“Thank you. Thank you so much for just giving this party every year.” She hugs me.

“Maybe we can work on the yoga studio together?” Jeannie says.

“We love you,” Charlene says. She doesn’t say you’ll get through this. And she doesn’t say I’ve been there and I know. I don’t, either. We glance at each other, and the time we lived together dovetail babysitting, jobs, taking care of Sky, Luke, and each other is in that look.

Taylor sees this and says, “Yes, I know. It’s like you said, get through it stronger and more me.” She turns to Jeannie. “Maybe singing in that studio, too.” And she laughs.

By the time I wave them goodbye, Rosie and Jeannie have their coats on. Rosie is always the first one to arrive and the last to leave. I hug them and watch as they walk out together. Jeannie says something to Rosie. I see Jeannie turn her head and watch her mouth move, but I don’t know what she says. It provokes a hug from Rosie. They stand in the middle of the quiet street, hushed by the blanket of sparkling snow, the streetlights shining on their hair, and I watch them clasp each other before they part to brush off separate cars.

I TAKE OFF my clothes and wash my face. The bruise blooms purple with tinges of yellow around it as a flower on my cheek. I put on crazy-colored striped flannel pjs, the kind I’d never wear with Jim, and wrap myself in my lavender robe.

There’s wine in my glass, which is still decorated with its Santa ornament. Charlene lies on the sofa, a pillow from my bed under her head and a blanket covering her. I sit in the chair she occupied all night.

“Another great party.”

“Next year will be even better.”

Charlene curls her hands under her chin. “Yes, it’ll get easier, but it won’t go away. And I’m thinking Sissy may be right.”

I nod. “I could see you as a minister. Not twenty years ago, not ten years ago. But now.” I revolve my shoulders back and then massage my neck. “I told Jim I love him.”

Charlene raises her glass. “Quite a night for you. Good news from Sky. A major step with Jim. And you’ve opened yourself to both your new grandchildren.” She stresses the word both to underscore my earlier concern and displeasure at Tara’s situation.

“Sissy’s amazing. If her son is half as fabulous as his mom, Tara found herself a prize. And me, I’m going to so enjoy adding to all that love.”

“Maybe Luke is right and love is immortal. Maybe it’s the ultimate ripple effect. The ultimate butterfly’s wing.”