One Big Happy Family

Chapter 15

15

Dana paced in the downstairs family room. She had to avoid the main level because Axel was there. Fortunately, Tiffany and Gwen had taken the kids out with the sleds, so they weren’t there to ask questions. Paul was in the kitchen, tending to his rum cake, so she was all alone with her guilt. Or at least she was until Nick joined her.

“You okay?” he asked.

“No. I feel awful. I yelled at Mom. She’s barely out of the hospital and is obviously drugged, and I yelled at her. In the snow!”

“I’m the reason she fell down the stairs in the first place, so I’m worse than you.”

“That’s not very comforting.”

“It’s all I have.”

They looked at each other. Dana sighed. “You’re really not going into the business?”

“I’d rather not.” He shrugged. “I was never excited about learning the front-office stuff of the tow business. Even as a kid, all I wanted was to drive a truck. That’s the part I like. Mom’s been after me for years to learn more, but I kept putting it off. Then I met Blair and through her Paul. The more I learned about his business, the more it seemed like a great opportunity. It’s exciting in a way Mom’s company never was.”

His eyes brightened with enthusiasm. “I could talk about cars all day. I helped Paul with his annual inventory and everything was fascinating. Retail makes sense to me in a way the tow yard never did.”

Dana hadn’t realized he’d never been interested in Parker Towing. She’d known he wanted to buy Paul’s company but had thought it was more about getting out of the tow business.

“She’ll understand that. Once she’s better, you need to talk to her.”

“Only if she stays seated,” he muttered.

“It’s not your fault she fell.”

“It’s going to take a long time for me to believe that.” He jerked his head toward the main level. “How’s it going with you-know-who?”

“I’m avoiding him.”

“The house isn’t that big. At some point you have to deal.”

“I know. I just can’t believe he’s here. I’m upset, I feel stupid. There are no good emotions here. Worse, I have to apologize to Mom.”

“You need to wait on that. You’ll never get past Heath until she feels better.”

“He can’t stop me from seeing my own mom.”

Nick raised his eyebrows. “You sure about that?”

She wasn’t but she was going to have to try.

She waited an hour to give her mom time to settle, then went upstairs and knocked on her bedroom door. Heath answered, stepping out into the hallway rather than inviting her in.

“She’s resting.”

“I need to talk to her. It’ll only take a minute.”

“No.”

His gaze was steady, his stance determined, but Dana refused to be intimidated or put off.

“I want to apologize. That’s all. You’re welcome to listen to make sure I don’t upset her.”

“This isn’t a good time.”

Dana squared her shoulders. “I’m the reason you got to be with her in the ER. You owe me.”

He hesitated a second before stepping back and letting her into the room. Her mom was propped up on the bed, her sling resting on her stomach. She smiled when she saw Dana.

“It’s you. Rescue me. Heath says I have to take it easy, but what about everything that has to be done around the house? And there are the cookies for the cookie exchange. I’m tired of being one-upped by Jackie from across the street. Plus, it’ll be lunchtime soon.”

Dana sat on the mattress on her mom’s right side. “You’re not making lunch. We’ll take care of it.”

“No one else will do it right.”

That made her smile. “Maybe not, but we’ll still get a meal on the table.” She paused. “I’m sorry I snapped at you.”

Julie grabbed her hand. “No, I’m sorry. I really didn’t know what to do about the whole Axel thing. I wanted to tell you and I didn’t. If I’d known Huxley was going to bring him here, of course I would have said something. It was just so confusing.”

“I get that. I was really surprised, but I know you’d never deliberately do anything to hurt me.”

Her mother’s gaze was direct. “I wouldn’t. I love you. You’re my baby girl.” She squeezed her fingers. “How are you doing around him?”

Dana pulled her hand free. “Not great. I’m not like you, Mom. I’m not tough and I don’t compartmentalize. I spent last night avoiding even looking at him. But I can’t do that indefinitely. At some point I’m going to have to admit he’s in the room, but I don’t know what to say. If I was seeing someone, it would be better. He’d know I was totally over him and maybe feel bad rather than pitying me.”

“Then have someone.”

Dana stared at her mom. “What does that mean?”

“Have a boyfriend. Fake one. You told that nurse that Heath and I were married and we weren’t. No one questioned you.”

She was right, Dana thought. Everyone had accepted her statement.

