“Oh, yeah, that’s right. My free vacation.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “And other things.”

Abby met her gaze. “Let’s don’t talk about it, please.”

“Okay, I’ll play nice. I’ll also try not to embarrass you.”

“You won’t embarrass me. I hope my mother doesn’t ask anything to embarrass you.” She took a deep breath. “I guess it’s showtime.”

She reached into the backseat for her jacket before getting out. The air was cold and fresh, and it smelled like the forest, the fragrance as intoxicating now as it had been when she was a child. The driveway was clear of snow, and she walked around her Explorer, opening the back so they could get their bags. They had two each, and she handed one to Nic, who slung it over her shoulder before taking the smaller duffel bag.

“It doesn’t feel as cold as I thought it would.”

“No. The air is dry and with the sun shining, it’s almost pleasant.” She glanced to the house, seeing her mother at the door. “I guess she heard us.” Abby met Nic’s eyes for a moment. “You ready?”

Nic took a deep breath, then nodded. “Sure…honey.”

Abby laughed, releasing some of the tension she felt. “You can call me any endearment you want except ‘baby’ or ‘darling.’” She nearly cringed. “Holly used to call me those. I told her I wasn’t fond of them, but she ignored me.”

“Why don’t you like them?”

She shrugged as she headed toward the house. “I don’t know. They sound condescending to me. Especially darling. It sounds so haughty, which fits Holly perfectly.”

“You’re right on time!” her mother called as she opened the door fully.

Abby walked up the steps to the front porch, feeling Nic behind her. “Hi, Mom,” she greeted as her mother pulled her into a hug. When she was released, she smiled broadly, hoping it didn’t look forced. “This is Nic Bennett.” She turned to Nic. “And this is my mother, Sandra Carpenter.”

“Such a pleasure to meet you, Nicole. I’m so happy you were able to come for Christmas.”

Her mother drew Nic in for a hug too, and Abby tried to hide her smile as Nic’s eyes widened.

“Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Carpenter.”

“No, no. Call me Sandra.”

“Well, then, you should call me Nic.”

“That’s lovely, dear, but I think I’ll stick with Nicole. Now come inside. There’s a roaring fire that your father got going for me earlier.”

“Is he not here?” Abby asked as she followed her mother inside.

“I sent him into Taos for some last-minute shopping. He should be back within the hour.”

“Oh my god,” Nic murmured as she looked around in awe.

Abby smiled at her mother. “I tried to prepare her.”