had happened.

Or I could show my daughter, even at eight months old, that love did not require us to remain in places where we were treated without respect.

I looked at Jenna.

“Can I have her, please?”

Jenna immediately handed Lily to me.

I held my daughter against my chest.

Then I took one slow breath.

And I stood up.

Chapter Six: Every Present Under the Tree

Nobody noticed what I was doing at first.

I walked toward the Christmas tree and crouched beside the collection of gifts.

There