“That was a different scenario,” she said.

“Not that different. Say you have a great guy in your life. Axel won’t know it’s a lie. It’s not like he and I ever discuss you. The closest we come is when I give him the stink eye, which is probably wrong of me. After all, I’m his boss. But I can’t help it. Shame on him for what he did to you. You’re my daughter and he needs to deal with that, the jerk.”

“Mom.” Dana touched her good arm. “You don’t have to get upset on my account.”

“If not for you, then who?”

Dana gently hugged her. “Thank you.”

“I love you. I hope you know that.”

“I do, and I think you’re brilliant.”

A fake boyfriend would solve a lot of problems. All she had to do was figure out who and what he was, then get all the adults on board. Her mom and Heath weren’t a problem, and she knew Nick and Blair would be on her side. So would Tiffany. Huxley was feeling guilty, so he wasn’t an issue. Paul seemed like he would enjoy the game, which only left Gwen to worry about.

“You’re going to do it?” Julie asked. “Create a fake boyfriend.”

“Absolutely. I’ll stop by later and tell you the details.”

“I can’t wait. Oh, give him money, please. Every mother wants her daughter to marry money.”

Dana laughed. “It will be first on the list.”

Dana waited by the house’s only printer—an ancient and slow machine—as the pages spit out one at a time. When they were all printed, she went through the house and collected the adults, telling them to meet her in the kids’ room. Axel was busy watching a movie with Madeline and Wyatt, so that took care of them. She went upstairs last and asked Heath to join her.

Once they’d all crammed into the bedroom, she shut the door and handed out the printed sheets of paper.

“We need to talk about my boyfriend.”

Blair and Nick exchanged a look while Tiffany’s shoulders slumped.

“You and Axel got back together? When? Oh, Dana, are you sure you can trust him?”

Blair nodded in agreement. “You’re a grown-up and you know what’s right for you, but you’ve never been able to see clearly when it comes to him.”

Huxley sighed. “Dana, I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you by bringing him here. I didn’t know what else to do.”

“You didn’t hurt me,” Dana assured him, giving the older man a quick hug. “You absolutely did the right thing. I’m fine.”

No one looked like they believed her.

“Who’s Jared?” Gwen asked, scanning the notes.

“Jared is my new boyfriend.”

They all stared at her.

“My fake boyfriend.” She explained about how she’d gotten Heath into the ER.

Heath groaned. “I thought you were humoring her. Dana, this isn’t a good time to take your mom’s advice. You know she’s drugged, right?”

“It’s a great idea. I’ve come up with the perfect guy. You all have the information. Read it over, and then tonight at dinner someone can casually mention Jared and I’ll take it from there.”

“You’re on crack,” Nick told her. “This is never going to work.”

Blair elbowed him. “We’re here to support your sister. This is important. We like Jared. He’s a good guy.”

“There’s something wrong with both of you,” Nick grumbled, but dutifully began to read.

Dana felt a quiver of doubt. Was she making a mistake in asking everyone to help her with this? Was it a dumb idea? She wasn’t sure, but maybe it didn’t matter. One way or the other, she had to deal with Axel, and so far she hadn’t been doing a very good job of it.

Tiffany smiled at her. “I think it’s a great plan. You’re being proactive. That’s got to make you feel strong. Fake boyfriend it is!”

“An investment banker?” Paul asked. “Isn’t that a little stuffy?”

“He’s very successful and rich,” Dana told them.

“But you don’t care about money.” Blair pressed her lips together. “That would never sway you.”

“No, but it’s nice to have.”

“An investment banker is perfect.” Gwen waved the sheet. “Dana’s an accountant. They both work with finance. Their careers are different enough that they won’t be competing with each other, but close enough that they can have a conversation and understand what the other is saying. They could have met at a conference or through a client. It really makes sense.”

The unexpected support was gratifying. “Thank you, Gwen.”

She smiled. “You’re welcome. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re smart to do this. Axel is obviously bad for you. Better to let him think you’re involved with someone else so he leaves you alone.”

“‘He’s an only child,’” Tiffany read aloud. “That helps so you don’t have to worry about too much family. ‘He calls his mom every week.’” She sighed. “That’s so sweet. You can tell a lot about a guy by how he treats his mom.”

Huxley looked at her. “You remember that he’s not real. Do I have to worry about you hitting your head, too?”

