Page 48 of Christmas Promises

“But I do. That’s the point,” Laney said, her voice rising slightly before she caught herself. “Anyway, it’s my life. You don’t get to decide who I love.”

“Who you love?” Mom’s eyebrows rose, and she made one of her little sniffs of disapproval. “You can’t possibly love this man.”

Dad placed a hand on his wife’s arm. “Penelope, Laney’s an adult. She can make her own choices.”

Mom let out a soft, exasperated sigh, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she took a measured sip from her drink before returning her gaze back to Laney. “While it is true that you’re an adult, I worry that you’re being impulsive because you’re brokenhearted about Josh and Dahlia.”

Laney almost laughed at the way her mother said their names, kind of as if she was spitting them out of her mouth because they were sour. “I understand your worry, but I can assure you, I’m fine.”

“You want to throw your life away in this hick town?” Mom asked, her voice rising an octave.

“Now, honey, don’t say that,” Dad said. “It’s not a hick town. And if Laney likes it here, then she should stay. Life’s short. People should do what they love.”

“Is this only about Nolan?” Mom asked. “Is that why you’re so keen to stay?”

Laney bristled at the implication, even though it was partially true. “Yes, he’s part of why I want to stay. But it’s also everything else. This town is a place where I can build a life that matters. I’m part of something here. I mean, you saw the tree lighting. The whole town comes out for that kind of thing. It’s special.”

“They have a lot of twinkly lights, I’ll give them that.” Mom said. “However, it’s not something to take into consideration when planning a future.”

“Why not?” Laney asked. “Why not move to a place because it’s beautiful and cozy? Did you know I saw a moose? An actual moose, and he was magnificent.”

“You’ve clearly lost your senses,” Mom said, sounding genuinely concerned.

“Listen, please, Mom. I’m staying here. I’m buying the bookstore, whether I get the loan from you guys or the bank. And you better get used to the idea of Nolan Hayes being by my side, because that’s what’s going to happen. I love you both very much, but this is my life.”

“Bravo,” Dad said. “Good for you, kid. It takes a lot of courage to make a new life after what happened to you. I’ll give you a loan. And I’ll help however I can.”

Her mother’s face reddened. “So now I’m the bad guy? As usual.”

“You’re not the bad guy, honey.” Dad turned toward his wife. “But sometimes you can be a little overbearing, especially when it comes to Laney. If this is what she wants, we have to back off.”

Mom shrugged. “Fine. When it all blows up, we’ll be here for you.”

Laney laughed under her breath. “Thanks, Mom. Your support means so much.”

“Don’t you be sarcastic with me, young lady. I’m still your mother.”

“I know that. And I adore you,” Laney said, her voice thick with emotion. “But I’ve let you influence me too much in the past. Being here, on my own, I’ve realized how many times I acquiesce just to please other people. Especially you. I can’t do it any longer, not after what happened with Josh. I was blind to what was going on right in front of me because I was so busy pleasing everyone. I know what I want and who I am. You’re going to have to accept me as I am. I’m staying here. That’s all there is to it.”

“We support you,” Dad said. “Right?”

“It’s obvious I have no choice.” Her mother sighed a long-suffering sigh.

“What is it really, Mom? Why don’t you want me here?”

Her mother played with the necklace around her neck, looking persecuted. “If you want to know the truth, I’m afraid to lose you. Like I did my sister.”

Laney blinked, shocked by such an honest answer. “You won’t lose me. No matter where I live.”

“When you were here that summer I could feel you slipping away. Just like I do now.” Mom gazed into her drink, a lone tear rolling down her cheek. “Everyone prefers Edna. My dad. Now you.”

Laney reached across the table, taking her mother’s cold hand in her own. “I don’t prefer her to you. Not at all. You’re my mom, and that will never change.”

“We can visit whenever we wish to,” Dad said. “You’re not going to lose her.”

“And I’ll come to you too,” Laney aid. “I think we should make a pact to always spend Christmas together.”

“Really?” Mom lifted her gaze, brushing away a tear. “What about Nolan and his family?”

---