“I think so, too.” Sadness flooded Josie’s aura, undoubtedly thinking of her parents.
“Amy showed me some of your work inMaude,” I said, wanting to lift her spirit. “You’re an exceptional photographer. You really capture the essence of a person.”
“Thank you.” She lowered her blush-filled cheeks.
“Your parents would be proud of you, Josie. You’ve really made something of yourself out here.”
Josie blinked back tears before quickly wiping them away. “Ah, you got me.”
“I’m sorry.” I grimaced. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“No, it’s fine.” She clutched my forearm as she turned to me. “I don’t have many people in my life who understand my pain. They’re supportive, yes, but they don’t really know how it feels.” Emotion flickered through her eyes. “And I never want them to.”
I placed my hand over hers. “Well, if you ever need to talk, I’m here.”
“That’s very kind, but you’re not here to tend to my wounds.”
“Maybe so, but if you’re important to my sister, you’re important to me. You can call me anytime…even after I go home.”
With a solemn yet grateful nod, Josie continued down the path. “I want to thank you again for staying on with Gramps. You’ve really changed our outlook for the holidays this year. Harrison may not remember his first Christmas, but we sure will. Having Gramps here to spend it with him is so precious, and I really think you’ve played a part in that.”
“Liam’s here because of Liam,” I said while Luci barked at the trees. “Perhaps he loves Christmas as much as your husband.” I snickered. “I saw Grayson piling all those presents under the tree when you arrived.”
Josie covered her face. “Isn’t he ridiculous?”
“I think it’s lovely. It’s clearly his way of showing his family how much he cares.”
“I know.” She smiled bashfully. “I think it’s sweet, too.”
The sound of an approaching helicopter cut through our conversation.
“I thought you said Adam was arriving tomorrow?” I asked, squinting up at the sky.
Josie’s forehead wrinkled as she followed my gaze. “I did.”
“Your in-laws?”
“No, they definitely aren’t arriving until Christmas Eve. Grayson spoke to them this morning.”
As we wandered closer to the helipad, icy air blasted across our faces as the blades grew closer. Once safely on the ground, the pilot jumped out and opened the passenger door. I strained my eyes to witness two long, skinny legs jump out….and I recognized them instantly.
“Finn?” I cried out as I ran toward his beaming face. “Finny!” Tears streamed from my eyes as I threw my arms around my boy.
“Hey, Mom,” he tried to say while I smothered him with kisses.
“How did you…?” I puffed. “I mean…who brought you?”
Finn shrugged. “I don’t know. Aunty Amy drove me to the helicopter and told me you’d be waiting on the other side. She said she’d pick me up New Year’s Day.”
I threw my gaze back to Josie who appeared as surprised as I was. “It wasn’t me,” she said, lowering her camera. “It must’ve been Gramps.” She peered down at my son and smiled. “You must be Finn. I’ve heard a lot about you. My name is Josie.”
“Hi,” he spoke nervously.
“I’ll leave you to it.” Josie met my gaze with a wink. “Luci’s harassing Tico again.”
With a giggle, I watched her jog over to the helicopter before turning back to Finn.
He gaped up at the house. “This is where you work?”