The holiday season was in full swing. The radio stations had been playing the same carols over the airways for weeks, trying to get everyone into the spirit of the season.

Anywhere anyone went, they were greeted with Christmas trees covered in lights, garlands and ornaments. Each was unique to where it was, whether it was a store, the bank or one of the many homes located in the Sleepyside, including the large property on the hill, Manor House.

Lights were strung along the driveway, welcoming people to the house. Electric candles were glowing in each window on every floor. Large wreaths adorned the doors with red velvet bows.

Inside, red and green tablecloths covered the round tables throughout the ballroom with white pillar candles ensconced in wreaths of shiny green holly leaves.

People were milling about, moving from room to room greeting friends and catching one another up on their lives since the last time they had been together.

The gathering was an annual event for the family, but it was the first time it had been held outside the city.

Making his way through the gathered guests, Jim Frayne greeted them in passing knowing he had been introduced when his mother held her monthly charity meeting at the house instead of trekking into the city. His dad’s business associates were also in attendance, most of them with their eyes glued to their phones as they lingered near the bar.

Being the dutiful son, he made his way through the groups, stopping whenever his dad wanted to introduce him to someone new. He greeted them and responded when they inquired about his schooling and what he hoped to pursue when he entered college. They seemed generally interested.

He was standing next to his dad when he heard him let out a long breath. Looking at his face, he saw his gaze focused on the other side of the room. His gaze shifted and he fought back a groan of his own at the newest arrivals.

“Why don’t you follow me back to the bar,” Matthew Wheeler requested, twisting the glass in his hand.

“I’m right behind you,” Jim said, turning and making his way to the bar with him.

He knew his father was using delaying tactics, so he could put off greeting the newcomers. Their presence always seemed to cause all of the Wheelers more stress.

Once Matthew’s glass was filled with liquid courage to deal with them, he turned away from the bar and made toward them. Jim requested a glass of soda.

Nadine, Daniel and Benjamin Riker were family, but with their haughty opinions of everything from food to clothes to decorations to homes and even acquaintances nothing ever seemed to be up to their standards. They looked down on everyone, especially him.

Jim felt the need to get the greeting over with sooner, rather than later knowing he’d be accused of hiding.

Making his way toward them, he saw the pinched look on his father’s face. He knew they had already started with the comments.

He forced a smile onto his face. “Good evening,” he said as he stepped up beside Matthew. “We’re so glad you’re able to be here to celebrate the holidays.”

“Of course we would be here,” Daniel said.

“Hopefully the guests this year are more attractive than those rejects that were at the party last year,” Ben said, his eyes scanning the room.

“No matter how attractive they might be, they are not up to our standards,” Nadine said. “They are just leeches trying to climb the social ladder.”

Jim knew that was a jab at him. Nadine had been extremely opinionated about Matthew and Madeleine Wheeler adopting him, giving him a loving home he hadn’t known in years.

“Nadine, Daniel, Ben,” Madeleine said, approaching with her Honey daughter in tow. “It is so good to see you all. I’m so glad you were able to make it.”

“We had to be here,” Nadine said. “We can’t let you ruin the family name.”

“Dad, I believe Mr. Marshall is looking for you,” Honey said.

“I know he’s here somewhere,” Matthew said. “He said he’d talk to me tonight. I better go find him.” He nodded at the Rikers. “I will see you all later.”

As Matthew walked away, Madeleine said. “Please enjoy yourselves. Refreshments are in the dining room. If there is something you need, just let me know.”

“Sure, Aunt Maddie,” Ben said.

“Honey, Jim, there’s someone I want you to meet,” Madeleine said.

“We’re coming,” Honey said.

Jim nodded to the Rikers and followed Madeleine down the hall and into the kitchen. When the door swung closed, blocking out the party, Madeleine let out a long breath as her shoulders slumped.

“Are you okay, Mother?” Honey asked, taking the older woman’s hand in her own.

Madeleine nodded.

Jim quickly filled a glass of cold water and handed it to her.

“Thank you.” Madeleine lifted the glass to her lips and took a sip.

“Is there anything we can do?” Honey asked, glancing at him before refocusing on their mother.

“No,” Madeleine said as she shook her head. “Just ignore everything they say.”

“We understand,” Jim said.

