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was comfortable and so familiar; it made me realize how much I actually missed him. With a few forward and back sways Dave managed to get the car moving again. When we pulled up to the cabin, candlelight shone through the windows. We’d be having Christmas Eve dinner in the dark tonight.
    I stopped Dave before we walked through the door.
    “Please don’t tell them about what happened. You know, about my panic attack.”
    It had been some time since I’d had one – years, in fact.
    “I won’t. I promise.” He opened the door. The smell of home cooking, some quiet carol music, and the flickering glitter of candlelight filled the room. Parker was putting the last present under the tree, April had just sliced a loaf and was setting it on the table, and Justin, wearing his geeky red and green sweater, was putting what looked like the last of the garnishes on the table. The warmth of kindness, love, and cheer overwhelmed me. This was perfect. I wished we could have dragged Mrs. Bowers into the car to come with us.
    “How did you get the turkey done without any power?” I asked.
    “Good old stone barbecue outside.” Mr. Mayers pointed. “The bird’s all nice and crispy on the outside, just waiting for you, guys.”
    Wow! This all looked so amazing. Just like every Christmas.
    “Can we eat now?” Parker asked.
    “You just want to get to the presents, don’t you?” Justin ruffled his hair.
    We had a rule that no one could get to the presents unless they had tried every dish on the table, although being a vegetarian; I of course was an exception to the rule. Soon enough, with the fireplace and candles set all over the room, we were all stuffing our cheeks full, laughing, telling Parker his childhood stories, and reminiscing over some of our own.
    I caught Dave’s gaze from across the table. He gently stroked his foot against mine underneath, mouthing, Are you okay?
    I smiled back, grateful for his concern. But tonight, I was more than all right. Maybe I wouldn’t have anyone to wash my feet when I was old and gray, but I had the best family in the world, and no matter what was in store for our futures, I knew they’d always welcome me with open arms the same way they had years ago.
    “It’s time to open the gifts!” Parker yelled and ran to the tree. One by one, he handed a box to everyone.
    “A microscope? This is the best gift ever. Thank you, Aunt Millie.”
    “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
    “Millie, you shouldn’t have. It’s expensive.”
    Ever since Simon had passed away and left April with bills and debts, money had been tight for my best friend. And Parker was such a diligent student, he deserved this.
    “Of course I should. Look at his face.” I adored that little boy as if he were my own. Wait, what was happening to me? This Christmas was making me extra gooey.
    “How was your trip to see Mrs. Bowers?” April asked when we were out of earshot of the rest of the family.
    “Fine.” I felt my cheeks heat. It was actually more than fine. Dave seemed different. While he kept his distance, I couldn’t help but feel that original spark ignite between us into a bright flame. My heart was drumming in my chest, and I got a little light headed. The decision I made after he’d taken me back inside his Jeep was brewing inside me. The question was, could I actually go through with it?
    Justin fixed the new tie I got him while Mr. Mayers tried out his new engraved pen. April put on her flower cap, one she could wear to work while taking bodies apart. Looking at her you’d never think she was a fearless forensics analyst.
    And then I saw Dave walk through the door with a larger box. He had a difficult time balancing it before he set it on the ground. I looked around the room and noticed that I was the center of attention.
    “Is that for me?” I asked.
    “Yes. Come on, pumpkin, open it.”
    I stepped closer and knelt at its side. As soon as I tore through the top layer of the box, it moved, and I