Page 69 of No Love Lost

Addy held up her Phail card. “I’ve got 1947 on my card. Maybe that’s when it was made?”

Nina leaned forward to look at him past Addy. “Have you seen the movie before, Dad?”

His chest swelled as it always did when she called him that. “Nope. My family never watched Christmas movies.” Actually, they hadn’t done much of anything together.

As if reading his thoughts, Nina reached across and squeezed his hand. “I like that this is our first family Christmas movie as well as the Phail Christmas movie.”

“I like it too. A lot.” His voice was thick and husky, and he watched Addy blink back tears.

When a giant panda balloon came on screen in the Macy’s parade, Nina whooped and unmuted their connection to call out her square.

Addy got a full line with cranky customers and then Nina with slammed door.

He missed most of his spots because he couldn’t tear his eyes off of his girls as they watched the movie. The fear from earlier in the day was settling, but his mind kept drifting back.

By the time the movie family found a house and a future, Heath figured he’d been through the emotional wringer. So many parallels between their lives and those on the screen. Even though their stories were very different, the emotions were the same.

They were still munching on the candy canes that had come in the envelope when Troy wrapped up the session from town. “Don’t forget to come to the Saloon tomorrow afternoon for some games and good food. See you then.”

Nina turned off the connection and turned to Addy. “How are you feeling? Your breathing sounds okay to me.”

Addy smiled. “I’m good. I feel pretty normal. We can go to the events at the Saloon tomorrow.”

Nina rolled her eyes. “That’s not why I’m asking.”

Addy laughed. “I know, but it’s fun to see the teenage eye roll.”

Nina did it again. “Just wait until my next birthday. When I’m a real teenager, I bet it gets even more dramatic.”

She stood up and Animosh jumped up with her. “I’m going to read some and then go to bed.” Her gaze moved to Heath. “You’re staying, right?”

He nodded, so proud of his daughter and her protectiveness toward Addy. “I am.”

Nina grinned. “Good. Good night.” Then she and the dog disappeared into her bedroom.

Heath chuckled and kissed Addy’s hair. “Okay?”

She nodded and turned to face him. “Yes. You and Nina don’t need to worry so much about me. I’m fine.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Then you’re doing better than I am. I was scared completely shitless today.”

She nodded. “Me too, but you saved me. Thanks for that, by the way.”

He kissed her nose. “Anytime, but let’s try to not have to go through that again.”

Addy laughed. “Agreed. I want to hear the whole story, but not tonight. Marcus is going to come out tomorrow morning to take my statement. Let’s leave it until then.”

He nodded. “Let’s bask.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Bask?”

He grinned and gestured around the room. “Bask in the fact that we’re all safe, warm, and happy. We had a family night that was just about perfect. That we can have a Christmas without the worry hanging over us.”

Addy’s smile grew as he finished his explanation. “I like that. Let’s bask.”

Addy woke surrounded by Heath’s arms and peace. She’d slept without nightmares, and her lungs didn’t ache.

She didn’t think she’d even moved, but Heath’s breath in her ear changed to a murmur. “Morning. How do you feel?”

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