“Still, he sounds like a good guy.”

Gwen frowned. “Wait a minute. If he’s so wonderful and you’re so in love, why isn’t he with you for Christmas?”

Dana’s stomach dropped. It was the obvious question—why hadn’t she thought of it herself?

Paul shook the paper. “If he really loved you, he’d be here for Christmas. I don’t know, Dana. I think you can do better.”

“I agree,” Nick said, earning himself a swat with the paper from his wife.

“Cooperate,” Blair told him. “Why isn’t he here for Christmas? I know he would be if he could.”

“His grandmother,” Tiffany blurted, then smiled. “His favorite grandmother.” The smile faded. “She’s in hospice and he needs to be with her.”

Blair, Dana and Gwen all sighed together.

“That’s good,” Blair breathed. “Wow, Jason is a great boyfriend.”

“Jared,” Dana corrected.

“Right. Jared. What a sweetie.”

“It’s not very Christmassy,” Heath said. “You sure you want to go with a soon-to-be-dead grandmother?”

“Yes.” Dana’s voice was firm. “That’s why he’s not here. He’s with her. It’s sad, but also very understandable.” She looked at everyone. “Tonight at dinner, look for an opportunity to mention him. Be casual, but let’s get the details right.”

“This isn’t going to go well,” Nick told her. “But I’m in.”

“Just follow the script and we’ll be fine.”

“Famous last words,” Nick muttered as he walked out of the bedroom.

Julie woke up to her body complaining. It seemed as if every inch of her hurt—her arm most of all. She’d rested it on her belly, with a pillow to her left to support her elbow, but that wasn’t comfortable anymore. Her back was stiff, and the bruises on her hip and shoulder were throbbing. She hadn’t slept much the night before, despite the pain meds, and wondered if tonight would be any better.

She tried to distract herself with happier thoughts, but not thinking about how she was feeling made her remember what had happened. How she and Nick had been, well, not fighting, but having a heated discussion about him wanting to leave Parker Towing. Then she’d fallen and what happened after that was blurry. He had to feel horrible about her injuries. He was tough on the outside, but such a sweetie on the inside.

And Dana, she thought, feeling the guilt race through her. How upset she’d been. Julie knew she should have told her about Axel, but at the time, she just hadn’t been sure.

“Hey, how are you feeling?”

She opened her eyes to see Heath getting up from the overstuffed chair in the corner and crossing to the bed.

“What time is it?” she asked, her voice scratchy.

“Nearly five.”

“You let me sleep that long?”

He sat next to her on the bed and smiled. “I would have let you sleep until morning, if you could have. You need to heal.” He touched her forehead. “You didn’t answer the question. How are you feeling?”

“Sore.” She looked from the chair to him. “Were you here the whole time?”

“Yes.”

She couldn’t comprehend that. People didn’t take care of her—she took care of them. “You don’t have to do that.”

The smile returned. “I want to. Plus, I’ve been worried. That was a hell of a fall.”

“But I’m fine. You heard what the doctor said. They did all the tests, and it was actually kind of nothing.”

“Except for the fractured arm, the bruises and the fact that you’re in pain.”

“Well, yes, there’s that.”

“In fifteen minutes you can have a pain pill. After you take it, we’ll get you up and see if you can manage the stairs to get to dinner. If not, I’ll bring the food to you.”

“I don’t want to take anything now. I’ll be drugged for dinner. You’ve seen me on pain meds. I’m totally out of it.”

“I want you on a schedule. Being in pain doesn’t help the healing process. Let the body focus on getting you better, not on managing how everything hurts.”

She smiled at him. “You think you’re in charge. I’m not sure how I feel about that.”

He lightly kissed her. “Get used to it, kid. Until you’re back to normal, I am in charge.”

“You’re not, but it’s sweet that you think you are.”

He took her right hand in his. “How are you doing with all the other stuff with Nick and Dana?”

“I feel awful about Dana. She was so mad. No, not mad, hurt, which is worse.”

“You made a judgment call.”

“A bad one. Like you kept saying, I should have told her.”

“If Huxley hadn’t brought him up here, it wouldn’t have mattered.”

“But he did.”

“Does that bother you?”

