Chapter 18 - Christmas Morning Without a Script
Daniel spoke privately with Madison that evening.
I did not listen through the door, although every anxious part of me wanted to know whether she intended to take Lily away without telling him.
When they emerged, both looked exhausted.
Daniel told me they had agreed Lily would remain at the lodge with him through Christmas while they worked out temporary arrangements and obtained legal advice.
Madison was free to leave, but she would not involve their daughter in secret plans.
"I need space," Madison said.
"You need to tell the truth," Daniel answered.
She stared at him for a long moment, then went upstairs to pack.
The next morning, Christmas arrived beneath a sky of pale blue.
Snow rested on every branch outside the windows.
Lily woke me at seven with a whisper and a rabbit pressed against my cheek.
"Grandma, are we allowed to open one present?"
I laughed for the first time in days.
"Your grandpa would say yes. I would say breakfast first."
She considered this solemnly.
"What if I eat one bite?"
"Then you're negotiating like your grandfather."
We gathered around the little tree Marcus had placed in the residence.
There were fewer people than Lily had expected when she packed for Aspen, but there was warmth in the room.
Daniel made pancakes, burning the first batch exactly as Thomas always had.
Lily opened a small wooden music box I'd saved for years.
Inside was a photograph of Thomas holding her when she was a baby.
She touched the picture gently.
"I wish he was here," she said.
"So do I."
Daniel sat beside us, his eyes bright.
After breakfast he handed me a plain envelope.
Inside was a letter written in his own handwriting.
He did not ask me to forgive him.
He listed what he had done, what he should have done, and the steps he intended to take to repair our relationship without demanding access to my business or money.
I folded the letter carefully.
"Thank you for telling me the truth," I said.
Then the doorbell rang.
Madison stood outside holding her suitcase.
May you like
She looked at me and whispered, "I need to tell you one more thing. It's about Lily's account."
