Page 117 of Loud Unspoken Memories

The room is silent but for a few lingering whispers. It’s like everyone is waiting to see what I’m going to do. I hate being the center of attention.

“Dallas isn’t here.”

I feel ill. All I can do is nod and hold back tears.

She tilts her head, looking amused. “Aren’t you going to ask why?”

“I’m not sure I want to know the answer.”

She giggles. “Oh, I think you do.”

I blow out a breath. “Okay then. Why?”

She glances at a huge clock on the wall that must be eight feet wide and has roman numerals as numbers. “I’m guessing right about now he’s knocking onyourdoor.”

“Mydoor?” I almost hyperventilate. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, my idiotic brother finally came to his senses about seven hours ago and chartered a jet to fly him to Orlando. He’s probably standing outside your place wondering where the hell you are, looking about as confused as you do right now.” She laughs again. “I’d give anything to see the look on his face when he finds out you’re here.”

It takes a minute to digest this information. He flew to Orlando.For me?“Are you serious?”

Lucas and Blake come over, smiling. “It’s true,” Lucas confirms. “You can’t even imagine the hell it’s been to be around him lately. The pain in the ass did nothing but sulk and work. I told him what a fool he was and convinced him to do something about it.”

Blake elbows him. “Hey now,I’mthe one who convinced him.”

“Boys,” Sarah says, joining the conversation. “I’m not sure anyone needed to convince him of anything. He just needed time to realize it himself.”

“Realize what exactly?” I ask.

Sarah grins. “I suppose that’s something you should askhim.”

“Do you… think I should call him?”

“Won’t do any good,” Lucas says, holding up his phone. “He just texted that he’s flying back. He may even make it by midnight.”

My eyes bulge. “How is that even possible? It’s Christmas Eve.”

“My dear,” Sarah says, “I get the feeling my son would move mountains for you. Now, come, we were just getting ready to sit down for dinner. Two more place settings have already been added.”

Before I can even thank her, Charlie comes plowing over, pointing back at the tree. “Mommy, is there pwesents for me?”

I sigh, eyeing the massive pile that must have a hundred expertly wrapped gifts, because I only have two in my bag.

“Of course there are presents for you,” Sarah says. “Lots and lots of them.”

Charlie claps excitedly and Allie whisks him off to the dining room.

“Sarah, I—”

“You only have one suitcase, Marti. I know what you’re going to say. I’ll take care of it. We have an arsenal of toys we bought when Maisy came into our lives. She’s already outgrown many of them. They’ll be wrapped and under the tree by morning.”

Tears come to my eyes. “I don’t know how to thank you. I wish I could repay your kindness. I’m so sorry I came empty-handed.”

“I’m confident you’re about to make my son happier than he’s been in many years. Believe me, that’s all the thanks I need. And it’s a million times better than anything you could put under that tree.”

~ ~ ~

Hours later, after being fed, showered, and dressed up—thanks to Allie’s extensive designer wardrobe—Allie and I are sipping eggnog by the tree while Charlie is fast asleep in a guest room.

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