Something in Vanessa’s expression sharpened, as though she had been waiting for this moment.
“Sometimes children hide things,” she said lightly. “Big things.”
A moment later, in a sudden burst of emotion, Vanessa swiped her arm across the dessert table, sending plates, gingerbread houses, and serving dishes crashing to the floor. Even the children cried out in alarm. My mother pressed a hand to her chest.
“Vanessa!” I gasped. “What are you doing?”
She pointed at Lily. “Ask your daughter. She’s hiding something you should have known months ago!”
Lily’s face drained of color. My heart dropped.
And then, in a quiet voice that broke all of our hearts, Lily whispered:
“If she wants the truth out… I’ll tell it.”
Everything fell completely still. Even the snow outside seemed to pause.
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