Page 2 of Christmas in Budgie Bay

My chest does a miserable squeeze at the thought of her father, Upton Asbury. I loved that man with my whole heart, followed him to Seattle after we graduated high school, and eventually got pregnant with his child. Everything went down the toilet after that which resulted in me hightailing it to New York to get as far away from the heartache as I could.

And, after twenty-five years, I’ll be seeing him in the flesh.

A buzzing sound startles me from my daze. I snatch up my phone from where it’s plugged in on the counter and charging.

Nora: Is it weird that I’m lowkey excited to meet my dad?

Tears well in my eyes and I bite on my bottom lip. I’m reminded that I had to cancel my lip filler appointment before leaving New York and I haven’t had the desire to book something here in Budgie Bay.

Me: It’s important for you to get to know your father. I’m sorry I denied you that opportunity all these years.

The dots move almost immediately. I know Nora doesn’t blame me for my choices, but I blame me.

Nora: Grandpa is proof it’s never too late to start a relationship with your dad. I’m grateful to get to know Upton now. But you’ll always be my favorite.

I swipe away a rogue tear and send her some heart emojis.

Nora: I should come over. Let me put on some shoes and see if Elias will walk me over there.

Me: No, sweetie. I really am fine. Put your feet up. This is going to be a busy week for you. Rest while you can.

We text some more, but thankfully, she’s agreed to stay home. By the time I start dinner, the snow is really coming down.

“Lovebird?”

I wash my hands and then go to find Dad. The record has ended and he’s pointing outside at a squirrel rolling around in the snow.

“You should be out there having fun with him,” Dad says with a chuckle. “If you find the Christmas photo albums, I’d like to see pictures of you playing in the snow.”

Another wave of guilt surges up over me. I know exactly where those albums are. They’re in a box next to the Christmas tree and ornaments.

“I’ll see if I can find the pictures for you,” I murmur, not exactly lying. I will get them for him, but I can’t promise how quickly.

I flip the record over so we can listen to the B side of the album. Once Christmas music is playing again, I go back to making dinner. Janey, our private nurse, will be here soon to take over for the evening with Dad. As much as I want to hide away in my room, I’m thinking it might be good for me to get away. Maybe do a little shopping or something for the wedding reception. It might cheer me up.

My phone buzzes again, but it’s not Nora this time. As soon as I see the name, my stomach dips.

Upton: Do you need anything? I can send you some money.

Me: Thanks, but we’re good. The reception is going to be simple and at The Icehouse. I’ve already bought most everything.

The thing with Upton is that he’s always been there for her, even though she never knew him. From the day I told him I was pregnant, he’s been trying to do right by her.

It’s me who made such a mess of things.

This time when my phone buzzes, it’s the sheriff. I stifle a smile. It’s strange to think one of my best friends from high school grew up to be the head cop in charge around here.

Monroe: Saw Janey. Figured you’d be free soon. It’s Bunko night. Silas will keep the onion rings coming if you join us. I can pick you up, so you don’t have to drive in this mess.

A distraction and a moment away from this house could help my mood immensely.

Me: I’m game. Give me an hour.

Sheriff Monroe Calder is such a different person than the one I remember sharing a “royalty” dance with at prom. Back then, he played football, laughed a whole lot, and was so in love with Wren, he couldn’t wait to graduate so he could marry her.

But, like me, Monroe’s known grief like the back of his hand. A fateful car accident stole his wife and left their two children motherless.

Now he’s stoic, reserved, quiet. Always serious. Not one for smiling.