CHAPTER 45
It was stupid for Jade to leave home with nothing but her shawl to keep her warm. Even in the community hall, she shivered each time someone new came in, bringing icy gusts of freezing air with them.
When she agreed to attend Ben’s Christmas party with him, she’d failed to consider that most of the people he worked with had been actively involved in her daughter’s search. Between congratulations, well-wishes, and questions about Dez, Jade hardly got a chance to talk with Ben before dinner was served.
The meal was delicious, a no-expense-spared ordeal that Ben and the others dug into with gusto. Jade took small bites, wishing she had stayed home tonight. Even when she walked Dez into the church to drop her off at her Christmas play rehearsal, Jade tried changing plans, temptin
