Abby wondered if her mother knew that, yes, bitterness had crept into her voice. She glanced at Nic, who raised her eyes questioningly. Abby sighed. God, were her parents having marital problems again? Now?

She finished her coffee in a last gulp. “So, are you ready to explore outside? Play in the snow?”

Nic nodded. “I’d love to.”

“Gloves. Parka.”

She got up and looked at her mother. “We’ll go out the front door so we don’t disturb your birds back here.”

Her mother only smiled at her. “I made a breakfast casserole. I knew everyone would be up at different times. Let me get that in the oven. It only needs forty-five minutes to bake.”

“Thanks, Mom.” When Nic went ahead of her back into the kitchen, she paused. “Mom? Is everything okay? With you and Dad?”

Her mother forced a smile. “Of course, dear. It’s Christmas. Everything is fine.”

“You want to talk?” she asked gently.

Her mother waved her offer away. “Oh, you know how your father is. He gets involved in something and it becomes the center of his life. I didn’t tell you, but he’s moved into a manager’s position.”

“So much for retirement.”

“Yes. I guess I knew it wouldn’t last. He’s bored silly stuck here at the house and those first few years, we did all the touring we wanted to do.”

“What about you? Are you bored here?”

“I keep busy. There’s always something to do. And if there’s not, I bring a book in here to read. I can lose several hours like that.”

She went over to her mother and squeezed her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

“Oh, it is what it is. I guess I knew at the time that we were far too young to retire. I have things here to keep me busy, but your father? No. Now go take that cute girl of yours out for a play in the snow. Breakfast will be ready when you get back.”

She hurried up the stairs, finding Nic standing by the window, waiting for her. The bed had been neatly made and the room was tidy. She motioned to the bed.

“Thanks.”

Nic nodded. “I’m a bit of a neat freak when it comes to things like that.”

“Lucky me,” she said easily. Then she stopped. “You kissed me.”

Nic gave a quiet laugh. “That was hardly a kiss, Abby. But we are supposed to be girlfriends, aren’t we?”

“Yes. It surprised me, that’s all.”

She got her coat out of the closet and made sure her gloves were inside. Then she took her phone and slipped it into her pocket on the off chance she wanted to take a picture. “Ready?”

“Yes. Lead on.”