The Holiday Gift. RaeAnne Thayne

and Louisa poked their heads in, followed in short order by Celeste’s stepdaughter, Olivia, and Joey. Liv went straight to Celeste while Joey practically jumped into Hope’s outstretched arms.

      It warmed her heart so much to see her sisters being such loving mother figures to children who needed them desperately.

      “Joey and Olivia were coming to the house to hang out when I got your text,” Louisa said. “We saw all your cars so decided to stop here to say hi before we walk up to the house from the bus stop.”

      “I’m so glad you did,” Faith said.

      She hugged them both, her heart aching with love. “Good day?” she asked.

      Louisa nodded. “Pretty good. I had a substitute for science and she was way nicer than Mr. Lewis.”

      “Guess who got a hundred-ten percent on his math test?” Barrett said with a huge grin “Go on. Guess.”

      She made a big show of looking confused and glancing in the other boy’s direction. “You did, Joey? Good job, kid!”

      Rafe’s nephew giggled. “I only got a hundred percent. I missed the extra credit but Barrett didn’t.”

      Her son preened. “I was the only one in the class who got it right.”

      “I’m proud of both of you. What a smart family we have!”

      Except for her, the one who couldn’t figure out how to protect the friendship that meant the world to her.