Chapter 17
Worse pre-christmas
"Yeah, exactly last year!" Carol's laughter filled the kitchen.
Liam was doubled over, clutching his stomach. "I'm telling you, the ribbon was longer than the actual box!"
"It was artistic," Ethan protested, but even he was smiling.
Diana wiped tears from her eyes. "Artistic? Honey, it looked like the box had been attacked by a ribbon factory."
More laughter erupted just as Maya walked in, still in her pajamas, her hair pulled back in a messy bun.
"Morning," she said, managing a small smile despite the heaviness in her chest. "What's so funny?"
The laughter died down slightly. Carol turned from the stove where she was flipping pancakes. "Oh, we were just remembering Ethan's gift-wrapping attempt from last year."
"It wasn't that bad," Ethan muttered
