Quarter till seven. People would be arriving soon. The lamps glowed soft and low. The candles on the Christmas tree glittered cheerfully among the ornaments, their glow adding to the gentle light, creating a setting for contemplation and reverence.
A blast of icy air hit Kristina. She turned to the open door and saw the first arrivals, the young Fulton family. Allison carried Melissa perched on her hip. The little girl wore a red dress and white mittens. A fur-lined hood kept her head warm. It struck Kristina how much Melissa looked like her stepmother, so much so, she could have been hers by blood. Fitting, as Allison will likely be the only mother Melissa remembers.
Fitting, as Allison will likely be the only mother Melissa remembers.Allison set the child on the floor near the door and