Madeleine let out another long breath and rolled her shoulders as if she was gearing up for a battle. “All right. I’m ready to go back in there.”

“It’ll be fine, Mother,” Honey said.

Madeleine nodded and left the kitchen.

Honey and Jim shared a look before following along.

The two of them kept an eye on their parents whenever they were near the Rikers.

“Jim, could you do me a favor?” Matthew asked, approaching him a while later.

“Of course. What do you need?”

“The caterers cannot find the other case of champagne,” Matthew said. “Could you check to see if it had been moved to the wine cellar?”

“I will go check.”

“I appreciate it,” Matthew said. “It’s possible someone on staff didn’t realize it was the for the party.”

“If it’s down there, I will bring it up,” Jim reassured him.

“Thank you.”

Jim left the room and headed toward the kitchen. He moved through the door, darting around the catering staff knowing they were used to a strict schedule. He reached the door that led down to the wine cellar and went down the stairs.

He flipped the light on before descending the wooden steps. Reaching the concrete floor, he glanced around at the shelves housing many varieties of wine.

His parents had favorites and made sure they were always in stock. They also kept a supply of those preferred by members of the extended family preferred, in the rare event they made an unannounced visit.

Jim’s gaze swept the cellar looking for a case that was out of place. He slowly turned about and finally saw a box sitting partially under the staircase. He knew this was what he was looking for.

As he kneeled down to pick it up, there were footsteps on the stairs. He glanced up to see Nadine Riker making her way down, the door closing behind her with a click.

The tapping of her heels on each step accentuated the uneasiness he felt in her presence. She held a glass of champagne delicately in her manicured fingers.

Stopping two steps from the bottom, she sneered, “I always knew you were meant for menial work. Maddie and Matthew have finally put you in your place.”

“Dad asked me to get something that had been brought down here by mistake,” Jim said.

“That’s a likely excuse,” Nadine said and took a sip from her glass. “I’ll just have to inform my sister of the trouble you’ve caused and then you will be kicked out as the good for nothing you are.”

Jim bit his tongue knowing Nadine was vicious and vile, trying to get a rise out of him. He had heard her on numerous occasions telling his mother they had made a mistake in adopting him. Nadine seemed like a broken record, pushing her same concerns each and every time, hoping that if they heard it enough, they would bow to her will and force him out.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Jim said, forcing his voice to be as polite as he could muster. “But I’m certain Dad is looking for me to see if I had located this box.”

Jim stood with the box in his hands as Nadine took the final two steps into the cellar.

“You probably hid it yourself,” Nadine accused. “You’ve probably been stealing from them since you came to live here.”

Jim went up the stairs. He balanced the box on the railing with one hand while he turned the knob. But it didn’t move. He wiggled the knob again with the same result. He put his shoulder against the door and pushed. Nothing.

He closed his eyes and let out a breath. They were stuck.

“I thought you were leaving,” Nadine said snidely.

“The door is stuck,” Jim commented as he banged on the door with his fist a few times.

The catering staff would hear him and they’d open the door.

“What are you doing?” Nadine asked.

“I’m trying to get someone’s attention to let us out.”

“They won’t do anything for you since you’re a money hungry gold digger trying to steal the money you don’t have any right to,” Nadine said.

Jim ignored her and banged on the door a few more times.

There was no response.

Jim made his way back down the stairs and put the box on the floor. He sat down on the steps knowing they’d have to wait until his Dad realized he was missing.

“I can’t believe you got us locked in here,” Nadine said stomping her way up the stairs like a child throwing a tantrum.

He turned to watch her bang on the door just like he had, getting the same result.

“This is a disgrace,” Nadine said hitting the door with her fist one more time before pounding down the stairs.

She brushed roughly against Jim, pushing him into the railing.

“You probably did this on purpose,” Nadine ranted.

“How could I?” Jim protested. “I didn’t know I was coming down here. I didn’t know Dad was going to ask me to look for the box. I didn’t know you were going to follow me.”

“Ever since you joined this family you’ve done nothing but ruin the family reputation,” Nadine said. “Maddie must have really been blind to see what you really are.”

Jim stared at her in disbelief.

“You are never going to accept me as the son of Matthew and Madeleine Wheeler and the brother to Honey,” Jim said. “So let’s just sit here in silence until we’re released.”

