Austin’s smile was genuine this time, not the practiced charm he used with everyone else. “Thanks, Kent. That means more than you know.”
Then his expression grew more serious. “Have you heard from Dad?”
I shook my head. “Not since yesterday when he basically disowned me.”
Austin was quiet for a second. Then he put his hand on my shoulder. “Take some advice from someone who’s made every mistake in the book—reach out first. Wish them all a Merry Christmas. Take the high road, unlike I did. Then if it all falls apart, at least you know you didn’t do anything wrong.”
The advice was unexpected but felt right. Austin had never been one for taking the high road in family conflicts, but maybe his years of exile had taught him something about regret.
Sylvie reappeared and offered to make Austin a plate. He followed her into the kitchen, leaving me with the time to make that call.
I found a quiet corner of the lodge, pulled out my phone, and called my dad. I was ready to extend the olive branch, even though I fully expected it to be rejected.
It went straight to voicemail, which wasn’t entirely surprising. Christmas morning was probably hectic at the family estate, with all the traditional activities and formal gift exchanges.
I called Kathy next.
“Kent!” Her voice was warm and delighted when she answered. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart!”
“Merry Christmas, Kathy,” I said, feeling a rush of homesickness at the familiar sound of her voice.
“Could you put me on speakerphone? I wanted to wish everyone a happy Christmas.”
“Of course. Hold on.”
There was a rustling sound and I could hear the background noise of Christmas morning at the Bancroft estate. Laughter, conversation, and babies crying.
“Kent’s on the phone!” Kathy announced. “He wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!”
There was a chorus of responses. Hudson’s voice, Diana, Hayes, Kameron, Dane, and the rest of them, along with what sounded like all of Kathy’s sons and their families. But I didn’t hear my father’s voice among them.
“We miss you, brother,” Hudson called out.
I felt a surge of emotion. “Tell everyone I love them.”
“We love you too,” came the collective response. I had to close my eyes against the sudden sting of tears.
After I hung up, I stood there for a moment, processing the complex mix of emotions churning in my chest. Part of me wished I was there, participating in the traditions I’d grown up with, surrounded by the huge family that was a little dysfunctional, but they were mine.
But then I looked across the room and saw Sylvie laughing with Austin, who was regaling them with some story that had them all grinning. I saw the natural warmth and acceptance that had welcomed me in despite every reason they had to be suspicious. They were welcoming Austin as well. They didn’t care about what he did or why he was here instead of with the rest of the family.
Here was better. Definitely better.
Austin caught my eye across the room and raised his coffee mug in a small toast. That was his stamp of approval. It meant a lot.
CHAPTER 73
SYLVIE
The aftermath of Christmas was wild and exhausting in the best possible way. Gift wrap was scattered everywhere, courtesy of all the presents Austin had shown up with like some kind of fairy godfather. The man had brought gifts for my entire family. He gave me, Mom and Stacy expensive cashmere throw blankets that were softer than anything I’d ever felt. He also brought decadent chocolates and imported treats we’d never tried before. Candles that smelled like heaven and cozy winter clothes with designer brand tags that made my eyes water. Dad and Brom were given Rolex watches.
He’d spoiled Aspen and Alder absolutely rotten, too. Toys that they would probably only get to admire on TV were now sitting in the living room.
My mind was blown. I felt like such a horrible person for making so many assumptions about the Bancroft family as a whole. I assumed rich people were all snobs. First Kent and now his brother. I didn’t know the story about Austin, but I was assuming he still had access to his trust fund or had found another way to make money. I couldn’t even begin to guess how much money he spent on gifts for my family. People he hadnever met. He just showed up and showered us with wealth and looked damn happy to do it.
And now Austin was outside teaching Alder how to operate the drone he bought him. He explained the drone could hold a phone and he could use it to shoot aerial footage of the property for advertising purposes. The drone was more of a family gift. Brom was out there learning how to use it as well.
I settled into one of the armchairs in the main room with Dad, both of us nursing cups of coffee and watching the chaos unfold outside. Kent had joined the boys. They were all taking turns with the drone controls while lobbing occasional snowballs at each other.
