Brianna had opened her gifts before the sun had risen. In front of the Christmas tree, she played with her new toy veterinary center. She’d “volunteered” Charlotte to be her first patient.
“You’re a kitten. You have to meow.” Brianna demonstrated.
Charlotte clapped and laughed. “Me-ow.”
James’s two boys pushed their way through. “We wanna play.”
Brianna looked away. “I don’t know. You were mean to me yesterday.”
“You’re a bossy-pants,” the older said.
“Time for Christmas carols.” James headed off the confrontation. “Brianna, would you play the piano?”
Smiling, she abandoned her toy, climbed onto the bench, and fanned her fancy red Christmas dress over her tights. “Isn’t Uncle Bruce going to play?”
Seth had brought Bruce home earlier, but he was upstairs resting. He had been given pain medication for his injuries, but Carly knew his pain was only partially physical. Having Charlotte in the house was a constant reminder of Amber Lynn’s death. Bruce hadn’t had time to grieve or process the murder, and he likely blamed himself even though there was nothing he could have done to foresee or prevent her murder.
“Uncle Bruce is tired, honey. Maybe he’ll play with you later.” Patsy sat next to her granddaughter and enveloped her in a giant hug. “Let’s sing ‘Away in a Manger.’ I heard you playing it last week, and it sounded lovely.”
James went for his fiddle and found a tambourine for the baby to shake. Carly and Stevie gathered around the piano. Patsy’s voice floated over the room. They played and sang for an hour, taking turns on instruments and harmonizing the way they had since they were born. While Carly missed her father with an empty ache, she was also grateful to have the rest of her family gathered around her.
“Brunch is ready,” Debra called from the kitchen. The table was spread with everything from ham to pancakes to pastries. The meal that had taken three days to prepare was consumed in twenty minutes.
A crash sounded from the living room. Trina yelped. Chairs scraped as everyone left the table to see what had happened. In the middle of the living room, the tree lay on its side. Brianna’s kittens wrestled their way out from under it, their little bodies tangled in the lights.
Carly and her sister rushed forward to free them while Seth and Zane righted the tree. Patsy broke out the vacuum and cleaned up the broken bits of ornaments. By some miracle, only a few glass balls had broken and the lights still worked.
“I have an announcement.” James came out of the kitchen with a bottle of champagne. “The O’Rourke deal is going through.” He popped the cork.
“Congratulations.” Patsy brought a tray of glasses, and James poured and handed out champagne.
“Construction will start as soon as weather allows,” James said. “It won’t solve all Solitude’s woes, but the jobs are much needed.”
Full of ham and pie, Carly took a glass and dropped onto the sofa. Seth sat down next to her, and she rested her head on his shoulder. “Never a dull moment around here.”
He set his glass on the coffee table. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m grateful for more than I can say this year.”
“Me too.” Carly intertwined their fingers.
“How do you think Luke will do raising a baby?” Seth asked.
Carly thought about his question. Her instincts told her the baby was going to be okay. “I think he cares, and that’s a good sign. He has a good job. I’ll help him with the details.”
“You’re amazing.” Seth kissed her. “I don’t think I ever appreciated what you do as much as I have this week.”
His praise filled her with happiness. She turned her head and kissed him back. “You were right, though. It isn’t a good time to have another child.”
Seth brushed a knuckle across her cheek. “I wouldn’t have turned her away.”
“I know that too.” Carly snuggled closer.
“We’ll get there in time,” Seth said.
“Why do you think I bought you that new tent for Christmas?” Carly joked.
Seth’s chest shook as he laughed. “I like the sound of that.” He lifted his glass to hers. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.” Carly tapped her flute on his. “Here’s to fifty more.”