“I just can’t believe two wealthy business people like my sister and brother-in-law would be hoodwinked by some nobody claiming they were the son of an old friend they hadn’t seen in twenty years,” Nadine continued on. “You must have really done your research to get that much information. Knowing of that old friendship you knew that was the easiest way to create a sob story of your father’s passing, your mother marrying again only to die leaving you with an abusive stepfather. That sounds too much like a move script.”

Jim looked away trying to reign in his anger at someone treating what he’d lived through as if it was nothing. His family and close friends knew the particulars. They’d known since they first met and had even encountered the abusive man he’d lived with prior to his escape in search of family.

“I’m quite certain you’ve taken advantage of them and their generosity,” Nadine said as she started pacing in front of him. “I always thought they were smart, but if they allowed some kid to pull the wool over their eyes, then I guess they deserve whatever happens.”

“How can you be so mean to your family?” Jim asked. “My being adopted by the Wheelers has nothing to do with you. My presence doesn’t affect your day to day life. Why is it your concern how they decide what comprises their immediate family?”

“You have no right to talk to me that way.”

“And you have no right to talk to me or anyone else they way you do,” Jim said trying to keep his temper in check.

“I have every right,” Nadine stated, one hand on her hip.

“Why?”

Nadine stared at him for a moment. “What do you mean ‘why’? Why what?”

“Why do you have the right to talk to me and everyone else as if you’re better than us?”

“Because I am,” Nadine responded with an air of superiority.

“According to who?”

“I know I am better than everyone else.”

“Just because you have money, a large house, expensive jewelry, clothes and credit cards doesn’t make someone better,” Jim said. “Those are just material possessions that could easily go away in the blink of eye.”

Nadine raised an eyebrow. “So you think you’re better than me?”

“I never said that.”

“But you think that,” Nadine pressed.

“I think that those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones as a time will come when all of that will shatter.”

“You don’t know anything,” Nadine said.

“I know that Mother and Dad are exhausted after your visits,” Jim said. “They both need a day of relaxation, going so far as to hide away in their bedroom and letting everything else wait. Honey always tries to play peacemaker when you’re here and spends time afterward wondering if there was more she could have done.”

“They are exhausted because they are trying to integrate you into a world where you will never belong.”

“I can’t understand how you and Mother are sisters,” Jim said shaking his head. “I’ve seen sisters together and they have similarities. But there’s nothing the same between the two of you.”

“If anyone has changed for the worst, it’s been Maddie,” Nadine said. “She is not the woman I grew up with. She’s forgotten her place in society and if she wants to be someone she’s not supposed to be, then that’s her problem.”

“I’ve heard how she was so wrapped up into the clubs and charities, but she seems really happy with her life now. She really does enjoy living here in Sleepyside. This environment seems to do wonders for her.”

“She should be in the city with all of her real friends, instead out in these backwoods,” Nadine said. “This is not the place for Madeleine.”

“I hate to say it, but I don’t think Mother will be moving back to the city permanently anytime soon,” Jim said. “She’s happier than I’ve ever seen her. Maybe someday after Honey and I are grown with families of our own she may consider leaving Manor House, but only time will tell. And if she does, she’ll probably make sure she is living close to use to enjoy time with her grandchildren.”

“Madeleine won’t live out in this backwoods town,” Nadine said.

“There is nothing wrong with the people here,” Jim said. “Everyone is kind and caring, looking out for their neighbors. They are always willing to help out, no matter what.”

“Social climbers,” Nadine said.

“Do you really believe that?”

“It’s the truth,” Nadine said. “That’s what anyone does when they come in contact with individuals who have money or are in a position of power.”

“I can’t believe you think that,” Jim said, shocked at her beliefs. “There may be some that want to do that, but what I’ve seen more often than not are people remaining true to themselves. They turn down offers of assistance because of their pride.”

“It’s all an act,” Nadine said. “And you are a great actor.”

Jim’s eyes went wide.

“When I first heard your story, I couldn’t believe what you’d been through,” Nadine continued. “But as time went by, I thought more about it and realized that’s what it was, just a story. Yes, there are parents who lose their spouse, but they only remarry that quickly if they’d been seeing that person while their spouse had been alive. Also, the reports of your stepfather’s abuse were probably regular punishments because you couldn’t follow instructions and were disrespectful to your elders.”

