It had been a perfectly normal day, but she wasn’t sure what normal was anymore. They looked at each other like new lovers do, smiling in a secretive way that only they could. They teased and flirted and stole kisses. It never once occurred to her that there was no reason for any of that. No one from Abby’s family was around so there was no need to pretend to be girlfriends.

She shoved her hands into her pockets as she made her way along the street, absently glancing into the shops that she passed. At the corner, there was a nook—a small picnic area—with park benches and two tables. She thought maybe she’d take this time to call Addison and check in, even though she’d texted her on Christmas Day to let her know that she’d made it through another Christmas Eve.

She went over and sat down, lifting her face toward the sun. It wasn’t a brutally cold day but certainly not the warmish one they’d had yesterday. She’d learned over breakfast that there was a storm coming that would bring more snow. She wouldn’t mind that. She enjoyed watching it fall, much like she enjoyed the little snow globe Abby had given her.

The thought of that made her smile. Such a simple, trivial item, yet when she held it, shook it, it brought a peace and happiness to her that was unfamiliar. She liked the necklace, sure. It was unique. She reached a hand up, touching it now. It was the snow globe, though, that would always remind her of this trip. This trip and Abby.

She sighed, wondering how she’d let herself get so involved with Abby—and her family. Her whole adult life had been lived with the certainty that she would not let anyone get close to her—and she would not get close to them. So far, that had worked out perfectly. She dated and she had sexual relationships, that was it. That was what she was used to. That was all she wanted, all she needed. She was perfectly fine with that arrangement. She didn’t want anywhere near that trap that she’d told Abby about. Her parents’ life was a living hell and, therefore, that’s what her childhood had been. She was adamant that she would stick to her conviction and not ever let anyone close enough to control her. Her parents’ dysfunctional codependency had ruined their lives. Literally.

Yet here she was, falling into a companionable, close, and intimate relationship with Abby Carpenter. She couldn’t even say she was only pretending. Because she wasn’t. She enjoyed Abby’s company. She obviously enjoyed having sex with her. Abby had made Christmas—her most dreaded time of year—fun and even special.