Page 41 of Silver Hills' Christmas Miracle

She was lonely. I realized it as she turned away, and I suddenly felt like I was just watching an older version of myself. I had lumped her in with my father because she always seemed to be on his side, but now I saw it. She loved him so she supported him, but that could only last for so long.

“Besides.” Mom chuckled softly. “Maybe it would do him some good to call everyone on that list.”

I turned, smiling at the realization that maybe Mom and I weren’t so different, after all. Rook caught my eye from his stationary corner and his smile said all kinds of things.

You’re amazing. Are you okay? You need anything? I’m here for you.

I smiled warmly back, and a sudden ache spread down my arms at how badly I wanted to hug him right now. Fighting that urge, I returned to decorating the tree. The next hour passed so quickly that I didn’t notice it was nearing dinner time until Rook stopped me and handed me my phone. When I saw Melanie’s name flash up on the screen, I caught a glimpse of the time and groaned.

Time really was moving faster.

“Hello?”

“Hi, honey!” Melanie cheered. “Just a quick call. We’re all out of posters down at the bar. Honestly, I’m not even sure if you need any more because I don’t know of a single town member whodoesn’tknow about the ball at this point, but I wanted to let you know.”

“Okay, thank you. Can’t hurt to print some more, just in case,” I replied, balancing my phone between my ear and shoulder as I worked. “Plus, I have just spent two daysdecorating more trees than I’ve decorated in my entire life, so I need as many people here as possible to admire my work.”

“Oh, of course.” Melanie snorted. “Speaking of, I heard you shut down the town hall?”

“It’s not shut down,” I clarified, tangling myself in a reel of tinsel. “It’s just closed for business but open to the public. I had the idea that a lot of people might be too shy to splash out on a suit or gown for the Gala so instead, I bought them all from the dressmaker and a few other stores in the city. They’re on display at the town hall so that people can just go and choose one, get fitted, and they’ll look amazing on the night! Without worrying about the price tag.”

“Oh, shit,” Melanie gasped. “That’s so…”

“Over the top?” I chuckled. “I know. But I’m just trying to make this as easy as possible on people so that they will turn up, y’know? And it’s easy to make people feel spoiled when they don’t have to worry about price tags and stuff.”

“I wasn’t going to say over the top.” Melanie chuckled. “I was going to say generous.”

“Oh.” I paused my decorating and rubbed at my nose as warmth swept up the back of my neck. “It feels too much. Like I’m trying too hard and in the end, no one will be here and Christmas will be ruined.”

“I’ll be there,” Melanie reminded me, and I could hear the smirk in her voice. “Trust me, this will be amazing!”

“You think?” As I asked, stomping footsteps caught my attention. I glanced back down the ballroom to see Dad had returned, and he strode toward Mom and me, minus the list this time. “Hold on, I have to go. I’ll call you back.”

“Love you!” Melanie called as I hung up. Rook took a step closer as Dad stopped and held out one hand to help Mom off the ladder.

“I’ve decided I am fine with the guest list change,” Dad said stiffly.

My heart skipped a beat. This couldn’t be good.

“Good,” Mom said, brushing her hands down her pants. “It really isn’t an issue.”

“No. It isn’t.” Then Dad turned to me. “One thing, though, Kitty. I’m happy for you to attend the Gala. My friend needs a date, and I realizedyouare the perfect candidate!”

18

ROOK

“He’s doing this to punish me,” Kitty snapped, kicking her feet against the floor of my car. “He doesn’t want me to have fun. It’s like he’s trying to show me that no matter what I do, he’s always going to be right there, holding the power.”

“I could drive you home,” I said. We sat in the parking lot of The Anchor, the place Kitty had chosen for hergetting to know youdate with her father’s friend. I’d tried to joke that this turn of events showed that Samuel didn’t mind his friends dating his daughter, but that had gone down like a lead balloon. There was no way to make this easier for Kitty or me. I know she’d brought me along for protection and to keep an eye on her, but watching her go on a date with someone else?

I knew she wasn’t interested in any way, but it was still tough.

“No,” Kitty sighed. “I have to do this. God knows what my father will do if I fuck this up, and there’s only so much my Mom can do to appease him. I just…” Kitty adjusted her sparkly halter top and then reached over to take my hand. “I wanted my first date in public to be with you, y’know? So many people are going to see me with this guy and think I’m not really on their side.”

“Those who know you won’t think that,” I assured her quietly. “And I trust you. So do they. We all know you’re trying. This is just Samuel being a prick and throwing a fit because you and your mom showed him up. He’s likely trying to take back control or appease those rich bastards who don’t want to be around regular people.”

“It makes me feel like some kind of prize heifer.” Kitty sighed and pulled down the mirror to adjust her makeup. She’d lined her eyes with black, which made them pop to the point that I was sure I’d be able to pick her out in complete darkness.

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