Jim felt sick that she honestly believed the trauma he suffered was because he brought it on himself.

“I can tell that you’ve realized I know the truth,” Nadine went on. “And I will make sure Madeleine and Matthew do what is right and toss you to the curb with just what you brought.”

For the briefest moment he thought it would happen, but the love he felt for the Wheeler’s made him realize it would never occur.

“And once you’re gone, everyone will finally realize you are a liar and that no one should believe a word that comes from your mouth.”

Jim’s temper was rising at the accusations spewing from her mouth. He focused on taking some deep breaths to keep from saying something he would regret. Everything she was saying was vile and full of hatred. It was clear she was unhappy with her own life and wanted to make everyone just as miserable.

Before Nadine could continue tearing him apart, they heard the door open and a voice call out, “Jim? Are you down there?”

“Honey,” Jim said, feeling relief his sister had come to the wine cellar. “Hold the door open. It locked me down here.”

Nadine stomped her way up the stairs brushing past Honey. Jim followed behind carrying the box he had initially gone to retrieve.

“We need to put some tape on the lock so no one else get stuck down there. Dad will have to get it replaced.”

“I’ll get the tape,” Honey said.

“Thank you.”

Jim carried the box to the bar and set it down. His father saw him across the room and nodded with a smile of appreciation that the task was completed.

For the rest of the evening, Jim moved from room to room, keeping his distance from Nadine. He knew she was a woman of her word and didn’t want to have any further one-on-one encounters with her that day. The time in the basement had been enough.

As the night stretched on, the guests began to make their departure. Jim was polite as he acknowledged it was nice to see them and thanked them for joining the family for the evening.

While he had hoped the Rikers would leave early, they were hanging around, looking to be the last to exit the premises.

Jim made his way toward Matthew who was talking to a couple of associates from work. From the corner of his eye, he saw Madeleine talking with Honey.

“Jim, could you run to the office and grab the green folder from my desk?” Matthew asked. “Steve is going into the office tomorrow and needs it for the meeting.”

“Of course,” Jim said and quickly left the room.

He went to his father’s office on the second floor and saw the folder in the middle of the desk. He returned to the first floor and made his way back into the dining room where he’d last seen his father.

Before he could make it through the doorway, he heard Nadine talking negatively about him and his family.

“I have no idea how my sweet sister got conned into welcoming that child into their home,” Nadine said with fake concern in her voice. “I think we all know that there is no way that Matthew knew his father. Matthew had a select group of friends and they were all studying business. There is no way he knew a man who was more focused on the environment.”

“If you think about it, they could’ve been friends,” one voice said. “I know I interacted with a lot of people in college. I didn’t just associate with those in my degree program.”

“That’s true,” Nadine said. “But if someone claimed to be the child of a friend from college who you hadn’t seen in almost 20 years, you’d do a lot of research to make sure the story they were telling wasn’t just that – a story.”

“He must be after the Wheeler and Hart fortune,” a second voice said.

“He won’t get his hands on any of that,” Nadine said. “I will make sure of it.”

“How so?” the first voice asked.

“I have proof that his supposed story is all a lie and I plan to unveil it all tonight,” Nadine said smugly.

“Just before Christmas?” the first voice asked.

“He deserves this gift,” Nadine said. “He will be unmasked as the conman that he is and will be sent packing if Matthew doesn’t have him thrown in jail for extortion.”

Jim had heard enough. He went through the entryway and the three women went silent, watching him carefully.

Nadine gave him an evil smile. “Is there something you need?”

“I get you don’t like me, but you don’t know me,” Jim said.

“I know enough,” Nadine said.

“You’re twisting what you do know and in the process are hurting Mother and Dad.”

“I’m protecting them,” Nadine stated. “They are too trusting and I’m not going to allow a lying snot-nosed teenager to rob them of their fortune.”

“How can you do this to them?” Jim asked. “Why do you want to interfere with what they are doing? How they live and what they do with their money is their business.”

“Because they are family and I won’t allow some nobody to ruin their reputation.”

“Aunt Nadine,” Honey interrupted. “Mother was hoping you could join her in the library.”

Nadine gave Jim a smirk. “Of course, Honey. My sister and I have much to discuss.”

As Nadine turned away to walk with Honey, the two women who had been conversing with his aunt darted off in opposite directions.

