Page 15 of Her Holiday Arrangement

Riley shot her a look. “That’s not the word I’d use for a twenty-foot inflatable nutcracker next to a topiary swan.”

Fair.

The car rolled to a stop under the portico. Staff in heavy coats and scarves emerged like chess pieces taking their places. A man with a clipboard opened Elizabeth’s door. Another reached for Riley’s bags.

“Miss Hale,” the driver said, nodding.

Elizabeth stepped out into a gust of pine-scented air and brisk wind, her boots crunching over gravel and thin ice. As soon as Riley emerged, bundled in the designer coat and scarf she’d received barely twenty-four hours earlier, Elizabeth reached for her.

A hand at the small of Riley’s back. Warm. Steady. Stage cues.

“Ready?” she murmured.

Riley swallowed hard and nodded. “Lead the way, boss.”

Elizabeth didn’t correct her.

The front door swung open before they could reach it.

“Elizabeth!” Annette Hale stood just inside the vestibule, all silver-blonde hair, pearl earrings, and a perfectly preserved frown that barely softened for guests.

Elizabeth plastered on her practiced smile. “Mother.”

“And this must be—” A pause. A scan. An assessment. “Riley.”

Riley stepped forward, smile tight but warm. “It’s so lovely to finally meet you, Mrs. Hale.”

Annette tilted her head. “I’m sure it is.”

Elizabeth gave her mother a glance sharp enough to draw blood, then curled her fingers more deliberately around Riley’s waist.

“She’s been looking forward to this all month,” Elizabeth added coolly.

A small lie. Necessary.

Inside the grand foyer, the world smelled of evergreen, beeswax polish, and wealth. A crystal chandelier sparkledoverhead. The walls gleamed with ancestral portraits, fresh holly, and tasteful garlands.

Voices floated in from the sitting room.

Margot. Of course.

Elizabeth braced herself.

“Well, look who it is!” Her sister’s voice carried the gleeful cruelty of someone who’d never known insecurity. Margot swept into the entryway in a cashmere wrap, her twin sons trailing behind her with iPads. “Elizabeth and her mystery girlfriend. I told Mother she wasn’t imaginary.”

Elizabeth’s smile didn’t budge. “You’re hilarious.”

Margot turned to Riley, gaze quick and calculated. “I’m Margot. The fun sister.”

“You’re theonlysister,” Elizabeth muttered.

“I prefer to keep it exclusive.” Margot leaned in and kissed Riley’s cheek like a socialite marking territory. “A pleasure.”

“Likewise,” Riley replied, clearly trying not to flinch.

More greetings followed. The oldest brother, Julian, gave Riley a curt nod and turned back to his wine. His wife, Clement, offered a brittle smile. The twins ignored everyone.

Elizabeth guided Riley through the crowd, hand still at her back, pressure firm but not forceful. She felt every twitch in Riley’s shoulders, every catch in her breath when someone looked a second too long.