Page 115

Beth nods for her to go on.

“It was a mix of us, both DV8s and the others.”

“The others,” Beth quips. “I guess that’s me.”

There’s no edge to her voice. I truly think she’s made her peace, and I’m grateful for her sake that she has, but I’m still upset on her behalf. She deserved a spot.

“Well, that’s the thing. The Dasher Valley 8 was created years ago, and I feel like our community has sort of outgrown it.”

Beth frowns. “What do you mean?”

“There are so many businesses, even on Rudolph Run alone, that are deserving of the title. It seems silly to make a distinction. So I told everyone at the Dash that I was bowing out.”

“You . . . what?” Beth sits up on the couch. “You’re bowing out?”

“I don’t want the DV8 title anymore.” My mom nods. “And it was funny, as soon as I said it, pretty much all the other DV8 members in attendance agreed and did the same. We have the Chamber. We’re all a part of that. Why don’t we just use that as our collective and not make another distinction, you know? Everyone but Xander was on board, and if he’s the only one left in the DV8, I can’t imagine it’ll be worth much.”

My mom grins into her cocoa as Beth stares at her, mouth gaping.

She snaps her jaw closed and swallows. “That, actually, makes so much sense.”

My mom nods. “Agreed. Just thought you’d like to know.”

Beth settles back and I squeeze her shoulder. “Thank you, for always looking out for us little guys, Elena.”

“You’re not so little, Beth. You’re a force.”

“Amen,” I agree again.

Beth chuckles.

My mom grins. “I’m excited to see what the new year holds for all of us.”

“Same here,” Beth says. “But today, I’m content to be right here, with you both. It’s by far my best Christmas on record.”

“Might have to steal that for a song title,” I tease.

Beth gasps playfully. “The truth comes out. You only want to be with me for my good ideas.”

“Eh, good ideas, good looks, it’s a toss-up.”

Beth pinches my side, and I laugh, tugging her closer to me.

“It’s a good thing you’ve been so sweet, or I’d be offended,” Beth says. “But I know what you actually feel about me.” She shoots me a sly grin before facing my mom. “Did you know your son is an expert at sharing his feelings and basically melting me into a puddle?”

My mom snorts. “He better be. If he ever slips up, you come talk to me. I’ll set him straight.”

“Hey, this isn’t fair. You two are going to gang up on me now?”

Beth laughs and winks. “Now and for the rest of our lives.”

Beth

The only way I can describe the feel of spending Christmas with Gabe and our families is glowing. Everything around us seems to shine bright, radiant with joy and hope.

’Tis the season, after all.

But it’s more than that. Life with Gabe is going to be glowing whether it’s Christmas Day or a random Tuesday. I have no doubt about that.