Page 4 of This Christmas

“Pride Pueblo Cocina,” Faye said with a smile.

“That place is one of my favorites,” she told her. In truth, most of the places to eat in the small town were her favorites in different ways.

“We figured you two would be hungry,” Nate said, setting the bag on the counter and starting to unpack foil containers. “They are so busy tonight, we had to wait almost half an hour to get their enchiladas. They’re worth every minute.”

Faye laughed softly, and her sister’s voice sounded so different. “Lately, I’m obsessed with these and their tamales,” Faye added as she sat down.

Charlotte abandoned Nate’s leg long enough to peek into the bags. “Do they have churros?”

“Of course.” Nate winked, handing her the paper bag as though he’d brought it just for her. Charlotte squealed and rushed to the sofa with her prize.

Ally leaned against the counter, watching her sister, in awe of how much she’d grown. A year ago, Faye had been the one healing, piecing her life back together after everything their father had stolen from her childhood. She’d been the one living in the lighthouse temporarily. Then she’d fallen for Nate, and they had found the Ocean’s Heart diamond, together. Nate had anchored her in a way that Ally hadn’t thought possible. Now, her little sister practically glowed. Marriage suited her. Happiness suited her.

“How’s the house coming along?” Ally asked, trying to steer her thoughts into safer waters.

Faye’s smile widened. “Almost finished. The last coat of paint in the guest room went up this week, and we finally picked out the last curtains without arguing about the color.” She shot Nate a teasing look.

“I wasn’t arguing,” he countered, his tone mock-defensive as he scooped rice onto a plate. “I was making sure the house didn’t look like a floral explosion. There’s a difference.”

“Uh-huh,” Faye teased, bumping her hip against him.

The easy banter between them warmed Ally more than the food did. For a moment, she let herself imagine what it might be like to have that, to sit across the table from someone who didn’t raise their voice, didn’t twist love into a weapon, didn’t make her fear every breath she took.

“Here,” Faye said, sliding a plate of enchiladas toward her. “Eat. You look like you’ve been living on coffee and nerves.”

She laughed softly, though her throat tightened. She was suddenly grateful for the steam rising off the plate, hoping it would hide her expression. “Maybe just a little.”

Nate pulled out a chair for Charlotte, who climbed up, half a churro in hand and happy as could be.

All Ally wanted now was quiet and maybe a few months away from the constant fear of being followed by one of Ted’s goons.

She knew that he had a handful of private investigators following her every move. Every time they ended up in court, they would present images and video of her to prove that she wasn’t good enough to mother their child.

The case was always tossed out because there was nothing there to prove that she wasn’t a loving mother. Because she was. She’d do anything for Charlotte. Anything.

Ally may have not been good at most things, but she was a damned good mother.

Charlotte was her life. Everything she did was for that child. She’d gladly give up everything she had, as little as that was, to make sure that girl never wanted for anything.

“We’re heading out this weekend to go up to Nate’s buddy’s cabin to collect firewood,” Faye said as they ate. “Max has already had the wood delivered for this place.” She motioned toward the back door. “It’s stacked just outside. I will let you in on a secret.” She leaned forward. “The rooms upstairs get much warmer than the one down here. You should stay up there.”

“Thanks, we planned on staying upstairs. Charlotte has picked the room you were in, and I have the one across the hallway.”

“Max had me put a lock on the door to the secret tunnel so Charlotte won’t try and go down there,” he added in sign language so Charlotte wouldn’t hear. The girl had turned to watch the television.

“Thanks,” she signed back. “Max told me he was going to lock up the tunnels. Charlotte knows about them, so it’s good to know she can’t get in them,” she added in sign.

“You’re doing it again,” Charlotte said when she turned around and saw them talking with their hands. She had started to teach Charlotte basic signs and even though her daughter was picking it up, she had only mastered the ABCs so far.

“Sorry, bug.” She smiled. “Why don’t you finish up your taco and then go watch your show while Mommy and your aunt and uncle finish adult talking?”

Charlotte rolled her eyes and then shoved the rest of her taco in her mouth.

“How old is she again? I could have sworn she wasn’t a teenager yet,” Faye joked.

“Sometimes she reminds me of you,” Ally said absently. “The way she rolls her eyes and pouts reminds me of how much of a brat you were.” She smiled as she looked over at her sister. Faye rolled her eyes. “Yes, that’s the look.” Ally pointed at her and then laughed when Faye stuck out her tongue.

“Do you think Max and Juliette are ever going to just stay home?” Faye asked with a sigh.