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"I miss that man"

"I miss them all," Trent said

Glen patted Trent’s back He’d always blamed himself for their parents’ accident He’d found out that the wo, was already married He asked his father to fly her hoht flight The plane went down, killing all three of the, which would eventually be ical "Not to sound all mystical and stuff, but it feels like they’re here"

Trent’s eyes welled, and Jason looked away, pretending he didn’t notice His own throat clogged with e at how long it’s taking us to get this up"

"Right!"

Half an hour later, Jason took a break to check on the progress outside A lighting service was there with two cherry pickers, and a tea the eaves lines

Nathan played foreman and made his way to Jason’s side "Thisour good Lord’s birth is worth it, don’t you think?"

"This would be easier if this place wasn’t so big"

"But it wouldn’t be your home"

True He’d never lived in a hts turned to Rachel Was she a tree and lights kinda woman, or did she have Santa throw up everywhere? Orat all

He dialed her number to find out

"Hello" She sounded surprised

"Good "

"It’s one o’clock"

"Good afternoon, then"

She laughed The kind of nervous laugh that said his call ht

"I ondering about so to see if you were a decorate the house for Christmas like it’s a departhts and call it done"

He heard her take a deep breath "You’re calling me to find out how I decorate for Christmas?"

He considered how that sounded "I called to hear your voice Christ he didn’t quite get "You’re ht," she told hiht of her son "Kids like Christet a tree" Her playful tone was replaced by distress

"Did you bring your decorations with you on the "

That answered that "You sound stressed"

"I have a lot to do This Christh on Owen, I need to make it as normal as possible Thatto herself "And presents Like from Santa I’m sure he doesn’t believe in Santa, but I should probably stillfor his opinion?

"I’ man in the red suit is really just you"

"My whatoh No, no Owen isn’t my son"

It was Jason’s turn to be surprised "He’s not?"

Rachel paused "His mom, Emily, was my best friend She"

Jason closed his eyes, kneas coressive She asked me to take care of Ohen she died Not that she needed to"

"I’m sorry"

"I told you my life was complicated"