#Chapter 203 – Midwinter Eve

I grimace as I slip through the dining room door to dinner, because I am well aware that I am both late and underdressed. But I laugh as I try to quietly press the door shut behind me, because a huge cheer goes up from my gathered family at my arrival, letting me know that I was a complete fool for thinking that I could just…quietly sneak into the room and pretend that I was here the whole time. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” I protest, putting my hands up, a little envelope held tight in one of them. “I’m very rude and the worst child of the year.” “Oh, you’re forgiven, baby,” mom says, holding her arms out to me as the rest of my extended family – including Jackson and Jesse’s whole pack – turn back to their conversations and their food. Grinning, I move swiftly to my mom’s side and let her wrap me in a big hug. “All okay?” she asks. “Yeah,” I say, grinning down at her and her gorgeous silver gown. “Nice dress, mom! You look great!” “Nice sweater and muddy jeans!” she returns, grinning