Chapter 14 - THE CHRISTMAS I FINALLY ENJOYED
Three years after the Christmas party at the Dre estate, I hosted my own holiday gathering.
There were twelve guests.
Not sixty.
The Christmas tree was small.
The decorations were handmade.
And the food came from my kitchen rather than a catering company.
Eliza, now three, wore red pajamas with tiny reindeer.
She ran through the living room carrying a stuffed snowman.
Aunt Caroline laughed.
Evelyn helped set the table.
Daniel arrived with Noah and a tray of homemade cookies.
Eliza squealed.
“Danny!”
He crouched.
“Hello, Miss Eliza.”
She hugged him.
I watched them.
My heart softened.
Later, after dinner, Daniel found me beside the Christmas tree.
“Happy?” he asked.
I smiled.
“Very.”
He looked around.
“It's a good house.”
I nodded.
“It is.”
He took my hand.
“Serena.”
I looked at him.
“Yes?”
“Can I tell you something?”
I smiled.
“Of course.”
He hesitated.
“I love you.”
My breath caught.
He continued.
“I know you've been through a lot.”
I swallowed.
“And I know trust isn't easy.”
He squeezed my hand.
“But I love you.”
My eyes filled.
I looked at him.
Then smiled.
“I love you too.”
He kissed me.
May you like
Gently.
And for the first time in years, Christmas felt like Christmas again.