“What Huxley did? No. He was looking out for a friend and fellow employee. What happened to Axel is my responsibility. I give out the assignments. I guess I should have thought through the whole Huxley-taking-him-home thing. I knew Axel lived alone, so who was going to take care of him? It’s just how this all upsets Dana. She’s still in love with him, so being around him hurts her. I know she’s mad at me.”

“She’s not. You made up.”

“She accepted my apology, but she’s still hurt I wasn’t honest with her.”

He squeezed her fingers. “I think she’s probably feeling a little better. She’s taken your advice and come up with a fake boyfriend.”

It took Julie a second to figure out what he was talking about. “To prove to Axel he doesn’t matter? That could work.”

Heath chuckled as he got up. “It’s a recipe for disaster, but I said I’d tell you and that we’d both be supportive.”

He returned with a piece of paper. “Jared’s an investment banker.”

“Really? That’s so stuffy. Why couldn’t she find someone with a fun profession?”

“Like a skier? This is where I remind you, he’s not real and you’re the one who said he should have money.”

He continued to read the information. Julie wasn’t sure how much she could commit to memory, but she would try.

“It’s sad about his grandmother.”

Heath looked at her. She smiled.

“I know, I know. The grandmother isn’t real, either. Okay, this is good. She’ll feel safer around Axel, and that’s what matters. I just wish I hadn’t hurt her. I haven’t been much of a parent lately.”

“Hey, you’re the best parent I know. If I could do half as good as you, I’d be feeling pretty great about myself.”

“You’re sweet and trying to make me cry.”

“I never want to make you cry.”

There was something in the way he said the words. Something she couldn’t fully understand, but before she could ask, he said, “Nick not telling you what was happening isn’t about you—it’s about him.”

“Maybe. But if he’d been more comfortable talking to me, he wouldn’t have kept the secret.”

“He didn’t want what you were offering. That made him uncomfortable. Are you mad at him?”

“No. It’s his life and he has to do what makes him happy. But it’s going to take me a while to internalize the changes. And now I have to think seriously about letting someone buy in or maybe even selling the business. I love it, but I’d always assumed Nick would start taking over by now.”

She shifted a little, wincing at the pain.

“At the risk of repeating myself, I wish he’d told me sooner.”

“He didn’t want to disappoint you.”

“You said I wasn’t that intimidating.”

He smiled. “You’re not. You only think you are.”

That made her laugh. “You’re trying to take away all my power.”

He kissed her. “No one can do that. Ready to try to sit up?”

She wasn’t but nodded anyway. He put his free arm around her shoulders.

“One, two, three.”

Together they got her into a sitting position. Her body screamed in protest, and she had to press her lips together to keep from crying out. Once he’d stabilized her with several pillows, Heath got a glass of water and a pain pill and held out both to her. She swallowed the pill and handed him the glass.

“It should kick in pretty quick,” he told her. “We’ll give it a few minutes, then see about the stairs.”

“I got up them. I can get down them.”

“I’ll be here to help.”

He sat next to her again. She took in the dark eyes, the clean lines of his face. He was nice to look at, but she had to say, in the past couple of days his actions had been even more appealing.

“Thank you for taking care of me.”

“Anytime.”

“I’m sorry about the sex thing.”

One corner of his mouth turned up. “The sex thing? What does that mean?”

“That we can’t for a little while. I know it’s a big part of our relationship and you’ll want to—”

He stopped her with a kiss. “Don’t go there. I’m not in this to get laid.”

“That’s disappointing.”

He laughed. “I’m not in this just to get laid. You matter to me, Julie. We matter. You’ll heal and we’ll get back to that, but until then, I’m still here.”

“That’s so nice,” she whispered, her eyes burning a little. “I’d understand if you were mad.”

“But I’m not.”

The edges of her pain softened a little and she felt the strangest urge to giggle, which was odd because he hadn’t said anything funny.

“I can feel the pill starting to work. You’ll stop me if I start to say anything weird at dinner?”

“You’ll be fine, whatever you say. Everyone loves you.”

She thought about Gwen. “Maybe not everyone, but close enough.”

“What does it say that no one wants meat loaf?” Tiffany asked. “This is the second night it’s been a hard no. Julie put a lot of effort into the menus.”

Dana was less concerned about disappointing her mom than getting dinner on the table. And avoiding Axel. Actually, of the two, the latter was a bigger concern.

