Theo watched as tears filled Hayes’s eyes and she stood up, wrapping her arms around his seated figure. He began to cry and hearing the emotion in his voice made Theo let go. The two of them huddled together at the table for several minutes, neither one of them speaking. Finally, Theo straightened and reached over to grab some napkins that sat in a holder in the center of the table. She handed one to Hayes and kept one for herself.

“This world needs Ashley in it. My world needs Ashley in it. I didn’t know what I was going to find when I got to that cabin. I had no plan in mind. I didn’t know what I was doing. She wasn’t breathing, so I did my best to breathe for her. I’m just glad the paramedics got there as quickly as they did.” She paused, then shook her head. “I finally get it.”

“Get what?”

“Burgess.” She smiled. “Your last name. You’re big bee and Ashley’s little bee.”

Hayes smiled. “I’ve always called her that, since she was a baby. I’ve expected her to tell me to stop for years now, but she hasn’t.”

“That’s because dads are special,” Theo told him.

“So are daughters. And because of you, I still have mine. I meant what I said before. Your dad is watching over you. I believe that with all my heart and soul, and that man couldn’t be more proud of his little girl.”

21. CHRISTMAS EVE

When Jordan and Theo pulled their trucks into the driveway at the Reilly house, there were a couple cars parked there that Theo didn’t recognize.

“There are a ton of people here,” Ashley groaned. “People take energy when I’m feeling normal. I’m already exhausted and I’m not even inside yet.”

“Come on, little bee,” Hayes said, slipping out of the passenger seat. “It’s Christmas Eve. Come and have some eggnog with your old man.”

“Non-alcoholic for Ashley,” Theo reminded him. “She’s on pain meds.”

“I haven’t spent Christmas Eve sober in years,” Ashley said.

“Well, you’re taking drugs. You’re not completely sober.”

Theo saw the door open, and Odette stepped out onto the back porch. Indigo, who had apparently been freed from her car seat in Jordan’s truck, was bundled in all her winter apparel and looked like a small Stay Puft Marshmallow Man when she ran to greet her. Jupiter followed, his paws kicking up snow around both of them.

“Okay,” Jordan said as he walked toward the Jeep. “It’s pretty snowy out here. How do you feel about a personal escort to the front door? I’m not sure your wheelchair has a four-wheel drive package.”

“You getting tired of carrying me around yet?” Ashley asked.

“Not yet. Keep eating all of T.J.’s amazing food and we’ll discuss it again in a week or two. Ready?”

“No,” Ashley said, “but let’s do it anyway.”

Theo got the wheelchair from the back of the Jeep and she and Hayes followed Jordan and Ashley inside.

“There they are,” Theo heard almost as soon as she’d entered the house. She adjusted the wheelchair and watched as Jordan lowered Ashley into it.

“It’s about time you showed up!”

Someone else—Theo suspected it was Caleb—began humming the wedding march, and Jordan pushed Ashley into the family room with Theo following behind.

“Happy engagement,” Odette and Indigo yelled. Theo laughed because Indigo didn’t get the word ‘engagement’ quite right.

Jordan settled Ashley next to the couch, then put his arm around Theo.

“I want to see the ring,” Birdie said, moving from the recliner so she could study Theo’s new jewelry. “I approve,” she said, smiling at Jordan.

Theo spotted Mamie sitting on a chair that had been brought in from the kitchen. Cleopatra was in her wheelchair next to her. Mamie was wearing a bright green tank top, and she was fanning herself with a large paper plate.

“I’m not sure why there was an announcement at all,” she told her youngest daughter. “This happened what, four days ago? Everyone in town knew you had a ring the day after Jordan proposed.”

“Personally, I’m just surprised it took this long,” Patty said. “When’s the wedding date?”

Theo and Jordan looked at each other.

“In June,” Jordan said.

“The one week we have lilacs and Harison’s Yellows at the same time,” Theo added.

“I certainly hope you’ll let me give you away, young lady,” Mister Henry said.

“I would love that very much,” Theo replied, flashing a smile at the old man.

“So …” She thought the voice sounded familiar, but she was sure she must be hearing it wrong. “When did you plan on telling me the big news?”

Trix stepped out from behind Caleb, Bex and Max. She was holding Jude’s hand, and both of them were smiling.

“What?” Theo exclaimed. She ran toward Trix, wrapping her arms around her friend’s neck and almost knocking both of them over.

“You’re not the only one with a surprise up her sleeve,” Ashley called over the din.

“I was sure you weren’t coming,” Theo told her friend when she pulled away.

“I think Ashley deserves a raise,” Trix laughed.

“I second that!” Ashley agreed.

Everyone in the room threw in their own opinions.

“I’m so happy to see you,” Theo said, hugging Trix again.

“What about Jude?” someone yelled. “Poor guy hasn’t gotten any attention at all.”

Theo didn’t let go of Trix, but she reached out to Jude who grabbed her hand.

“Thank you for coming,” she told him.

“I’d really hate to miss your engagement party,” he grinned.

“Everybody have something to drink?” Odette asked. Drink orders were taken, and everyone moved around the room to find a comfortable spot. Theo heard snippets of conversations. Max was asking Jordan about the trees in the upper lot, and Hayes was telling Mister Henry what hurricane season in Houston was like. Mamie had dug an ice cube out of her glass and was running it over her cheeks, and Odette was sitting by the tree looking at the mountain of presents with Indigo. Trix and Jude were sitting with Ashley, and Theo was almost certain she heard Patty mention the infamous Valentine’s Day dance while Caleb and Bex listened to her version of the story. Theo laughed aloud and saw Caleb grin at her. She shook her head and went to sit next to Ashley.

“There’s someone missing,” Trix said.