Whisper of Bones (Widow's Island #3)(30)

“This is so pretty!” Mom walked down the porch steps and turned to face the house. She clapped her hands together in a prayer position. Her voice sounded girlish, and she nearly squealed, “I love Christmas!”

“It’s snowing!” Patience twirled in a circle and stared up at the sky. Snowflakes drifted down and landed in her hair.

Cate pulled into the driveway and parked. She stepped out of the vehicle carrying a basket.

“I hope those are cinnamon rolls.” Logan folded the ladder and carried it toward his sister.

“What else would I bring?” Cate laughed.

She lifted the cloth napkin draped over the basket. Logan took a roll and ate it as he carried the ladder around the side of the house toward the shed.

“The house looks incredible!” Cate turned to hand the basket to Tessa. “Your mom seems happy.”

“She does.” Warmth filled Tessa as she watched her mother and Patience ooh and aah over every light and bow. Just watching them interact without tension or sadness was a Christmas miracle. Tessa would savor every good moment, but the happiness was bittersweet.

“Do you want to stay for pizza?” Tessa asked Cate.

“No, but thanks,” Cate said. “I’m having dinner with Henry. He’s making steaks. Can we talk about the pendant and Sam’s case tomorrow?”

“Yes.” Tessa watched her sister touch the reindeer’s red nose and laugh. She hadn’t quite processed finding their first real clue in Sam’s case. “I promised Patience we’d decorate the tree tomorrow, but that’s all I have on my calendar.”

“All right, then.” Cate turned away from the house, waving over her shoulder. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Bye!” Tessa called.

“Can we have hot chocolate?” Patience asked.

“Of course!” Tessa said.

It wasn’t just her mother who needed a special holiday. Patience had also earned some TLC. Next year it might be just Tessa and Patience.

Logan came around the side of the house, whistling “Jingle Bells,” and Tessa smiled, her heart warming with a tiny spark of optimism. Maybe she and Patience wouldn’t be alone. Maybe Mom would stabilize, and Tessa’s relationship with Logan would grow. Who knew what the year would bring?

She needed to think positively. Logan made her happy. It was likely this would be a year of lasts, but there could also be some firsts.