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CHAPTER NINETEEN
Lucy surveyed her diningroom table, then reached forward to adjust a candle that was slightly off-kilter.
Bree and Adam were downstairs playing an old video game Adam had left behind years ago. At hearing their laughter and playfully heated sparring over the game, Lucy thought her heart might just burst with happiness.
As usual, Harry had brought over a beautiful centerpiece early this morning when Lucy and the kids got home from the Christmas Day service at church—this year, one with lush sprigs of evergreen, red roses, and loops of glittery gold ribbon.
But then he’d texted an hour ago to say he wasn’t feeling well enough to come over—just one of his headaches again. Poor man. The kids would miss him, and she would, too.
She would send platters of food over to him as soon as they finished eating.
With her late mother’s Christmas china and cut glass water goblets gleaming in the candlelight, it was all festive yet nottoooverboard.
Would this bring back happy memories of Christmases past for Adam? She was still treading lightly with him, trying not to push. Trying to show him how much he was loved and supported.
Her thoughts strayed to Nick again, wondering if he would actually show up.
The chiming notes of her front doorbell tinkled and she froze for a moment as a million questions welled up inside her.
She opened the door and there he was, as tall and elegant as ever in a long black wool coat scattered with snowflakes. Her heart began tap-dancing when his gaze searched her face.
Had he leaned a little forward for a kiss? Had she?
“Merry Christmas.” He held out a slim, rectangular gift wrapped in gold with a deep maroon ribbon on top. “I’m afraid this isn’t much, but the stores closed early last night and there weren’t many options. I hope your family likes chocolates.”
“Of course they will.” She ushered him inside and hung his coat in the front coat closet.
At the sound of laughter wafting up the stairs, he stepped forward and drew her close for a swift, sweet kiss. “Your kids?”
“Nothing could make me happier than hearing them having fun together. It’s been so very long. I...um...told them I met a friend at the hospital who would be alone on Christmas, so I invited you.” She rolled her eyes. “Adam didn’t care, but I’m afraid Bree is more than a little curious.”
“That’s what we are, though. Just friends, right?” His voice was light, but there were questions in his eyes she couldn’t quite interpret.
At the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs, he stepped back.
“Adam and Bree, I’d like you to meet our dinner guest, Nick Jackson. I ran into him at the hospital, where he was visiting his daughter and new grandchild.”
Adam started to awkwardly extend his hand, then pulled it back and just nodded.
Bree cocked her head and looked back and forth between them before giving him a long, searching look.
No wonder.
