Page 13 of The Lie That Stole Christmas

“Of course.”

“Why?”Ashley knew her grandfather could come across as a bit cunning and crazy, but to think this seemingly normal woman immediately accepted a job offer from him intrigued her.

“I grew up not far from here.This house… especially at Christmas time… there was just something about it.I always wondered about the family behind the big, black iron gates.What life was like on the inside.Your grandfather invited me in, and the little girl who stared at this house out the window of her parents’ backseat couldn’t say no.”

Ashley glanced at the counter, her smile fading.“Then you got inside and realized there was no family.”

“That’s not true.Your grandfather, while a bit eccentric at times and a pain in the rear at others, treats all of us as family.I am closer to the people here than I am to some of my own family, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”

Ashley’s eyes dropped to the granite countertop, her finger tracing invisible patterns on the surface.Tiny’s words poked at something deep inside her.“I’m glad you feel that way.”She looked up at Tiny and smiled softly.“I used to feel like that, too.”

Tiny’s eyebrows drew together.“Not anymore?”

“Sadly, no.”She was sure Tiny knew all about the Wetherby family drama; if the staff at Winterridge were known for anything, it was their love of gossip.

Ms.Porter placed a cup of cocoa and a bottle of cinnamon whiskey in front of her.“You always loved hot chocolate and figured the whiskey couldn’t hurt.”

“Thanks.”Ash added a healthy pour of whiskey into the mug and took it between her hands.She glanced at Tiny, who was mixing dough.“Do you ever wish you had stayed outside those gates?”

It was a scenario Ashley never could have had.She was born into the family, and Winterridge was as much a part of her as her last name.

An amused grin pulled at Tiny’s lips.“Only when your Aunt Marilyn drinks all my bourbon and tries to taste-test my batters.”

Ash laughed.“That sounds like her.”Though Ash was surprised Aunt Marilyn had frequented the house at all.She thought everyone had stayed away.“I’m surprised she came by the house at all.”

Ms.Porter sat on a stool next to Ash with her own cup of hot chocolate.“With Cole traveling the world for his career, she’s had a lot of time on her hands.”Ms.Porter leaned in.“Between us, I think she likes the free booze.We both know your grandfather only buys the best.”

Ash shook her head and laughed.“Not even top-shelf is good enough for him.”

Ms.Porter nodded.“While I enjoy gossiping, I have a long list to get through.”Ms.Porter took a sip from her mug, then disappeared into another offshoot of the kitchen.She bustled back in with an armful of linens.She dumped them onto a table and got to folding.Mr.Hawthorne came in and stopped next to Ms.Porter.

“Carter said Mr.Wetherby would like the Grand Hall decorated first.I’ve assigned the parlor maid to begin untangling the garland.”

“She won’t be able to drape the garland across the staircase alone,” Ashley said, making no attempt to hide that she’d been listening.

“I was going to help her when she was finished or ask Bobby, the stable master's assistant, to assist when he finished adding firewood to all the rooms.”

“Not necessary.”Ashley pushed off the stool.“I’ll help.”

“Miss Ashley, you are a guest,” Mr.Hawthorne said, sounding almost insulted at the mere thought of her assisting.

“Not really,” Ash said.“I grew up in this house.I’m not going to sit around while everyone else decorates it.Grandma Lily sure as hell wouldn’t have.”

Ms.Porter sniffed.“I, for one, welcome the help.Those stairs are no joke, and I’m not as spry as I once was, right, Hawthorne?”

“I am still plenty spry, Ms.Porter.I can assure you that.”

Tiny cleared her throat.“Great.You can help me move the sacks of sugar from the pantry later then, Mr.Hawthorne.”

“I’m sure Bobby will be more than happy to help you, Miss Destiny.”

Ashley rolled up her sleeves, took a big sip of her hot chocolate before placing it on the counter.“Then it’s settled.I’m helping with the garland.”

“Once the cookies are out of the oven, I’ll bring them up to you,” Tiny said.

“That would be much appreciated.I’m sorry I’m cutting our time short.”

Tiny waved her off.“I’m perfectly fine with my dough.”