Gerri Hill has over forty published works, including the 2021 GCLS winner for Gillette Park, the 2020 GCLS winner After the Summer Rain, the 2017 GCLS winner Paradox Valley, 2014 GCLS winner The Midnight Moon, 2011, 2012 and 2013 winners Devil’s Rock, Hell’s Highway and Snow Falls, and the 2009 GCLS winner Partners, the last book in the popular Hunter Series, as well as the 2013 Lambda finalist At Seventeen. Gerri lives in south-central Texas, only a few hours from the Gulf Coast, a place that has inspired many of her books. With her partner, Diane, they share their life with two Australian shepherds—Rylee and Mason—and a couple of furry felines. For more, visit her website at gerrihill.com.

Chapter One

Abby nearly cringed when “Mom” popped up on her cell. Normally, that would bring a smile to her face. But it was November, after all. Her call could only mean one thing.

“Hey, Mom,” she greeted, forcing some cheerfulness into her voice.

“Good morning, Abigail. Am I catching you at a bad time?”

Abby eyed the three monitors on her desk, all with different data and spreadsheets. Could she lie and say she was absolutely swamped and had no time to chat? No. That would only delay the inevitable.

“No, it’s good.” She paused. “What’s up?”

“Well, it’s almost Thanksgiving.”

“So it is.”

“And you know what that means.”

“Yes. Christmas is right around the corner.” Again, the forced cheerfulness hid her chagrin. “Can’t wait.” The words were out before she could disguise them, and she sighed. “I meant that sincerely, of course.”

“Oh, Abigail. Are you still not over it?”

“I’m over it, Mom.”

“You can’t blame your brother, honey. It’s as much Holly’s fault as anything.”

She closed her eyes as if that would make the situation go away. “Do we have to talk about it?”

“Of course not. We’ll sweep it under the rug like we did last year. We’ll all have a joyous Christmas, just like last year,” she said sarcastically.

“Oh my god! You’re blaming me, aren’t you?”

“I said no such thing.”

“I can tell by your tone.” She grabbed the bridge of her nose. She wondered what her mother’s reaction would be if she knew that she and Holly had slept together last Christmas? But no, she couldn’t blurt that out. She was too embarrassed by the whole thing to ever tell her mother about that transgression.

“So, Aaron and Holly are coming up on that Thursday, the twenty-third. I know that’s when you normally come too, so—”

“Surely to god you’re not suggesting we ride together?” she asked sharply.

“Well, it seems a waste. You all live in Dallas. Why take two vehicles on a ten-hour trip?”

“Because if we took one vehicle, one of your children would not survive the trip and there’d be a funeral to plan.”

“Oh, Abigail, so you’re really not over it?”