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Chapter Seven
With every stepRiley walked away from Mitch, more pieces of her heart fell to the ground. She was doing the right thing, damn it. So why did it feel so wrong? She’d always relied on her gut to tell her what was right and what was wrong, but being jilted by someone she’d trusted had changed that. She’d realized she couldn’t always trust her instinct.
She was doing the only logical thing—walking away from Mitch. But damn it, it hurt.
As she reached her family, they were still talking about the unfortunate incident.
“My heart goes out to Matthew,” Aunt Janice was saying. “He has always been one of those model students, getting good grades, but then his mom died about a year ago, the dad started drinking, and since then, his life hasn’t been easy. Mitch is doing so much to help him, though, but it’s tough with a dad like his.”
“Mitch has told us about Matthew,” Annie said. “I’m so sorry for the boy.”
“Mitch is really trying to help him…” Vivian began just as her phone rang. “It’s Mitch,” she said frowning and walked away to talk.
Riley crossed her arms, trying to focus on her breathing. What was happening here had nothing to do with her. She and Dylan were leaving in a few days; she was doing the right thing stopping things between her and Mitch before it became even more complicated.
Vivian put her phone away. “That was Mitch. Matthew is badly hurt, and Mitch is taking him to the hospital. I have to go.” She looked at Aiden. “You can go back with Annie and Craig?”
“I’ll take you,” Aiden said and took her arm.
“It may take a while,” she said.
Aiden hugged her. “It won’t be the first time I have to wait for you.”
Dylan tugged at Riley’s jeans. “Mom, can we go see Santa?”
Blinking, she focused on her son. “Of course, sweetie. Let’s see where he is.”
*
Riley had thoughtDylan would fall asleep on their way home. It had been a long day, but he was so excited about everything he’d seen, he hadn’t stopped talking since they’d left Main Street.
“So what did you tell Santa you want for Christmas?” Aunt Janice asked Dylan as they entered her house.
“It’s a secret.” Dylan smiled.
“Surely, you can tell me?” Aunt Janice teased as she closed the door behind them.
Dylan looked at Riley. “Okay, but you can’t tell Mommy.”
“Why?” Riley asked, feigning to be indignant.
“The secret’s about you,” Dylan explained.
Aunt Janice bent down. “I won’t tell.”
As Dylan whispered in Aunt Janice’s ear, her eyes widened. “Well,” she said, avoiding Riley’s eyes as she stood up straight, “you never know. We may just get a Christmas miracle.”
Dylan’s eyes were round. “What’s a Christmas miracle?”
“When wishes come true.” Aunt Janice grinned. “It’s been a long day for you two. Anything else you need?”
Dylan yawned.
Smiling, Riley took his hand. “Someone is finally a bit tired.”
“While you put him in bed, I’ll make tea,” Aunt Janice said.
Swallowing a groan, Riley nodded. She knew exactly whatI’ll make teameant. Aunt Janice had questions.