She knew her plan about the faux boyfriend was a good one—with the two of them stuck in the house together, she had to find a way to make sure he didn’t think she was still pining over him. Because she wasn’t. Okay, she was, but he didn’t need to know. He already had enough power over her, given he was the one she wanted to be with for the rest of her life, and he didn’t need any more.

“Is this going to be enough?” Gwen asked, staring at the ingredients for their odds-and-ends dinner.

Dana considered their options. “A cheese plate, a veggie plate and a fruit plate. Mini pigs in a blanket, mini egg rolls, and isn’t there something else?”

“I’m making chicken salad with the leftover chicken from the other night,” Gwen said. “We have rolls and crackers.”

“I think it’s more than enough.” Tiffany reached for a couple of the cheeses. “Not traditional, but still good. And we’re clearing out room in the refrigerator. We’re doing our last shopping before Christmas tomorrow, and I know we’re going to overbuy.”

The three of them started prepping the meal. Dana turned on both ovens and got the frozen things on cookie sheets. Tiffany handled the cheese plate while Gwen made her chicken salad. Blair joined them a few minutes later.

“I want to help,” she said as she crossed to the sink and washed her hands.

“You can start on the fruit plate,” her mother said. “Or maybe set the table.”

Dana watched them to see if there was the usual tension, but they were both pleasant and relaxed. Maybe they’d come to terms, she thought, hoping they had. She couldn’t imagine not being close to her mom, and given all Blair had been through as a kid, she deserved her mom to be there for her now. Not that forgiving Gwen would be easy.

“I’ll set the table,” Blair said, not looking at the food piled onto the counter.

Dana slid cookie sheets into the oven. “You okay?”

“My tummy’s a little uneasy. Not my usual upset, but I’m sure it’s related. I’ll be fine.”

Her mother glanced at her. “You don’t have to eat anything if you’re not feeling up to it. Do you want some soup? Or maybe plain crackers?”

Blair looked surprised at Gwen’s concern. “It’ll pass. It always does. I’m sure by the time we sit down to eat, I’ll be better.”

Fifteen minutes later, Tiffany yelled for everyone to wash their hands and come to the table. She turned to Dana.

“Should I go upstairs and let Heath know it’s time? Julie has to be hungry.”

“We’re on our way down,” Heath called from the second level.

Tiffany grinned. “Man, sound really travels in this house.”

“Yes, it does. Remember that. Fight with the door closed.”

“So far I’m getting along with everyone, but I’ll try to remember your advice.”

Dana watched the other woman carry the cheese and veggie plates into the dining room. Tiffany was much better than she had been when she’d arrived. She was crying less and interacting more. Being around people and with her kids had been good for her.

Her mom really was a marvel, she thought. Inviting her boyfriend’s ex-wife to Christmas so she wouldn’t be alone? Sure, it was the right thing to do, but Dana didn’t think she was anywhere near that strong. No way she would invite one of Axel’s exes to hang out, no matter the circumstances. Yet another reason to admire her mother and want to be like her.

Dana pulled the cookie sheets out of the oven and set them on hot plates. She’d just reached for a spatula to move the hot appetizers onto a platter when her mother walked into the kitchen.

“I have to help,” Julie announced, swaying slightly as she spoke. “It’s my job.”

Heath quickly joined her. “All right, you. I turned my back for less than five seconds. Let’s go sit at the table.”

“But I have to cook dinner. It’s what I do.”

“All done,” Dana told her. “Mom, are you okay?”

“She just took a pain pill on an empty stomach,” Heath said, guiding her mother back toward the dining room. “She’s going to be a little loopy. Don’t expect rational conversation.”

“I excel at rational conversation,” Julie complained. “And what about dinner?”

“Look at all the food on the table. I think the meal is taken care of.”

“Oh, that looks good. I want wine.”

Dana looked at Heath, who grinned as he pushed in Julie’s chair. “You can want as much as you want. It’s not happening.”

“You’re not the boss of me.”

Dana glanced at Tiffany, who grinned.

“I love her,” the other woman said quietly. “I mean it. She’s my hero.”

“Mine, too.”

The kids, Paul and Huxley, followed by Rufus, walked into the dining room.

“We’re here,” Wyatt said, coming to a stop when he saw Julie. “You okay?”

“I’m perfect,” she told the boy. “Never better. How are you?”

