Page 87 of The Lie That Stole Christmas

“I wasted so much time away from everyone here at Winterridge, and I know I can’t make up for it, but I’d like to try.I’m moving in.”

Loud whispers exploded around the table.

“What about your job?”Dad asked.

“I’m starting my own business, and I already have my first client.”

“Who?”Carter asked.

Ashley looked at Grandpa and smiled.“It’s time Winterridge stopped living in the past.”

“We can preserve the past while stepping into the future,” Grandpa said.“And I know you are the best to make that happen.”

“You bet.We start tomorrow.”Ashley sat down, and Carter leaned over, kissing her temple.She sank into his warmth, grateful for this Christmas.

“I love you,” he whispered.

Her heart swelled.“I love you, too.”

Around them, conversations erupted all at once.Taylor asked if she could help.Tori wanted to know where Ashley would set up her office.

She answered everyone but didn’t let go of Carter’s hand under the table.She had a lot to figure out, but none of that mattered right now.All that mattered was that she was no longer lonely, and she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Just as Hawthorne began carving the roast, three sharp knocks echoed through the foyer.Silence descended, the only sound was bodies turning toward the door.

Hawthorne excused himself, and a moment later his familiar voice drifted into the dining room.

“Mrs.Camille Wetherby.”

Ashley’s pulse stuttered.

Mom stepped into the room, snowflakes still clinging to her coat.For one heartbeat, no one spoke.

“Camille?”Dad exclaimed.

“Mom, what are you doing here?”Ashley asked.

Grandpa pushed his chair back.“I invited her.”

“What?”Gabe said, louder than necessary.

Bill looked around the table.“I told all of you if this family was going to heal, everyone had to be here.”

“We were all getting along too well,” Aunt Marilyn said, and a ripple of laughter broke the tension.

Mom stayed in the doorway, holding her bag like a lifeline as if she didn’t know how to proceed.

“She should be with her kids on Christmas,” Grandpa said.“So, if I can tolerate her through dinner, I think we all can.”He blinked at Mom, and she smiled at him with a nod.

Ashley jumped from her seat and hugged her.“Merry Christmas, Mom.”

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”

Dad gestured to the empty chair beside him.“You should sit.”

Mom met his eyes, surprise flashing across her face.

“Dinner’s getting cold,” he said.