Jim took a breath and turned to see his father making his way toward him. “I’m sorry,” Jim said, offering the folder to him. “I encountered…”

“Nadine,” Matthew stated accepting the papers.

Jim nodded. “I may have allowed her to goad me.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Matthew said. “She just has this way about her.”

“Mother requested to see her in the library,” Jim said.

Matthew closed his eyes and took a breath. “All right. Let me go give these documents to Steve. Then I will check on your mother.” Matthew looked around. “It looks like Andrew and Sophia Nelson are ready to go. Would you mind discreetly escorting them to their car? Sophia recently had hip surgery and no matter what she says, she’s getting tired from being on her feet for so long.”

“I can do that,” Jim said, catching sight of the couple in question.

“Thank you.”

The two of them went in separate directions. Jim moved around the other guests as he approached the Nelsons. He could see Sophia leaning slightly onto her husband.

“Can I get either of you something more to eat or drink?” Jim asked.

“Thank you, Jim,” Andrew said. “But we have had plenty. We do need to get going since I have a meeting in the morning.”

“I understand,” Jim said. “I know Mother and Dad were glad you were able to join them for the party.”

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Sophia said. “We’ve been to every party they’ve hosted.” She glanced around and leaned in closer to Jim, lowering her voice. “And this is by far the best one. This house is simply beautiful and I can see how happy Madeleine is here.”

“I know Matthew seems much more relaxed that he did in the city,” Andrew noted. “When they first said they bought this place and were making it their primary residence, I was really skeptical. But now, I know the country air and peace of this community are doing wonders for both of them.”

“I think it’s also the addition of you to their family,” Sophia said, linking her arm through Jim’s as they made their way toward the door.

“I am really lucky to have them as my parents,” Jim said.

“Matt said that he knew your father years ago,” Andrew said.

Jim nodded. “They met in college, but lost contact with one another after graduation.”

“That unfortunately happens as people pursue their dreams,” Andrew said.

“I feel very lucky to have this family,” Jim said. “And not just Mother, Dad and Honey, but a very loyal group of friends and their families. They have all welcomed me with open arms.”

“How lovely,” Sophia said as they exited the house. “And is there someone special in your life?”

Jim ducked his head as he smiled, feeling the color rise in his cheeks knowing it wasn’t from the light winter breeze drifting through the preserve.

“Who is she?”

“Her name is Trixie,” Jim answered. “She lives just down the hill there at Crabapple Farm. She is Honey’s best friend and was instrumental in me finding a place I could really call home.”

“How?” Andrew asked.

As much as Jim didn’t like reliving the story, he gave them a quick and brief synopsis of Trixie and Honey finding him in his great-uncles home and then chasing after him when they learned he had an inheritance waiting for him. Andrew said, “I think that girl will keep you on your toes.”

“I’m sure she will,” Jim said as they stopped beside the vehicle.

“Please let Matthew and Madeleine know we had a wonderful time,” Sophia said as the car door was opened.

“I’ll make sure they know,” Jim said.

Sophia leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for helping me out to the car. I know that was Matt’s idea that worry wart.”

Jim chuckled. “I will admit nothing.”

Sophia laughed and climbed inside.

Andrew closed the door and looked at Jim. “Matt said you have a dream of opening a school for boys.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well, when you get ready to make it a reality, let me know.”

“Sir?” Jim asked, confusion on his face.

“I love supporting worthwhile projects and something like your school would make an important impact on those young men’s lives,” Andrew said. “I would love to be on the ground floor of this.”

“Thank you,” Jim said, stunned that someone else wanted to support his dream, believing in his goal.

Andrew patted his shoulder. “We’ll talk soon. Merry Christmas, Jim.”

“Merry Christmas.”

Jim watched Andrew move to the other side and climb in. He stood there keeping an eye on the car until it turned onto Glen Road, disappearing from sight.

Returning to the house, he saw the last of the attendees were taking their leave. He thanked them for coming and promised to pass their holiday wishes onto his parents.

He closed the door and let out a breath. He had survived the important holiday party for his father.

He stood inside the front door and looked toward the dining room. Staff were already moving about, cleaning up from the evening’s festivities.

Ms. Trask, who oversaw the staff, was giving instructions to make sure everything was returned to its every day place, not hinting there had been a party.

