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“Good to know.”
She leaned in. “Didit happen while you were trapped together?”
I almost told her, but then I remembered what I’d asked Stella to do, and it was only fair if I did the same.
“I can’t say.”
“You have to give an old lady something.”
“I need to be sure Stella is cool with what I tell.”
“Good answer,” she said. “But not the one I wanted.”
“Sorry to disappoint. Though I do have to say thank you for talking to me. I know I’m an outsider, and I’d hate to cause a problem.”
“An outsider?” Amma scoffed. “Why would you think that?”
“I’m not related to you guys. I’m just a friend of the family.”
“Good lord, son. You think after all these years that you’rejusta family friend?”
“I do. Is that wrong?”
“Very much so. Unfortunately for you, there’s no getting rid of us now. You’re a part of this family, Alden.”
“I’m sure I could find a way.”
She put a hand on my shoulder. “No, you couldn’t. I know you grew up thinking families just up and leave, but they don’t. Not us. Notrealfamily.”
“That’s the thing, I’m not real family.”
She shook her head. “Blood doesn’t matter. It’s the heart that does.”
“Even if Nick and I fought?”
“Yes, of course. Your dad underestimated what a kind person you are, but we aren’t him. We see you.”
Overwhelming emotions consumed every inch of my body, leaving me staring blankly at Amma. “I ... I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. Just know we’re here. You’re invited to every family occasion, even if you fight with Stella or Nick.”
I gaped at her. I had no idea that she would have been so okay with it.
An old anxiety fully lifted off of me. I wasn’t going to lose Amma if this went downhill. It helped more than I could say.
“I don’t plan on ever fighting with Stella again.”
“Judging by the way you two are acting, I don’t think you will either.” She patted my shoulder. “Now, I need to go find and torture my son-in-law with conversation. He’s been hiding in a corner of his own for far too long.”
Amma went to find Chris, leaving me alone. Out of habit, my eyes searched for Stella.
I found her talking to her mom about something. When Melody saw me, she waved me over.
“Alden, I’m so happy you’re here on Christmas,” she said. “I was just asking Stella where she would live next. You two are friends again, right? I don’t have to avoid the two of you?”
“Yeah, we’re good.” Stella smiled at me. “And there’s not much to tell. I don’t think I’ve had a second to think about it. But I really liked being out in the middle of nowhere. I actually feel inspired for once. So maybe something quieter.”
“You could be near Redwood Falls! You haven’t been, but it’s gorgeous.”