“Mom’s right. Drew’s not worth a lawsuit or jailtime,” Tasha agreed.
“He owes you a huge apology.” There was an unfamiliar edge to Alek’s voice.
Her brother wasn’t wrong. “So do mom and dad.”
Mom gasped.
Alek laughed. “Tasha is right. You do. You blindsided both of us by selling the rink.”
“You ripped my job away. The rink was the only stability I had in my life.”
“I’m sorry,” Mom and Dad said at the same time.
“We told you we handled it wrong,” Dad added. “One hundred percent we made a mistake.”
“We’ll make it up to you.” Mom didn’t hesitate to answer. “Somehow. And it’s all worked out. You finally skated in public again. You were breathtaking.”
“We’re both so proud of you, sweetheart,” Dad said. “Watching you skate in the show… I have no words.”
“He cried almost as much as Mom!” Alek shouted.
“Nothing wrong with crying,” Dad defended himself. “I know we messed up but the rink, but we’re here for you. Always. I love you.”
Tasha sniffled. “I love you. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, tiny skater.” Dad had called Tasha that for as long as she remembered.
“We’ll call after we’ve opened your gifts,” Mom said. “We have brunch reservations.”
“On Christmas morning?”
“It’s a big thing here.” The words sounded like a shrug. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” The line disconnected.
Maybe Tasha should pack up this morning and drive to Seattle. She could be there before dinnertime.
Bet Mom would like that. Dad too. Even Alek.
The truth was, Tasha would enjoy it. She needed to check the weather forecast to see if chains were required. But if they weren’t…
Her family loved her. Gold or bronze didn’t define them.
Well, her mom—sort of.
But Tasha had fixated on it and so much else.
None of them was perfect, especially her. If she accepted her family for who they were, not how she wanted them to be—the same as she wanted from them—their relationship might improve.
It was worth a try.
She returned to opening her bounty of gifts—there had to be at least a dozen—which ranged from flavored candy canes to a scented candle in a jar. Such a thoughtful group of kids and parents.
“The Carol of the Bells” played next.
One present remained—a small square box wrapped in craft paper and tied with twine.
Tasha reached for it. “No tag or card.”
