“No, Mom, I’m staying. I’m marrying Van, writing his story, and taking a more active role at Wade.” Before anyone could comment, she looked at me and grinned. “Sixty-five to seventy-five percent.”

I nodded.

“Julia...” Her mother’s plea faded away.

Julia turned to her mother. “Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad. I love you. That hasn’t changed, but I have.” She looked down to where our hands were connected. “Whether Van entering my life was fate or red sin, he’s shown me in this short time that I have a voice and I can use it.”

“You’ve always had a voice.”

“No, Mom. I’ve always gone along with yours. Grandpa’s will gives me power. Van’s encouragement has given me the strength to assert it.”

Mr. McGrath offered me his hand. “Mr. Sherman, my daughter is my single greatest joy. Keeping Wade afloat has been my greatest struggle. I don’t know you, but if you’re sincere, I hope you’re right, and in a year, we can be one family.”

Releasing Julia, I shook his hand.

Julia went to her mother and offered her a hug. “Bye, Mom. I’ll be in touch after the first of the year.”

Mrs. McGrath hesitated. “I don’t want to leave you here all alone.”

“I’m not alone.”

“I do my homework too,” Butler announced.

All eyes turned to him.

“If you have something to say,” I said, “we’re listening.”

He spoke to Julia. “You want information, I’ll send you information.”

“If you have something to say,” Julia repeated, “say it. I’m done with this fake reconciliation.”

“Sherman is lying to you,” Butler said. “Dad has known him since before his name was Sherman.”

“I’m well aware of his name change,” Julia said. “That isn’t news.”

Mr. McGrath motioned to Butler. “It’s time that we leave.”

After a few more tense goodbyes and Butler whispering something to Julia, she and I stood in the entry and watched as all three got back into the SUV. I wrapped my arm around her. “You did wonderfully.”

Her smile beamed up at me. “Because I knew I wasn’t alone. You were here with me. And my dad actually listened.”

“You are a powerhouse, Julia. I believe in you.”

31. Julia

Julia

Back in the kitchen, I reached for the oven mitts and opened the top wall oven, removing the turkey breast. The second oven contained the casseroles to complete our holiday meal.

“What did Butler whisper before he left?” Van asked.

I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s celebrate. My parents are gone and this is our first Christmas.”

Van’s smile returned. “The first item on that list definitely deserves celebration.”

As I arranged the dishes, Van pulled a bottle of wine from the rack and brought down two glasses. My mind was on what Skylar had said.