’s dress and the classic Christmas song playing from a record player. Since the little dog keeps yapping, I squat down and scoop him up.

“Hey, little guy.” I read the tag on his collar. “Skeeter. You’re cute, Skeeter.”

He happily licks my face. When I’ve had enough, I set him down and he scurries off to his food bowl.

I’ve never been inside Sandy’s childhood home. It’s homey enough, but it lacks something besides the holiday decorations.

It’s like her personality is missing here.

The record stops playing so I take it upon myself to flip it over and start it again. Sounds come from the hallway and Sandy emerges pushing Amos in a wheelchair. I’ve never met the man, but he has the same electric blue eyes as Sandy and Nora.

“Mr. Everhart,” I say, dipping toward him to offer my hand. “What a pleasure to finally meet you.”

The elderly man smiles as he lifts his weathered hand to meet mine. “Pleasure is all mine, Son.”

“I need to check on the food,” Sandy says quickly. “Stay here and chat with Daddy?”

I give her a nod and then another appraising glance of her dress. It’s really nice.

Amos chuckles when she walks away. “Someone has eyes for my little lovebird.”

Warmth trickles over my cheeks and I meet his bright blues. “Yes, sir. She’s a one of a kind.”

“Like her mother.” He smiles and then confusion contorts his features. “Where is Goldie?”

I freeze, unsure what to say. Sandy told me about his brain injury, but she didn’t exactly prepare me on how to navigate conversation when he gets confused.

“Where’s all the Christmas decorations?” I ask instead, hoping to change the subject.