“Christopher,” Gabe warned, but there was no real heat in it.
“They should know,” Christopher replied simply. He looked at Isabella, who’d been refilling cocoa cups. “Thank you for helping set this up. The surprise was perfect.”
Isabella’s cheeks flushed slightly. “It was nothing. I’m glad I could help.” Her eyes moved to Trinity. “It’s nice to see Trinity really smile.”
“So much for none of us being able to fit in more cookies.” Jack glanced at the empty cookie plates, thenat Julie with amusement. “I think we’ve demolished Isabella’s hard work in record time.”
“They were irresistible,” Julie said, dabbing at her lips with a napkin and glancing at Isabella. “Thank you, dear. This was exactly what we all needed.”
“Dad, there is so much to do here, at the inn, the island, and St. Augustine…” Trinity’s voice rang with excitement, but died as she glanced at his foot. “But you might not be able to do any of it.”
“Nonsense,” Gabe said, ruffling her hair. “That’s what the boot’s for. So I can do things with my girl.” He pulled her into his arms, hugging her tight, and tears stung Holly’s eyes as she watched the scene.
She was still a little awestruck that her baby was home.
“Are you sure, Dad?” Trinity replied with complete seriousness. “Because we’ve been really active since we got here. There’s all the Christmas stuff to do and…” Her eyes widened, reflecting her excitement. “I’m helping Jane decorate,” she looked at Jane and smiled, “and get the ballroom ready for the Winter Ball that we’re hosting on Christmas Eve.”
“Oh?” Gabe said, his brows lifting. “That sounds very fancy.”
“And fun,” Trinity added.
“Yeah, that too,” Gabe said, laughing, and squeezed her again. “I’m just so happy to be home with you, baby girl.”
“I’m happy you’re here too, Dad,” Trinity’s voice dropped. “I hope this isn’t a dream and I wake up with a tummy ache and you’re actually not here.”
“I’m here,” Gabe assured her, and then just to prove it, started to tickle her and set her off in squeals of delight.
“Be careful of your father’s foot,” Holly said, moving closer to the two of them. “If he hurts it again, he really won’t be able to participate in all the fun.”
“He started it,” Trinity accused with a big smile.
“Guilty,” Gabe owned up and turned to his mother. “How are you holding up, Mom?”
“I’m actually doing great,” Holly said and realized she meant it. “This place has been good for me, Trinity, and even your Aunt Charlie.” She glanced at her sister, who was engaged in conversation with Jack, Logan, and Isabella, with Christopher at the center. Julie and Jane sat watching and taking in all the excited chatter.
“You do seem happy, Mom,” Gabe told her, taking Holly’s hand and giving it a loving squeeze. “I’m glad you came here for Christmas.” He looked around. “It feels almost magical and like…”
“Home?” Holly added.
Gabe frowned and nodded. “Yes.” His frown deepened. “Is that weird?”
“Not at all,” Holly said, shaking her head. “I felt that way as soon as I walked through the door.”
“Gabe…” Christopher turned and stopped. “Oh, sorry, Holly….”
“No,” Holly held up her hand. “Please, go ahead. I need a bathroom break.”
Holly stood and walked to the door. Turning back, she felt her heart swell as she watched them together. Her son was home, injured but whole, and her granddaughter glowed with a happiness Holly hadn’t seen in months. Around them, this makeshift family they’d found at the Christmas Inn welcomed them with open arms and easy laughter. For this moment, everything was perfect.
The conversation in the dining room had grown louder, voices overlapping in that comfortable chaos of family, and Holly felt the sudden need for a moment of quiet. She slipped through the doorway unnoticed, Trinity’s animated voice telling Christopher about her shell collection fading behind her as she entered the lobby.
The space welcomed her with its gentle hush. The antique grandfather clock in the corner ticked steadily, a sound that had probably echoed through this room for generations. Holly paused, letting the peace wash over her. The emotion of Gabe’s surprise arrival had left her feeling raw and overwhelmed in the best possible way, but she needed just a minute to catch her breath, to process the miracle of having her son home for Christmas.
The lobby sparkled with Julie’s careful decorating. Garlands of pine wrapped the stair banister, dotted with tiny white lights that cast a warm glow across the polished wooden floors. The registration desk bore a miniature village scene, complete with tiny Victorian houses dusted with artificial snow and a small train that actually moved on its circular track. Every surface held some touch of the season: Glass bowls filled with ornaments, candlesticks wrapped in red velvet ribbon, and a collection of snow globes that caught and reflected the light.
Through the tall windows flanking the front door, Holly could see that the night had grown darker. The porch lights illuminated just enough to show the empty street beyond, and the other buildings of Anastasia Island settled into evening quiet. The contrast between the warm interior and the cold December night outside made the inn feel even more like a sanctuary.
Movement by the door caught her attention, and Holly’s heart skipped. A man stood there, so still she hadn’t noticed him at first. He was well-groomed, possibly in his late thirties, wearing a charcoal gray coat that looked expensive. His hair was perfectly styled, his shoes polished to a shine that seemed out of place for someone who’d walked from wherever he’d parked. Everything about his appearance suggested careful attention to detail.