Jim knew he needed to head to the library. He didn’t want to deal with Nadine, but he wasn’t going to hide. He had been nothing but polite for most of the evening until Nadine decided to call into question his parent’s decision.

As he approached the room, he could hear Nadine say, “I seriously have to call in to question your ability to make rational decisions when you take in some money hungry child who is only after the Hart family fortune.”

“You sound like a broken record,” Madeleine said, her voice laced with irritation.

Jim moved into the room, making his way around to the desk, taking a spot in front of the bookcase so he could face the Rikers.

“How can you trust anything he says?” Nadine asked, pointing at Jim. “He’s a con artist and a good one. He probably did his research, going deep into your background to find the one thing that would tug on your heartstrings to get you to believe his story. You are being so gullible.”

“Enough, Nadine,” Madeleine’s sharp voice interrupted her sister’s ranting. “You need to stop. You may not like that Matthew, Honey and I have welcomed Jim into our family with open arms. You may not like it that we treat him as if he’s been our son and Honey’s brother for all his life. You may not like how we spend money to give Jim the things he needs to achieve his dreams. You may not like the fact that whatever we do with our money, mine and Matt’s, you have no say in it.”

“Maddie,” Nadine tried to interrupt.

“I am not done,” Madeleine said, standing up and looking down at her sister. “We have never interfered in your life, telling you what you should do, what you should buy, who your friends should be or how things should be done in your immediate family.”

“You crossed several lines tonight, Nadine,” Matthew said, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Many of the people here were business associates of mine. You had no right to speak out about our family in front of them. Because of your behavior tonight, you have put my business and my reputation on the line, just because you think we might be wrong.”

“You are wrong!” Nadine exclaimed. “None of what he’s told you can be true. It’s too farfetched to be reality. His entire story reads like a novel, two loving parents, one dies and the other remarries a monster that they didn’t know about. Then the second parent dies. This is all a ruse to steal the fortunes that our families have passed down from generation to generation.”

“Why does what we want to do with our money affect you?” Madeleine asked. “You have your own inheritance. If something happened to either of us, our money would go to Honey and Jim so that they could follow their dreams. They are our heirs.”

“The Hart money needs to remain with the Hart bloodline,” Nadine said. “This would be Ben and Honey. Not Jim.”

“Jim is my brother,” Honey said. “And no one, not even you, will change that.”

“One day you will understand the truth,” Nadine said. “I know you are all suffering from delusions from living in this backwoods town. There has to be something in the water here that affects a person’s common sense.”

“There is nothing wrong with living here,” Honey protested.

“You don’t want them happy,” Jim finally spoke up.

“What?” Nadine asked and all eyes turned toward him.

“I think you don’t want them happy,” Jim repeated. “I remember those first few weeks we were all together here. Mother and Dad had so much going on. But then there was a subtle change. Messages were taken only during certain hours. The same goes for business dealings. They both left the weekends free to spend time with Honey and me, creating an amazing family bond.”

“That’s true,” Honey said. “Moving out here didn’t just help me, but Mother and Dad too. They both seem more relaxed being away from the city.”

“The city is where they belong,” Nadine said. “That is where everything is.”

“What’s missing here?” Madeleine asked.

“Your home,” Nadine said.

“Our home is here,” Matthew said.

“Your penthouse is your home,” Nadine countered.

“Our home is where our family is,” Madeleine said. “And that would be the four of us together.”

“Your rightful home is in the city,” Nadine said. “Whoever suggested that moving out here would be good for Honey’s health was delusional. This hick town is not the place for people like us.”

“Just stop, Nadine,” Madeleine said. “You are seriously grasping at straws to try to convince us that every decision we’ve made is wrong. The fact is, how we were raised is how Mother and Father wanted to raise us, including sending us to boarding and finishing school. But Matthew and I decided things were going to be different for our children. Boarding school wasn’t right for Honey. Being in that environment was detrimental to her health, being constantly sick. Within days of relocating to Sleepyside, Honey had color in her cheeks and was outside having fun and making friends.”

“All the people in this town are looking for a hand out just like Jim.”

“Why do you have to be so mean?” Honey demanded.

“How dare you talk to me like that?” Nadine demanded, standing up. “Young ladies that go to the appropriate educational institutions learn the proper way to behave and how to talk to people.” Nadine crossed her arms and sank back into her seat. “Which just goes to show the negative influence from attending public school.”