“Good. Dad says there’s going to be more snow tonight, so maybe we can all have a snowball fight tomorrow.” Wyatt frowned. “Except I don’t think you can, Julie. You broke your arm.”

“Next time,” she told him.

Nick pulled out chairs for the kids. Rufus, who’d been fed earlier, settled in the dog bed in the corner, prepared to wait for anything that might fall to the floor. Paul opened the two wine bottles that were set out on the sideboard. He was starting to pour when Axel limped into the room.

Dana did her best not to look at him. Seeing him obviously injured did things to her heart she didn’t want to think about. Better to keep her distance and think pure thoughts—like how one day she would get her life back and move on and meet someone great who loved her.

Julie stared at him, her eyes widening. “Oh, no! I forgot. Axel, you’ve been shot!”

The room went silent. Both kids looked between Axel and Julie. Madeline took a step back while Wyatt moved closer.

Huxley sighed heavily. “Julie, what are we going to do with you?”

“Me? I’m fine.”

“You were shot?” Wyatt stared at Axel, sounding more intrigued than afraid. “You said you were cut.”

“I thought it was a better story.”

“But you’ve got a real bullet hole in your leg? Can I see it?”

Julie covered her face with her right hand for a second, then dropped her arm. “Oh, no. What did I say? I didn’t know it was a secret. It’s just the shock. Wyatt, no, you can’t see the bullet wound. It will give you nightmares. Axel, I’m so sorry. It’s my fault. I should never have taken the contract with the bank for the repos.”

Axel’s expression was, as always, unreadable. “I’m the one who asked you to do it. I wasn’t paying attention like I should.”

“But you’re shot.”

Heath put his hands on her shoulders. “Maybe you can stop saying that.”

“What?”

“‘You’re shot.’ We were keeping it from the kids.”

“What kids?”

Heath’s mouth twitched like he was trying not to laugh. “My two.”

“Oh, Wyatt and Madeline.” Julie smiled. “I love you two so much. Are you having fun? It’s almost Christmas.”

His children looked at each other, then back at Julie.

“Are you all right?” Madeline asked nervously.

“She’s on pain medication,” Tiffany told them. “She’s a little out of it. No offense, Julie, but no one is going to pay attention to anything you say tonight.”

She motioned for the kids to take a seat. Wyatt muttered something about wanting to see the bullet hole, but did as his mom asked.

Paul circled the table, pouring wine for the adults, excluding Julie. He paused by Axel.

“You on anything?”

“I am.”

Paul bypassed his glass. Heath got a bottle of regular apple cider from the refrigerator. Once he served his kids, he poured some into Axel’s wineglass, then Julie’s, causing her to beam at him.

“White wine. That’s nice.”

He kissed the top of her head. “You’re welcome.”

Dana watched the exchange with more than a little envy. Heath was so good to her mom. He was there for her, his concern and affection clear. He was great with his kids and nice to his ex-wife. If she had to bet, she would say he was also the kind of man who stayed.

Her gaze involuntarily slid to Axel, only to find that he was watching her. She had no idea what he was thinking and told herself it didn’t matter. He’d had his chance, times three. There wasn’t going to be a fourth.

The rest of the adults took their seats. Dana was careful to sit on the same side as Axel, a couple of seats down. That way she wouldn’t have to look at him all through the meal, and she might even be able to forget he was here. Plates and platters were passed around.

“There are even more presents under the tree,” Madeline said, taking two mini pigs in a blanket. “There are two more for Wyatt than for me.”

“There aren’t,” Wyatt said. “I counted after lunch.”

“You’re missing the two in back,” his sister said, then looked at her mom. “It’s supposed to be fair.”

“Is it Christmas?” Tiffany asked.

“No.”

“Then let’s wait to panic.”

“Maybe I’ll get all the presents and you’ll get none,” Wyatt crowed.

Heath raised his eyebrows. “Is that really where you want to go, son?”

Wyatt thought for a second, then shook his head. “No. Sorry. I take it back. It should be even.”

Across from her, Nick and Paul were talking about a car. Gwen asked Julie about the tests she’d had in the hospital. Huxley and Blair were in deep discussion about something. All the conversation flowing around her was so normal. But despite being unable to see him, Dana was aware of the man two seats away. It was as if no one else was there and it was just the two of them.

