The Christmas Keepsake, page 29
“Not quite everyone,” Mallory replied, biting her lower lip to contain her nerves as she watched Maddie’s gaze sharpen on an SUV that was pulling into the parking lot.
This could go one of two ways. Good. Or bad. Very bad.
“Mom?” Maddie’s voice caught on the word as she looked up at Mallory. “Is that…?”
Daisy stepped out of the vehicle, her hesitation visible in the way she gripped the car door before straightening her shoulders. Daisy was a beautiful woman, no question. She had long, shiny brown hair, streaked by the sun. A golden tan and delicate features. Looking at her, one wouldn’t know the hardships she’d had along the way to this point. She’d lost the man she loved—Mallory’s father. She’d gotten pregnant young and had chosen to give up her babies, which couldn’t have been an easy choice.
Mallory’s gaze pinged from her mom to her sister. She held her breath, waiting to see how this would go.
Suddenly, Maddie’s squeal of delight broke the tension, sending relief flooding through Mallory’s veins. She’d taken a risk in not telling her sister about inviting their estranged mom, but their recent conversations about reaching out with no expectations or pressure had given Mallory hope.
As they took turns hugging one another, years of distance seemed to dissolve. Mallory felt Daisy tremble as they embraced. There was an urgency to her hug, as if she’d been waiting for this very moment for who knew how long.
Time suspended as their tears fell. They only stopped when they heard the heavy footsteps coming down the wooden ramp, announcing Hollis’s approach. He and Sam had been working the outdoor grill for hours, perfecting the art of barbecue. As he drew closer, the scent of smoking hickory wood and marinated chicken followed him. Slipping an arm around Mallory’s shoulders, he pressed a kiss to her cheek before turning to Daisy.
“So you’re the man who thinks he’s going to ride off into the sunset with my baby girl?” Daisy’s tone carried a playful edge, but Mallory thought she sensed something more. Or maybe she wanted to believe there was more. Perhaps maternal protectiveness and a deep love for the daughter that she’d missed.
No expectations, Mallory. No strings. That was the only way to ensure that no one got hurt, including Daisy. They were adults now. It was better to have a little bit of Daisy than to not have her at all. At least, that’s what Mallory had decided for herself.
Mallory felt Hollis tense slightly beside her, but then Daisy’s face softened into a genuine smile. “Take care of her. She’s been through it because of me. She deserves the best.” Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Hollis, seeing past the surface to the heart of him. “Something tells me, that’s you.”
Daisy’s words had a visible effect on Hollis. Knowing how much Hollis had always struggled to feel worthy, Mallory reached for his hand and gave a small squeeze. She also met her mother’s gaze and smiled. They had a long road of healing ahead, but making the man that Mallory loved feel good about himself won Daisy points for sure.
As they followed the smell of barbecue toward the back of the building, Mallory touched her mother’s arm. “I’m happy you’re here.”
Daisy’s eyes glistened with a sheen of tears. “Nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Mallory felt the same. Surrounded by her family, including Nan and Pop, and the fireflies that began to twinkle in the fading sunlight, she was warmed by an all-encompassing peace, something she’d been missing last year and hadn’t even realized. Sandy and Matt were here as well because Hollis was a huge part of Mallory’s life these days and, as Hollis’s family, so were Sandy and Matt.
Maddie’s voice got Mallory’s attention, carrying across the gathering as she proudly showed their mother the adaptive equipment and explained how each piece would help someone rediscover their love of outdoor adventure. The community had pooled together to fund what was an expensive venture. There was a lot of “old money” in small towns and generous folks who wanted to support the dreams of others.
Hollis caught Mallory’s eye in the small crowd. She didn’t have to remind herself not to hold expectations with him. She didn’t have to avoid strings or worry about having her heart broken. He was a safe place to fall, and boy, had she fallen. In his eyes, she saw more holiday plays at The Barn, which had become the event location’s official name. She also saw more gatherings with both of their families and quiet evenings visiting Nan and Pop at Memory Oaks.
Life rarely followed the script you expected. Sometimes it took unexpected turns, leading you down paths you would never have chosen. But if you kept your heart open, if you were brave enough to try again, to forgive, to love, those serendipitous detours could lead you exactly where you were meant to be.
Nan always said that love was the greatest adventure of all, and knowing the story behind that wisdom made Mallory realize it was true for Nan, and it would also be true for her. Looking at the family gathered around her, some by blood, some by choice, all by love, Mallory knew just how right she’d been. Now that she’d found her life partner, Mallory’s adventure seemed to just be getting started, full of promise and possibility, and those rare and special memories worthy of capturing in a Christmas keepsake.
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, my deepest gratitude goes out to my husband and children—your unwavering support, patience, and love carried me through the long nights and uncertain moments when this book felt like a messy jumble of words. You are my foundation. Without you, I would crumble. With you, I’m able to keep going and achieve my dream. Sonny, Ralphie, Doc, and Lydia, you are my inspiration.
To my literary agent, Sarah—thank you for believing in this story from the first seed of an idea to the final, polished draft. Your guidance is and always has been invaluable.
I’m profoundly grateful to my publishing team at Forever/Grand Central: my brilliant editor Alex, whose keen eye and thoughtful suggestions transformed these pages; the talented cover artist who captured the essence of this story so beautifully; the meticulous copy editor and proofreader who polished every sentence; and the dedicated publicist at Forever who champions my books with contagious enthusiasm.
A special thank-you goes out to my assistant, Kimberly, who somehow manages to keep my author life organized while I’m lost in fictional worlds—your efficiency and support make it possible for me to focus on what I love most, which is creating.
To Rachel, my critique partner and first reader—your honesty, insight, and encouragement have shaped not just this book but also my growth as a writer. We’ve been on this journey from the start, and I hope we’ll always walk this author path together. Thank you for always telling me what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear. That’s the true sign of a great critique partner. Thank you to Tif, April, and Jeanette as well. #Girlswritenight forever!
And finally, to my readers—you who take time from your busy lives to spend hours with the characters and worlds I create—you give purpose to every word I write. Your enthusiasm, messages, and support remind me daily why I tell the stories I do. This book exists because of you, and for that, I am eternally grateful! To my MVPs—DeeAnn, Elaine, Vickie, Patricia, and so many more—there are no words for how much I appreciate you (and it’s rare to make an author speechless).
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About the Author
Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling author of small-town contemporary stories full of hope and heart. After years of dreaming about becoming an author, Annie published her first book in 2015 and has been chasing deadlines and creating happily-ever-afters for her characters ever since. When she isn’t writing, Annie is usually spending time with her family or reading a book by one of her favorite authors. Annie also enjoys spending time with her three attention-hungry and mischievous rescues, which inspire the lovable pets in her books.
You can learn more at:
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The Finders Keepers Library
Annie Rains, The Christmas Keepsake