“Daniel, do you agree with Nadine?” Madeleine asked.

“Of course he does,” Nadine said, not allowing him to speak. “He knows that with a proper upbringing, children will know their rightful place in society. Ben is a fine example of that. He went to the right schools and summer camps. He only associated with the right people and will do what is expected of him.”

“So, he is a puppet and you’re controlling the strings,” Jim concluded.

“Ben understands what is the right path and will follow it,” Nadine said. “He will become a lawyer, pass the bar, join his father in his practice, marry a woman who will provide us with grandchildren that will be the only true heirs of the Hart fortune as they will be the only ones of true bloodline.”

Honey walked out of the room without a word and Jim was worried Honey was thinking she wasn’t a true Hart.

Hearing the hatred and hurtful comments from Nadine made him realize he needed plans to avoid spending time with her in the future. He had a temper and could keep it in check. But with each word she spoke, that control was waning.

“Nadine, this topic has been beaten to death,” Madeleine said. “Anytime we are together, regardless of where we are, you feel the need to tell everyone that we’ve made the wrong decision in bringing Jim into our family.”

“And it will not happen again,” Matthew stated. “This is our home. You will treat each member of this family with respect.”

Nadine opened her mouth.

“And we determine who is a member of this household, not you,” Matthew continued. “This is the last time we will have this conversation. The next time you voice your displeasure about our choices, you will be escorted off the premises.”

“Ha,” Nadine said. “I’m not scared of you. Madeleine won’t permit it.”

“I will be the one doing it,” Madeleine said.

“You wouldn’t dare!” Nadine exclaimed.

“Mother, I don’t believe Aunt Maddie is kidding,” Ben said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Nadine shrugged it off as she looked over her shoulder at her son. “This does not concern you, Ben. Mind your own business.”

Ben pulled his hand back and allowed it to hang at his side as he schooled his features, staring at the floor.

Jim couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“My sister would never threaten to throw me out,” Nadine said, her face turning red in anger. “Our relationship comes first before anything else, including husbands and children.”

“Nadine, I love you, but I will not tolerate you treating Matthew, Jim or Honey poorly,” Madeleine said. “I will defend them to anyone who comes after them, including you.”

At that moment Honey came back into the room, her left hand held in front of her. Jim could just make out a growing red spot on the tip of her index finger.

“What happened?” Jim asked. He could see the blood oozing from a long cut on her finger. “You’re bleeding.”

“Honey’s bleeding?” Madeleine asked, quickly getting to her feet.

“Margery! Get the first aid kit!” Matthew bellowed. “Honey’s bleeding!”

Honey grabbed his hand and he felt a sharp prick on his own index finger.

“Ow,” Jim said and tried to pull his hand away as he saw blood exiting the small gash.

Honey pulled his injured finger toward hers and pressed their bleeding fingers together.

“What are you doing?” Jim asked.

“Why did you cut Jim’s finger?” Matthew asked, pulling her hand away and applying pressure with his handkerchief.

Jim reached for a handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped it around his own finger.

“See what bringing that gold digger into this family is doing to Honey,” Nadine said. “She would have never purposely stabbed anyone. I know there are institutions where she can go for these bad habits to be broken.”

“Just stop, Aunt Nadine,” Honey said, her eyes flashing in anger. “My full-blooded adopted brother has been nothing but caring and protective of me.”

“You are not blood related,” Nadine said exasperated. “I don’t understand why you can’t grasp that concept. You don’t have the same blood since he didn’t come from your parents.”

“We have the same blood in us now,” Honey said, pulling the handkerchief away to show the wound on her finger.

“Honey?” Matthew asked, confusion written all over his face.

“Aunt Nadine kept going on and on about Jim not being blood related to us,” Honey explained. “She kept using that same phrase and that reminded me of what some of the girls at boarding school used to do.”

“What was that?” Jim asked, releasing the pressure on his finger to see if it had stopped bleeding. It had.

“They wanted to be more than friends,” Honey said. “They wanted to be sisters. And so they would nick their fingers with a needle and mix their blood.”

She looked at Nadine. “Jim is my brother. Mother and Daddy adopted him, but he is my brother in every sense of the word.”

They all could see Nadine was stunned at the change of events.

