idea what Christmas is.”

“She knows there are people who will give her attention. That’s enough for now.”

I smiled.

Then my phone vibrated.

Another message from my mother.

“How far away are you? Dinner needs to be on time.”

I looked at the clock.

We were already on schedule.

I put the phone down without replying.

Evan glanced at me.

“Everything all right?”

“She’s worried about dinner.”

“Your mother is always worried about something.”

I laughed, but I felt the familiar tension gathering inside my chest.

When we turned