Lauren and I share a look before I say, “Joy.”
“Don’t even go there, Heidi. Soren’s shared all the trouble he’s having with Sara Beth now that she’s sixteen. Did you know that some boy from chemistry class asked her to the winter formal?”
“I did.” Diana had messaged the group chat between all the sisters after Sara Beth dropped the bomb on her parents.
The overprotective bluster from the Caldwell men is sweet and hilarious—a preview into my daughter's future. Patting Griffen's broad shoulder, I try to reassure him.
“Sara Beth can handle herself, just like our daughter will when the time comes.”
“I hope that time never comes. She can become a nun.”
“Oh my god… You did not just say that.”
The four of us devolve into the merits of convents and laughter over the ridiculousness of the topic.
And I wouldn't have life any other way than filled with family—even if they are a little crazy.
CHAPTER FIVE
DECEMBER 19
SOREN CALDWELL
I pace in front of the living room’s bay window while Rachel and Tristan play with a herd of horses Rachel got for her third birthday.
“Look, Daddy!” She holds a black and white horse over her head to show off the sparkly pink butterflies in its mane and tail. Apparently, the green ones weren’t good enough judging by their scattered presence on the area rug.
“Good job, baby,” I say with a faint smile.
Rather than on the daughter at my feet, my mind is on my eldest upstairs. The sixteen-year-old going on her first date tonight.
Diana has spent the past two hours up there helping Sara Beth get ready, while I watch Rachel and try not to freak out about my girl attending winter formal with a boy instead of her friends.
“Look at mine!” My nephew waves a chestnut pony in the air. It has a glittery halter and saddle hooked around its plastic body while its wild hair remains free of adornment.
When my sister’s husband shared his plans to whisk Kennedy away to Vienna for an anniversary trip, I immediately volunteered to watch Tristan for them. The same age as mydaughter, I figured the two rugrats would have fun together, and it would be easier for me to babysit than Ezra with his one-year-old twins.
“Nice buddy. Maybe this weekend we can visit the stables, and I can show you how to put a halter and saddle on a real horse.”
“Cool!” Tristan and Rachel high-five as she squeals in excitement. She loves hanging out at the lodge with me.
Another generation of Caldwells to continue our family’s legacy at the lodge, even though Tristan is technically a Lincoln. But we consider Wyatt an honorary Caldwell.
Diana sweeps into the room, an air of anticipation riding in her wake. “Sara Beth looks beautiful.” She bends to pick up Rachel and faces the bottom of the staircase. “Are you ready to see her?”
“Yeah!” Rachel and Tristan cry simultaneously.
I give a less enthusiastic nod.
“Alright, come on down.”
The swish of fabric brushing across the floor precedes the tip-tap of heels on the hardwood stairs.
The kids gasp as Sara Beth practically floats down the steps in a sea of silver silk and organza. Her hair is braided into a crown on her head that holds a few sprigs of white holiday berries.
“You look like a princess!” Rachel shouts, clasping her hands over her heart in awe.
Sara Beth spins in a circle to cause her skirt to flare. She really does look like a princess.
