“It’s fine. When you go back inside, would you wake up Logan for me and tell him to come out and help?”

“Have you eaten? I could—”

“I’ve eaten,” he interrupted. “Just tell Logan.”

“How was yesterday?” Lina asked when he began to turn away.

“Fine.”

“Fine? Really?” His coolness annoyed her.

“What do you want me to say?” Phil asked.

“The truth.”

“Why? Is that going to change anything? I think you know exactly how yesterday was, and I’m sure Christmas is going to be worse. Megan’s already talking about spending Christmas Eve with me and letting Logan and Katie stay with you. I don’t want them separated.”

“I’m surprised she hasn’t asked to move in with you completely.”

“She has.”

“Wow.” She dropped her eyes. “That didn’t take long.” His words stung.

“Their lives are in an uproar too.”

“I know.”

“I’m going to get back to work.”

“If you’re open to it, maybe we should consider a combined Christmas just for this year. You don’t have to answer now, but think about it.” She hadn’t planned to say the words, but as she did, she knew it was what she wanted. Thanksgiving had been too hard.

“Stop right there,” Lina called out the following afternoon as she descended the stairs and saw Matt stepping into the foyer with dirty boots. “Go back outside and come in through the basement.”

“I’m coming from work,” he said, looking down at his shoes.

“I don’t care where you’re coming from. You’re not going to track dirt through the house.” She took his arm and led him back outside. “Logan, go open the basement door for him.”

“Katie said I could shower here so I don’t have to go all the way home. I have practice tonight.”

“That’s fine. You can use the basement shower. Just go around back and Logan will let you in.” She closed the door and practically ran into Megan.

“Who was that?”

“Matt. He’s coming from work, and he’s covered in sawdust or something.”

“Who’s Matt?” Megan asked.

Lina hesitated. She’d completely forgotten Megan didn’t know about Matt. “Katie’s boyfriend.”

“Katie has a boyfriend? Since when?”

“At least a month ago,” Lina answered. It was odd that someone who had ingrained themselves into her heart and home was yet unknown to her oldest daughter. “He’s downstairs showering. You can meet him when he comes up.”

Megan scrunched up her face. “Why is he showering at our house? Does he live here?”

“No, of course not. He works ten minutes from us, but thirty from his own house, so he’s cleaning up here to save time.”

“Who is he? Does he go to McDonogh?”

“Matt’s here?” Katie asked, joining them.