Harper jumped. She hadn’t realized Karoline had come into the kitchen, hadn’t heard a thing. “Hey,” she responded, quickly pasting on the smile she’d been wearing the whole time they were in LA. They were home now, but with Christmas only two weeks away, they were focusing on festive activities.

“I just talked to Mom.”

“What’d she say?” Harper asked. “Are she and Dad still coming out for Christmas?”

“Not anymore. Aunt Elaine had another ministroke last night.”

“Is she okay?”

“She’s going to be fine, but she’s been having so many health problems that Mom feels they should go to her house and help with Christmas.”

“It’s too bad what Elaine has been going through.”

“I’m sad for her, and a little disappointed for us,” Karoline admitted. “But Mom and Dad said they’d come for Easter. You will, too, won’t you?”

“Of course. Or you can all come to my house.”

“Where are the kids?” Karoline asked.

“Stringing popcorn for a garland in the family room.” Karoline had decorated the tree that stood in the front window, where all the neighbors could see it, but she’d set up a second tree for the kids.

“You’re not helping them?”

“I am. I just came in to get a drink.” She’d also been using the privacy of the empty kitchen to let down her guard for a moment, but she couldn’t say that.

“So they’re having fun?”

“A blast.” Harper walked over to set her empty glass in the sink.

“I’m thinking we should make gingerbread houses this year.” Karoline held out the magazine in her hands to show Harper several elaborately decorated gingerbread houses. “Look at these. Aren’t they beautiful?”

Harper considered the pictures. Normally, she would’ve loved to make gingerbread houses. But in her current state, she didn’t have the energy to take on something that required so much work and creativity. “You mean…like, one? Or more than one?”

“Each of the girls will want to make her own.”

“Probably.”

“We should each make one, too.”

Harper laughed. “What on earth will we do with that many gingerbread houses?”

“Take pictures of them, post them on social media—and then give them away.”

“To who?”

“Whoever could use some Christmas cheer! We’ll take over a plate of cookies, too.”

Harper slid her gaze over to the clock. It was only seven on a Friday night. But somehow, all she wanted to do was go to bed. “Are you talking about doing this tonight?”

“No, the girls are busy with the tree. We could do it tomorrow morning. I just need to run over and buy the candy and stuff.” She got her keys from the drawer where she kept them. “Want to go with me? Terrance is here to look after the girls.”

“Sure,” Harper lied and dutifully went to get her coat.