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And then she realized that since Paul had been completely open with her, it was only fair that she was open with him. And so, she told him about her mother’s dark days. That was what she’d called them when she was little. Her mother would have really great days, and then there would be days that her mother couldn’t get out of bed—where Leah would have to take care of not just herself but her mother too.

It wasn’t until she was a teen that she realized her mother had mental health issues. Before that she just thought it was normal because it was all she’d ever known. Once she knew what was going on, she begged her mother to get help. Her mother resisted but eventually sought out help. It would last for a while, but then her mother would hate how the medication made her feel and she’d go off of it.

After she finished filling him in on the numerous employers her mother had and all of the moving around, his face paled. “I feel so guilty.”

Leah shook her head. “Don’t be. You had no idea I existed, just like I didn’t know about you or my grandparents. I only told you because you were so honest with me. I thought my truth might help you understand her leaving Kringle Falls. I think it might have been part of her illness. Maybe she realized something was wrong with her and didn’t want her family to witness it. I don’t know.”

“But to keep you away from me.”

“Trust me. As I got older, we fought about it. By the time she died, I hadn’t spoken to her in a few years because she refused to be honest with me. I just wanted to know who you were.”

He reached out and squeezed her forearm. “I’m so glad you came to Kringle Falls. I would love a chance to get to know you better.”

Her heart swelled with hope. “You would?”

He nodded. “I would. And you do have a grandmother, who is anxious to meet you.”

“I do?” The words burst out of her. When he nodded, she said, “I thought my chance of having a grandparent was lost when I learned Miriam died.”

“Nope. You have my mother. In fact, she wanted to come to dinner tonight, but we didn’t want to overwhelm you. You also have my brother and his wife. They have a daughter about your age. And there’s my sister and her husband who have two sons. They are a little older than you.”

Tears rushed to Leah’s eyes. “I have a whole family.”

Paul nodded. “You do. And they all want to get to know you.”

She couldn’t wait to tell Shaun that she’d found her family. They didn’t feel like family, but she didn’t expect that from the get-go. They were strangers, but they were open to getting to know her better.

They didn’t have to welcome her into their home, but they did. They didn’t have to make room for her at their table, but they did. And now she had a big decision to make. Return to California? Or stay in Kringle Falls?

Chapter Nineteen

He hoped she liked it.

Shaun had been busy all evening. He’d answered some questions for the guests and tried to act like he had been in Kringle Falls for more than a few days.

The rest of the time, he was busy putting up the rest of the Christmas decorations. He figured if Leah didn’t like where he’d put the decorations, she could rearrange them.

He’d wanted to get her a Christmas tree for in the living room, but he didn’t have a vehicle at the moment. However, tomorrow after the guests checked out, he hoped they could take another trip into town. They had a tree lot where they could pick out a tree.

But tonight when she got home, he wanted the place decked out for the holidays so she could come home and relax. He’d made sure to turn on the outdoor lights, and he had to admit that Paul and his crew had done a great job. And now that a light snow had started to fall, it actually looked like something you’d find on a Christmas card.

He had just carried the last crate up to the attic and locked the door, when he heard Mochi bark. It wasn’t her low bark mixed with a little growl that she does with strangers. This was a higher pitched bark that she does when she’s excited.

He made his way down the stairs. He followed the sounds of an excited pup to the kitchen. It was there he found Leah peering into the fridge.

“I thought you were supposed to have dinner already,” he said.

Leah jumped at the sound of his voice. She pressed a hand to her chest and turned to him. “Do you always move with such quiet ninja skills?”

He let out a laugh. “Only when I see a beautiful woman prowling through the kitchen.”

“Beautiful, huh?” Her cheeks pinkened making her even more attractive.

He leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms. “Didn’t you eat?”

“Only a little bit. I was sooo nervous.”

He approached her. “I made some pasta for dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”