Julian, in his arrogance, had counted on his family’s loyalty.

He had forgotten what that loyalty was actually loyal to.

I unbuttoned my wool coat, smoothed my sweater over the curve of my belly, and walked up the stone steps toward the warm gold light.

Chapter 7 — What Are You Doing Here

When the housekeeper opened the door, a wave of warmth met me, roast turkey and pine needles and woodsmoke, the smell of a family Christmas I had married into fifteen years ago and never quite been allowed to belong to.

Evelyn emerged from the living room holding a glass of sherry, and her face lit with genuine, delighted shock at the sight of me.