Page 60 of Christmas Promises

“You look pretty too,” Laney said. “I love the pink.”

In response, Lily twirled in her fuzzy pink sweater decorated with a penguin wearing earmuffs.

Sophie’s sweater had a grumpy-looking cat tangled in Christmas lights.

“What’s the story with yours?” Laney asked Sophie.

“I thought it was funny,” Sophie said. “Even though we have a dog, not a cat.”

“Oh, yes, the famous Rufus,” Laney said. “I’ve heard all about him.”

“He’s kind of naughty, but we love him anyway,” Lily said.

Abby and Luke stood near the fireplace, talking quietly with Logan. Luke’s sweater featured a 3D Rudolph nose that jutted out comically, while Abby’s sweater was adorned with an overly cheerful gingerbread man and the phrase “Oh Snap!” written across the top. Logan wore a bright red sweater with a giant glittery candy cane stitched diagonally across the front.

Walter and Grace stood nearby with Laney’s parents, who appeared to be catching up on the decades since they’d all lived in Sugarville Grove. Walter’s sweater was forest green, with a vintage-style Santa face and a puff of faux fur on the hat. Grace wore a bright red sweater, covered in an explosion of embroidered poinsettias and jingling bells that rang whenever she moved. Laney’s dad’s sweater was a patchwork of holiday mayhem, complete with blinking lights, a sewn-on Santa hat, and a fake stuffed squirrel clinging to the hem.

Even her mother got into the spirit, wearing a pea-green sweater with the Grinch on the front.

Laney went over to say hello. “You all look great.”

“Welcome to the Hayes family,” Walter said. “Where over-the-top has new meaning.”

“I love every bit of it,” Laney said. “And every one of you. Thank you for including us.”

“We’re thrilled to have all three of you join our family.” Grace smiled one of her warm, dazzling smiles that touched Laney’s heart.

Grace and Walter were called over to the treats table by their grandchildren and excused themselves, leaving Laney alone with her parents.

Laney turned to her mother. “I never thought I’d see you at a party like this. But the Grinch is a nice touch.”

“I thought it was appropriate, but I promise not to be a Grinch tonight.” Mom hugged her tightly for a moment. “I’m just grateful to be here and to see you looking so well.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Mom,” Laney whispered, hugging her back. “I wish you didn’t have to go at the end of the month.”

“Well, guess what? We’re not. Your father and I have decided to buy a vacation home here. We want to be close to our daughter,” Mom said.

“And future grandchildren,” her dad said.

“Don’t get too far ahead of yourself, Dad,” Laney said laughing. “Nolan and I aren’t officially engaged.”

“I have a feeling it’s coming soon,” Dad said.

“Regardless, nothing would make me happier than to have you here,” Laney said. “Mom, are you sure, though? I know this place has a lot of sad memories for you.”

“All the more reason to replace them with happy ones.” Her mother paused for a moment, a myriad of emotions passing over her pretty face. “I’ve realized since I’ve been here how I dwell on the negative instead being thankful for all the blessings I have. Thinking we could lose you—it opened my heart. I didn’t realize how hard I’ve been working to forget where I come from instead of celebrating all of the ways Sugarville Grove helped me to become who I am now. I’m aiming to change that. I want to be more like you.”

“Oh, Mom, that’s so sweet of you to say.” Laney swallowed the lump in her throat.

“Also, I wanted to reiterate—we want to be the ones to lend you the money to buy out your aunt,” Dad said.

“A loan you don’t have to repay. Consider it your inheritance, only it comes to you long before we die,” Mom said.

Laney fought tears. “Thank you. It means the world that you’re supportive of my new life.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nolan standing in front of the Christmas tree, clinking a small fork against his wine glass. She turned, catching his eye. He smiled and winked.

“Everyone, I’d like to ask for quiet, just for a moment.” Nolan reached out his hand, and Laney stumbled over to him on wobbly legs. She knew what was coming. And she couldn’t wait.

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