I'll Be Home for Christmas by Amie Denman

Author:Amie Denman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-07-16T13:11:29+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

THE NEXT AFTERNOON Alden was out of the house and Flora was beating Rebecca at a game of gin rummy in the library. An afternoon rain shower kept them inside, and Rebecca popped a tray of cookies into the oven between hands of cards. So far that day she’d stayed busy addressing envelopes for Flora using her extensive address book. The stack of red envelopes sat on a nearby table.

“Can you believe I’ve never heard of sending Christmas in July cards?” Rebecca asked.

“Yes, I can,” Flora said, smiling. “My parents used to do it because they thought it was clever to have them mailed with postmarks from their summer home on Christmas Island. I took up the tradition because it gives me an excuse to buy boxes of cards from the clearance rack after the actual holidays.”

“I think it’s fun.”

“And proactive. At my age I never know if I’ll still be around in December.”

“Please,” Rebecca protested. “After spending a month with you, I’m convinced you’ll outlive me.”

“I hope not.”

“Do you think Alden will continue the family tradition of Christmas in July cards?” Rebecca asked.

Flora considered it for a moment as she picked up the playing cards Rebecca had dealt and rearranged them in her hand. “I think he’ll only do it if he wants an excuse to show off pictures of a horse or boast about himself.”

Rebecca didn’t answer. She didn’t want to say something negative about Flora’s only living relative, and she hadn’t been able to decide exactly how Flora felt about Alden. She treated him almost with pity instead of affection. Maybe she was missing something important that would pertain to Flora’s will?

“I know that sounds harsh,” Flora said. “Alden’s not a bad young man, but he’s a lot like his father, my late brother. He was also easily distracted from his duty to the family business, which was why we split it years ago when I was about your age.”

Rebecca already knew that the two branches of Winter Industries had diverged a long time ago, but with Flora’s passing, they would certainly be reunited in the hands of Alden Winter. Wouldn’t they?

“Alden was in here last night when I got home from my evening out with Griffin,” Rebecca said.

“Which I’ve heard far too little about aside from what you ordered for dinner and how many couples were on the dance floor. I’m still waiting for details on that kiss.”

“How did you—”

Flora interrupted her, laughing. “So there was one. Good.”

Rebecca concentrated on her hand of cards and carefully selected one to play. “Can I get you a glass of something to go with the cookies?” she asked.

“Don’t worry,” Flora said. “I’ve had a grand romance, too, so I won’t press you for details.”

“There’s not much to tell.”

“I certainly hope that’s not true,” Flora said, grinning at Rebecca over her glasses. “So tell me what Alden was doing up late last night.”

“I think he may stay up late most nights,” Rebecca said. “I’ve seen his lights on when I come home from playing piano, and one other night I found him up late in the library.

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