She’d been thrilled when Daniel’s family had become hers too, and over the years, it felt like they loved her as much as they loved him. She knew that yesterday and today Barbara would be cooking everything from scratch—from the biscuits to the pies—while Neal, Daniel, and Daniel’s sister, Margo, kept her company and chatted about everything from literature, sports, local events to world affairs.

She sighed, wondering if they were finished opening their presents and when they might be sitting down for dinner. Blaire missed all of them so much. She hated to think of them enjoying the day without her. She couldn’t continue to lie there and think about how far apart they were, so she got up and walked into the dining room.

The table had been set plainly for their meal. She ran her hand along its polished burl wood. She’d expected an elaborate table—the kind Lily had always set, with exquisite china, crystal goblets, and monogrammed silverware. Lily had countless sets of china for different occasions. Blaire would never forget the first time she had dinner with Kate and her parents. Harrison had asked Blaire to pass the salt, and she’d done so, passing the shaker to him. Afterward, privately, Lily had taken Blaire aside and told her that when someone asked for salt or pepper, the polite thing to do was to pass both. There were so many things Lily had taught her about manners and etiquette, things that Shaina, and certainly Enid, hadn’t had a clue about.

Blaire felt a tightening in her chest, and the pain of loss ripped through her. A sob escaped her lips, and she gripped the chair in front of her while taking deep breaths. There was so much she wanted to say to Lily, so much she needed to say. But some monster had taken Lily’s life, and with it Blaire’s last hope of ever seeing her again.

After a few minutes, she felt composed again and moved back from the table. It was set simply, six settings on festive placements, no candles, crystal, or greens. There wasn’t even a centerpiece—but then again, Blaire realized, setting a nice table must be the last thing on Kate’s mind.

She went to join the others when she heard Annabelle’s chirpy little voice. Kate looked sleepy, but she was definitely less agitated when Blaire entered the family room, where everyone was now gathered.

“Feeling better?” Blaire asked Kate.

“A little. There’s eggnog in the fridge,” Kate blurted suddenly. “Would anyone like some eggnog? Dad, would you get the eggnog? Grab a cup for Annabelle too—there’s no rum in it.”

Blaire studied her. Kate was still on edge, jumpy. The Valium seemed to have helped a little, but not enough.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Harrison said, his eyes troubled as he left the room.