“They…they were drunks, like I said. He could at least function and hold down a job. She couldn’t.” She shoved her hands into her pockets. “He wasn’t working shift work any longer, so by the time he got home each day, she’d already been drinking for hours and hours. He’d pour a drink as soon as he got in the door and gulp it down, like he was trying to catch up to her. There was seldom dinner made. He’d yell. She’d yell. They’d fight.” She sighed. “Pretty much every day was like that. She always passed out first, then things quieted down. He’d sit in his recliner, a drink in his hand, staring at the TV as if it were on. She’d be either on the couch or slumped back in her chair. Christmas was no different.”

She felt Abby’s hand tug her own out of her pockets, and warm fingers wound around hers. She turned to look at Abby. “I think my dysfunctional family tops yours.”

Abby gave her a sympathetic nod. “Are you an only child? Or do you have siblings?”

Nic stared back at the tree. “I…I had a brother.” Then she cleared her throat. “Sorry. I’ve been in a little bit of a funk today.” She motioned with her hand toward the kitchen. “Should we go in?”

“Are you up for it?”

She paused. “I could maybe use a hug.”

“Oh, Nic.”

Abby wrapped her arms around her shoulders and pulled her tight. Nic closed her eyes, relishing the closeness. No one ever hugged her except for Addison. Oh, Eric did sometimes but his hugs were the one-armed “good to see you” hugs. Not the affectionate ones that Addison gave her. And this one from Abby? Nic slid her arms around Abby’s waist, noting the slimness of it. She pulled her closer until their bodies were touching. This caused a contented—relieved—sigh to leave her. This hug was nice. She didn’t ever remember getting one quite like it before.

“Oh, there you two are.”

They pulled apart, finding Sandra watching them with a broad smile. Abby took a step away from her.

“Sorry. We—”

“Oh, it’s all right, Abigail. But breakfast is ready.”

“Are they in there?”

“They are,” she said quietly. “And they’re making plans to go into town today too.”

Abby groaned. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Maybe we should do a group lunch,” Nic suggested.

Abby actually slugged her arm playfully. “Are you out of your mind?”

“Come into the kitchen. Please,” her mother said in a quiet voice. “I shouldn’t be the only one subjected to more house plans.”

“Oh god…again?”

But they dutifully followed Sandra into the kitchen. Aaron and Holly were at the table, coffee cups in front of them. Aaron was scrolling through his phone, and he glanced up, offering a quick smile.

“Good morning.”