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Carrie and I give each other a look and head inside. We find Reese, Cat, and Gabe, at the island, staring at a box. “It came right before you arrived,” Cat says, looking at me. “From dad.”
“Is it a Christmas gift?” Carrie asks.
“He doesn’t do gifts,” Gabe says, finishing off his drink. “Mom did the gifts.”
“Well, open it,” Carrie nudges.
“That’s what I said,” Reese interjects. “They won’t do it.”
“Nope,” Cat says. “Let’s eat.”
“And drink,” I say. “Definitely drink.”
“Thirty-year scotch this way,” Gabe says, motioning me toward the other room, obviously wanting to talk.
“You have to open it,” Carrie says, grabbing my arm. “All of you. Get it over with so he isn’t looming over the evening. All of you, right now. Open it.”
I know Carrie. We’re opening that box. I walk to the island and grab the damn box. “I’ll do it.”
Chapter one hundred sixteen
Carrie
Iwatch as Reid opens the box from his father and we all wait for whatever nasty blow awaits inside, most likely something similar to the whiskey he’d brought us with a double meaning. Reid pulls out a Styrofoam package from inside the box. He sets it down and opens it and we all gasp. Inside is a stunning crystal star. My eyes go to my ring and then to Reid’s face.
“It’s mom’s tree topper,” he says. “We haven’t seen it in years.”
“She got it in Italy,” Cat says. “I’ve wanted this for so long. I asked him for it.”
Reid and Gabe exchange looks, but neither of them have any warmth about them. “Maybe it’s a peace offering,” I suggest. “Maybe he’s feeling human and alone on Christmas.”
“He’s not human,” Gabe says. “Not even close. I wouldn’t read too much into this.”
“Shall we put it on the tree?” Reese asks, looking at his wife.
“Yes. Please.”
“Do you want to invite him to dinner?” he asks.
All three siblings say no at once and that hurts my heart. Their father is not a good person, but Christmas is not a time to be alone. Reid kisses me. “I’m going to help get the star up.”
“Your ring!” Cat exclaims rushing around the counter to my side. “Oh my God,” she says again, taking my hand. “I know what this symbolizes.” Her eyes go to Reid’s. “All that time I thought you were cold, but you were just hurting inside.”
“I’m here now,” he says “Right here, with you all.”
“I know,” she says. “And I’m glad.” She looks at the ring. “You know what it means, right, Carrie?”
“Yes. I know. I’m honored to wear this ring.” She hugs me and it’s not long before we are drinking eggnog, staring at the crystal star on top of the tree. There are smiles and tears, then gifts and food. There is so much family and goodness in this room.
The evening is wrapping up and Reid and I are standing in the kitchen, making Baileys and coffee when Reid’s cellphone rings. He pulls it from his pocket and looks at me. “Your father.”
“That’s weird,” I say. “I’m afraid to know what this is.”
He answers it on speakerphone. “James,” he greets.
“Just calling to tell you Merry Christmas and to assure you I’ll be at the wedding with nothing but support. I love Carrie. I’ve fucked up a lot but I’m not making this one of those fuck-ups. You take good care of her and all will be good between us.”
“Let’s call that a deal. Merry Christmas.”
