As I head upstairs to make sure Abby is okay, Rachel’s sobs punctuate the air.
“Shh, honey, it’s okay.” Jake says, loud enough I can hear him. “Your sister didn’t mean—”
“She’s ruined everything,” Rachel yells. “How dare she do this to me? On Christmas, when we need to make wedding plans.”
I stop on the landing, torn between guilt and a sense of justice. Part of me feels bad for causing such chaos in the Sinclair household. But a larger part is proud of Abby for finally standing up for herself.
“Please calm down, sweetheart,” Mrs. Sinclair says. “If we all talk—”
“Talk?” Rachel scoffs. “There’s nothing to talk about. Abby made her choice. She chose him over her own family.”
I wince at the venom in her voice and continue up the stairs.
“Now, Rachel, that’s not fair,” Mr. Sinclair adds in a measured tone. “Abby has a right to make her own decisions.”
“But, Dad.” Rachel’s voice reaches new octaves. “It’s Christmas. I just got engaged. She can’t just leave.”
I shake my head, marveling at the family dynamics as I reach Abby’s bedroom door. Taking a deep breath, I knock gently.
“Abby? You ready?”
“Come in. I’m packing my things so I’m ready to go when we pick up Powerfluff.” She shoves clothes into her suitcase. Her eyes gleam with tears. “I can’t believe Rachel said I had the perfect life. I don’t know why she said that because she’s the one who claims everything in her life is perfect. But I’ve never spoken to her like that. I’m not sure what came over me, but is it wrong it felt good?”
“Not wrong. You’d had enough.” I hug Abby, and she stiffens before melting against me and wrapping her arms around me. “I’m proud of you.”
She looks up at me. Our faces are inches apart. I want to close the distance.
A knock at the door makes us jump apart.
“Abby?” Mr. Sinclair asks. “Can I come in?”
Abby clears her throat, her cheeks flushed. “Sure, Dad.”
Mr. Sinclair enters, looking sheepish. “Have a good time at John’s grandparents’ house. I’m sorry about Rachel. You know how she gets.”
Abby’s expression softens. “Thanks, Dad. We’ll be back later, okay?”
He nods, then hugs Abby, surprising us both. “I’m proud of you, kiddo.”
Abby forehead creases, and she stares at her father with a puzzled expression. “Um, thanks?”
The way she says the words as a question let’s me know she’s as taken aback by his words, as I am. How can her father be proud of her, given the way he’s treated her since we arrived last night. The special book he gave to Jake was the proverbial icing on the cake for me, and based on her reaction, I can safely assume Abby feels the same way.
“Be good, Powerfluff,” Abby says, looking under the bed. “We’ll see you later.”
Downstairs, the atmosphere is less tense. Rachel is nowhere to be seen, and Jake appears uncomfortable as he tells us to have a good time.
Mrs. Sinclair fusses over us, insisting we take some leftovers for the road. As we step out into the cold air, a weight lifts from my shoulders.
Abby takes a deep breath. “Ready for another family adventure?”
I take her hand in mine. “With you? Always.”
As we walk to my car, our feet sink into the newly fallen snow. I glance at Abby. It’s strange after what has happened with her family, but this Christmas is turning out to be one of the best.
CHAPTER TEN
Abby
