Brock hung out for a while, and he and Mallory were civil but didn’t really talk. Mallory guessed that there was just too much air to clear before they could relax around one another again, but at least it was a start.

“Well, I’m going to head out,” Brock said later that evening. “Would you like a ride?”

Mallory shook her head. “No, thanks,” she replied, giving him a smile. “I think I’m going to hang out here with Joce and the baby for a while longer.”

Brock nodded as he turned to the baby. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Then he looked up and smiled. “Merry Christmas.”

“Oh, that’s right!”...