Page 25 of Sleigh My Heart

She pulled into her townhouse with two minutes to spare. Michelle had just changed into her sweats when her doorbell rang. She opened the door to three sad faces.

“I’m fine,” she said, receiving one-arm hugs from each as they entered. Renae had a giant bottle of wine. Julie carried a Tupperware container, most likely some baked goods. And Liz, also called Doc by her husband, held a take-and-bake pizza.

“We all can use some girl time.” Liz set the pizza on the counter and turned on the oven. “Don’t worry. I left a meat lovers at home for Jim.”

Julie rolled her eyes. “Wow, you’re nice. I left Matt at home with our three kids. He’ll figure it out.”

“I’d put money on Greg ordering a pizza. He has many talents, but cooking isn’t one of them.” Renae popped the cork from the wine.

“Thanks, guys, but really. I’m fine,” Michelle said while pulling down four wine glasses. Turning to face her sisters- and sister-in-law, she froze. All three stared at her, eyes wide and mouths slightly agape.

“That’s two uses of the word fine in less than five minutes. What would you advise, Doctor Garcia?” Julie asked. The seal popped as she opened the container.

Cupcakes. Yes. Michelle licked her lips.

“I would say she’s in denial and needs wine and sugar STAT.” The oven buzzed and Liz slid the pizza inside.

Renae handed out wine glasses, starting with Michelle. “See? Doctor’s orders.”

“You stumbled over your words on the phone. I could hear the tears in your voice.” Julie’s voice rang with motherly concern.

“Not tears. No.” She took a large gulp. The spiciness tickled her throat on the way down. “Okay, I may have been a little shocked to learn Nick has a daughter.”

Three pairs of eyes locked on her, waiting.

She swallowed another gulp. “Fine. Ugh. Yes, I was in shock. I may have mumbled and fled like a gang member when the patrol car cruises by.”

“Honey, it’s only natural that you would be surprised. It’s not like you two kept in touch.” Julie slipped a cupcake with bits of crushed peppermint candies in front of her.

“Not to mention you were planning a family with him from the age of fourteen. Ouch!” Renae rubbed her calf. No doubt, from Julie kicking her.

“Guys. That was twenty years ago. He lived his life, and I lived mine.” Too bad hers didn’t include a husband and children.

The look on the faces around the room had her kicking her own leg. “No. Don’t feel sorry for me. I love my life. Besides, I can barely keep my cat alive. How could I handle kids?”

“You’re fantastic with kids,” Julie said.

“Ditto.” Renae slipped an arm around Michelle, then smiled. “You’re the best aunty ever.”

“Hey!”

Renae shrugged. “What! I’m not here to cheer you up. When it’s your turn, you can be the best aunt.”

“I love this family.” Liz laughed. “Michelle, the next time you see Nick’s child, will you run away?”

“No. Maybe? No. Definitely no.” She hoped.

“Of course you won’t. We all have times when our reactions aren’t what we want, but you handled it the best you could in the moment. Now, how do you feel about having to see Nick on this case?”

Michelle exhaled. “It’s not too bad. If working with him will get the case closed sooner, then I’m fine with it.”

“Working? I thought you only had to question him.” Renae pulled the paper off her cupcake.

“Yeah, about that. He sort of insinuated himself into the case. We’re partnering until they get the sleigh back.”

“Until the case is closed, you mean?” Liz pursed her lips. Crap, she was thinking, and it probably wasn’t good for Michelle.

“He has resources and is motivated to get the sleigh back by the festival.”