“Nadine, this is our home,” Madeleine said. “Jim is our son. If you ever say anything to contradict that, you will be escorted off the premises and banned from all of our properties until you change your ways. Jim has been through enough in his young life and it will not continue.” Madeleine met Nadine’s gaze. “Are we clear?”

Nadine nodded. She stood up. “Daniel. Benjamin. It’s getting late and Daniel has an early meeting,” She looked at her sister. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” Madeleine said.

Nadine and Daniel left the room as Ben moved over to the Wheeler clan. He stopped beside Madeleine.

“Thank you for inviting us, Aunt Maddie,” he said. “I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas in case our paths don’t cross beforehand.”

“To you as well,” Madeleine said.

Ben gave Madeleine a kiss on the cheek, before shaking Matthew and Jim’s hands. He gave Honey a hug. “I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks,” Honey said.

“And if anyone asks, I will deny that I loved how you caught mother off guard,” Ben said.

Honey laughed. “It was nice.”

“And I doubt she expected that from you,” Ben said. “You were amazing and I can see that Sleepyside has been really good for you.”

“Ben!!!”

“I need to go,” Ben said, walking backward to the door. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” they said as Ben disappeared out the door.

Jim closed his eyes and slowly let out a breath. His emotions were all over the place. He was relieved Nadine was finally gone. He was amazed at the step Honey had taken to make Nadine stop saying he wasn’t blood related. He was overwhelmed with love and pride that Matthew and Madeleine considered him family and would argue against anyone who thought differently.

Exhaustion from a tense evening seemed to winning out as he sank onto the arm of the chair.

“You all right, Jim?” Madeleine asked stepping beside him and placing a hand on his shoulder.

He looked up at her, his mother, who loved him and could see the stress of the evening on her face.

“I am,” Jim said. “I know most people will question my addition to the family…”

“And the reason is none of their business,” Matthew interrupted. “We determine the makeup of our family. No one else.”

“I just want you all to know that I am very grateful that I have all of you as family,” Jim said. “I kind of feel like Mama and Dad would approve of you being there for me.”

“Each day I wish I had kept in touch with your father,” Matthew said. “I know we can’t change the past, but I hope I’m making him proud by being here for you now.”

Jim smiled. “I know he would be.”

Matthew smiled and then looked at his daughter. “That was a very creative way to handle your aunt.”

“I had enough of her talking that way about Jim,” Honey said. “No matter what anyone says, he is my brother and I will defend him every time.”

“And you are my sister,” Jim said. “Something I have cherished from the moment we met.”

Honey smiled at him.

“This has been a very long night,” Madeleine said as Matthew wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

“I know we are all tired, but are probably not ready to sleep,” Matthew said.

Jim knew that was true. He knew the exhaustion of the night was weighing heavily on him, but his mind would need to process all the events of the evening.

“What are you thinking, Daddy?” Honey asked.

“I think we should all get into our pajamas, head to the family room and watch a Christmas movie while we eat cookies and drink hot chocolate.” Matthew looked at each one of them in turn. “What do you think?”

Jim glanced at Honey seeing the excitement in her eyes. He knew this suggestion was what Honey said she always wanted. And he knew he wanted it as well.

Madeleine smiled. “I think it’s a marvelous idea, dear.”

“Let’s go,” Honey said, her body buzzing with energy.

Jim grinned. “How soon is this party starting?”

“It depends on how fast you two can get ready,” Matthew said.

“Us?” Honey challenged, a twinkle in her eye. “I bet Mother will take the longest as she’ll have to choose the perfect outfit for the evening.”

“Really, daughter?” Madeleine asked with a smile as she stepped away from her husband and taking a step toward the doorway.

“Really,” Honey said, taking a step as well.

The two women eyed each other. Honey moved first, heading for the door. Madeleine paused only for a second to slide out of her heels before following her daughter in hot pursuit, the black pumps right where she left them.

Jim looked at Matthew. “Was she really running?”

“She was,” Matthew said, putting a hand on the younger redhead’s shoulder as he stood. “Come on. If we make the two of them wait for us, we’ll never hear the end of it.”

“You’re right,” Jim said as they went into the hall together, Madeleine’s black pumps in Matthew’s hand.

Jim knew the evening had a lot of tense moments and loaded with hurtful accusations, but it was going to have a very memorable ending.