Chapter 19

19

A lyssa hung a snowman ornament on a branch about halfway up the tree, stepping back to see how many more gaps she had to fill. The fresh pine scent mingled with aromas of dinner wafting from the kitchen where Denise poured two glasses of red wine. Their eyes met across the room.

“Are you okay?” Denise’s brow furrowed with concern.

“Yeah.” Alyssa picked up another ornament from the box at her feet and found a spot for it. “I was just thinking about how hard this time of year must be for you.”

Denise carried over their glass “It is.” She paused as she handed Alyssa her glass. “Or it used to be. I handle it better now.”

Alyssa searched Denise’s face, unable to imagine what it must have been like to lose her mother so young and right before Christmas. “Would you like to come with me to the candlelight service tomorrow evening?” Alyssa asked.

“The what?”

“It’s in town, in the park.” Alyssa took a sip of wine. “Everyone brings a lantern in memory of someone they loved. I used to go with your father. He always went with a lantern for your mother.” Her voice softened. “I went with one for my best friend from high school. She died in a car accident just after we graduated.” Alyssa’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “It sounds sad, but it’s actually a really nice evening.”

“I’m sorry about your friend.”

“Thanks,” Alyssa said softly. She took another sip of wine. “Would you like to come with me?”

“I would.”