She missed him, she admitted. She missed them . Like her mom and Heath, she and Axel were easy when they were together. They had a good rhythm, whether it was what to have for dinner or how often to make love. She could trust him to do the right thing, to be there for her, right up until he left. Having him so close was a form of torture she hadn’t expected. She wanted—

“Blair? What’s wrong?”

Julie’s loud voice silenced the room.

Blair looked at her mother-in-law. “I’m sorry—what?”

“You didn’t take any cheese. You love cheese, and it’s one of the foods you can eat. Are you all right?”

Heath put his hand over Julie’s. “Hey, let Blair eat what she wants.”

“I will. It’s just she loves Brie. I got her favorite.” She looked at Blair. “It’s your favorite,” she repeated stubbornly.

“Mom, it’s okay.” Nick pointed at her. “I say this with love. Let go of the cheese obsession.”

Julie ignored him. “How are you feeling?”

Blair glanced around, as if realizing everyone was staring at her. She flushed slightly. “I’m all right. I wasn’t in the mood for cheese tonight.”

“It’s soft cheese.” Julie’s mouth dropped open. “You’re not eating soft cheese! Oh my God! You’re pregnant!”

“What?” Blair’s eyes widened. “No!”

Dana stared at her sister-in-law, feeling her discomfort. Blair looked shocked, not guilty. Obviously she wasn’t secretly pregnant. “Mom, stop, please.”

Nick stared at Blair. “Sweetie, are you okay?”

“I’m not pregnant. I’m not.” She waved at the table. “Someone change the subject, I beg you.”

Julie beamed at her. “I’m so happy. I can’t wait to have grandchildren. How are your symptoms? I was constipated for the first three months. It was the worst. But maybe you’d like that—what with your IBS. It would be a change over the constant diarrhea.”

“Mom!” Nick stared at her. “Stop talking.”

“What did I say? It’s not like I asked if her breasts hurt. That’s a whole pregnancy thing and I didn’t say a word.”

The room went silent. Blair’s flush deepened. Dana desperately tried to think of something to say, but her mind was blank. Her mom had officially gone off the rails. Yes, she was drugged, but jeez, didn’t she have some small connection to reality? Not only was Blair embarrassed, Julie was going to feel horrible when she realized what she’d said.

Huxley picked up his wine. “So, Dana, did you hear from Jared today?”

She felt everyone turn to look at her. Blair was obviously grateful for the question, and Tiffany was nodding encouragingly. Julie looked confused, and Dana had to admit, on this one, she was with her mom. Who on earth was Jared?

The seconds ticked by. Finally Tiffany said, “Yes, I was wondering the same thing. Have you heard from your handsome boyfriend?”

Crap. Crap, crap and double crap. Jared!

“Yes,” she said, her voice too loud. “He called...um, earlier. His grandmother is rallying a little. The family is hoping she’ll make it through Christmas.”

“Who’s Jared?” Julie asked, looking from Dana to Heath.

“Your daughter’s boyfriend.” Heath reached for his wine. “Remember?”

“No.”

“He’s not here because of his grandmother.” Tiffany smiled at Julie. “We talked about how she’s in hospice, and she’s his favorite, so he needs to be with her. Otherwise, he would have been here with all of us.”

“He’s an investment banker,” Gwen added. “It’s a perfect match. They speak each other’s language without competing. That’s good for a marriage.”

“He’s a family man.” Nick stared at Dana as if telling her she would so owe him later. “Not that he has a family of his own, but he wants one. With Dana.”

“And he’s handsome.” Tiffany smiled at Dana. “Very, very handsome.”

Dana was so grateful she couldn’t see Axel. As it was, she wanted to crawl under the table. Or maybe just teleport to another century. What had sounded so great in theory wasn’t playing out the way she’d hoped. Actually, it was a total disaster.

Julie still looked confused. She leaned toward Heath. “Have I met him?”

“You’ve seen his picture,” Gwen said. “We all have.”

“I don’t remember.”

Dana hoped her mom wouldn’t ask to see it now, because, of course, there wasn’t a picture. Or a man.

“Jason’s a good guy,” she said. “We’re happy.”

“Jared,” Paul said quietly.

“Jared,” she repeated, her cheeks flushing, knowing there was no way Axel was going to believe any of this. She’d just made a colossal fool out of herself. Worse, she was trapped in the house with him for the next few days. Avoiding him was going to be her only option.