Page 38 of The Holiday Gift

“Whoa,” she exclaimed when she spotted them. “That’s a lot of steak for just us.”

“I took out a few extras in case we had company or so we could use the leftovers for fajitas one day this week. Good thing, because Rafe and Hope said they’re only about fifteen minutes out. I’m sure glad they’ll beat the worst of the snow. I feel a big storm coming on.”

“The weather forecast said most of the storm will clip us.”

“Weather forecasts can be wrong. Don’t be surprised if we get hit with heavy winds, too.”

She had learned not to doubt her great-aunt’s intuition when it came to winter storms. After a lifetime of living in this particular corner of Idaho, Mary could read the weather like some people read stock reports.

Sure enough, the wind had already picked up a little when she carried the tray of steaks out to the covered deck. Chase stood near the propane heater, frowning as he checked something on his phone.

“Trouble?” she asked, nodding at the phone.

“Just Cindy,” he answered, his voice terse.

“I’m sorry.”

He made a face as he took the tray from her and used the tongs to transfer the steaks onto the grill.

“Nothing new,” he said as the air filled with sizzle and scent. “Apparently Addie sulked all the way to Boise about having to go back when she was expecting to stay through the week with me and practice for the show with Olivia and Lou. Of course Cindy blames me. I shouldn’t have gotten her hopes up, etc. etc.—even thoughshewas the one who changed her mind from her original plan.”

Faith wanted to smack the woman. Why did she have to be so difficult?

“Maybe you should petition again for primary custody.”

He sighed. “She would never agree. I don’t know if that would be the best thing for Addie anyway. Her mom and stepfather have given her a good life in Boise. I just wish she could be closer.”

She decided not to tell him about her conversation with Addie the previous morning. What a difficult situation for everyone involved. Her heart ached and she wished, more than anything, that she could give him more time with his daughter for Christmas.

He was such a good man, kind and generous. He deserved to be happy—which was yet another reason she needed to help him find someone like Ella Baker.

That was what a true friend would do, help him find someone whose heart was whole and undamaged, who could cherish all the wonderful things about him.

Some of her emotions must have appeared on her features because he gave her an apologetic look. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to bring you down.”

She mustered a smile. “You didn’t. What are friends for, if you can’t complain about your ex once in a while?”

“I shouldn’t complain about her at all. She’s my child’s mother and overall she takes excellent care of her. She loves her, too. I have to keep reminding myself of that.” He shrugged. “I’m not going to worry about it more tonight. For now, let’s just enjoy dinner. And speaking of which, I can handle the steaks from here, if you want to go back inside. That wind is really picking up.”

“I was planning on grilling,” she protested. “You should be the one to go inside. I can take over, as long as you’ve got the grill working.”

“I don’t mind.”

“If you go inside now, I bet you could nab a hot roll from Aunt Mary.”

“Tempting. But no.” He wiggled the utensil in his hand. “I’ve got the tongs, which gives me all the power.”

She gave him a mock glare. “Hand them over.”

“Come get them, if you think you’re worthy.”

He held them over his head, which was way overherhead.

Despite the cold wind, relief wrapped around her like a warm blanket. He was teasing her, just like normal and for a ridiculous moment, she wanted to weep.

Perhaps theycouldfind an even footing, return to their easy, dependable friendship.

“Come on. Give,” she demanded. She stretched on tiptoe but the tongs were still completely out of reach.

---