“And you’ll actually listen? What a concept. So, what brought this about?” Darcy paused. “Oh, wait. Don’t tell me. Huntley’s kids were horrible.” She pictured Amy and Orion at their worst—obnoxious, making a mess, squabbling with each other, fussing about the food. Back when she was married to Huntley, she had known how to take charge of the kids. They complained about her being bossy, but when she was around, they behaved.

“I think they miss you,” said Mary.

I miss them, too, Darcy thought. Yes, they’d been impossible the past couple of years, but they were kids, hurting kids.

“However, we decided it’s not fair to include Huntley if it means you won’t be there for the holidays.”

Did they have any idea how small that made her feel? How petty and selfish? She pictured what it might be like, with Huntley and his children barred from the traditional celebration. Would Huntley’s parents defect, as well? His brother? And then Lydia? The entire holiday would come apart at the seams, all because Darcy didn’t want to be anywhere near Huntley.

“It won’t work,” she said. “Badgley and Huntley are practically joined at the hip. I can’t imagine Badgley would agree to this.”

“Badgley doesn’t get a vote,” Lydia said simply, folding her arms. “Please, Darcy. This is a really important time for us.”

“What the heck do you mean, really important?”

“We’re...” Lydia’s eyes misted. She slowly sipped her mimosa. Her virgin mimosa, made with sparkling water.

“Oh my gosh,” Darcy said. “You’re pregnant!”

Lydia nodded, her smile soft, aglow with pride and mystery. “Yes. Finally.”

Darcy reached over and hugged her so hard they nearly fell off their lunch counter stools. “That’s fantastic, Lyddie. I’m so excited for you.”

The other sisters squealed and hugged, and Lizzie, always the most emotional of the bunch, teared up.

“You’re all the first to know,” Lydia said, dabbing at her eyes. “Don’t tell Mom and Dad yet. Badgley and I are going to make an announcement on Christmas. That’s why it’s so important to have everyone present.”

Darcy took both her sister’s hands and squeezed them tight. “I couldn’t be happier for you. I’m completely thrilled for you and Badgley. But I want your announcement to be a wonderful moment for the whole family, one you’ll always remember. My being there, having to endure Huntley, would only cast a shadow over your good news.”

“Darcy—”

“I’m going to do everyone a favor and make this simple.”

“No,” said Mary and Kitty simultaneously.

“My friend India invited me to spend the holidays with her and her family, and I’ve accepted.”

“But you did that at Thanksgiving,” Lydia pointed out.