Page 142 of Not Your Average Vixen
“Why?” Bridget asked, stunned by her sister’s response.
“Because now I understand. He doesn’t know that he’s surrounded by love, and that’s the saddest part. That’s Scooter’s greatest tragedy.”
Bridget stared out the window at the falling snow. Her sister was right.
“Birdie, look at me,” Lori coaxed gently.
She blinked back tears, then turned to meet her sister’s gaze.
Lori took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “We’re Dasher girls. We’re made of tough stuff. Look at where you are in your life. Now, you can do whatever you want. The sky’s the limit for you, Birdie. You don’t have to stay in Texas. You could move to Boston and be close to me and the Abbotts. You could even open a shop there. Look at everything you’ve done just this week!”
Her first impulse was to say no, but then, she remembered Grandma Dasher’s words.
Spread your angel wings, set your own course in this world, and soar.
She felt for the angel pendant around her neck.
Lori and her grandmother were right. It was time to take a leap.
She was no longer the Dasher sister who was afraid to jump.
She’d embrace the vixen.
“When did you get so smart?” she teased her sister through her tears.
Lori smiled as her gaze reflected deep gratitude. “I learned by watching my big sister. You see, she’s a remarkable woman. She cared for me. She worked two jobs to make sure I could focus on my studies. She cheered me on every step of the way. She’s the reason why I am the woman I am today. And more than that, she’s my hero.”
Lori’s words danced in the air like magical fairy dust, and Bridget could feel the shift in their connection.
She’d kept her promise to her grandmother. And while she knew her family would be grateful for her sacrifice, she couldn’t deny that she’d used the promise as an excuse for something less noble. A guise that masked her fear of reaching for the stars and living a full life.
That ended today.
Lori’s words set her free.
It was time for this Birdie to fly.
Bridget slid Grandma Dasher’s letter back into its envelope. “I could do with a change of scenery, and I like the thought of living on the East Coast. After working for Gaston and running his shop for years, I know what it takes to maintain a successful bakery. I’m ready for the challenge.”
“I’m thrilled to hear you say that,” Lori exclaimed.
Bridget wrapped her arms around her sister, not seeing her as the little girl she had to protect, but a capable woman. A confidant. A best friend. An equal.
Bridget Dasher was no longer stifled or stuck. It was time to believe in herself. And, lucky for her, she had three angels to guide the way.
The lights flickered again when a knock at the door caught their attention.
“Aunt Lori, Birdie, it’s me, Cole! I think I saw a Christmas fairy! Come quick!”
Bridget shared a look with her sister. “At least he didn’t leave the house this time.”
The women started down the hall, but Grace, Denise, and Nancy met them before they’d entered the main room.
“I’m afraid there’s some bad news,” Grace said, worry written all over her face.
“Cole just missed the Christmas fairy?” Lori asked.
Nancy shook her head. “No, I wish it were something as innocent as that. It’s the gondola. It’s not working.”
