Taylor made no movement to get up, and I was just letting myself sink a little when Taylor's phone rang. It startled me out of my reverie, and I sat up in her lap as she leaned forward. "It's my brother."

"The one getting married?"

She nodded and hit the icon to accept and put it on speaker. "Hello?"

"Hey, sis! I'm glad you answered. Merry Christmas!"

Taylor looked bemused. "Thanks. You too, Gabe. Are you at mom and dad's?"

Gabriel laughed. "No, I'm not that brave. I'm at Christa's parent's. Mom and Dad are doing a family thing tomorrow. How 'bout you, Ruthie? Please tell me you're not just...