Chapter 56

Over the next few days, when she wasn't with Caden, Jocelyn spent time with Mallory decorating their house for Christmas. They were getting along better now than they ever had. Somehow, Mallory had seemed to change. She was more considerate and not nearly as self-centered as she had always been.

Christmas Eve morning, Jocelyn had wrapped a last-minute gift and carried it down the stairs. Everything looked beautiful. She bent down and turned the lights on the Christmas tree and set the gift beneath it.

"I'm going to California after the holidays," Mallory said behind her, causing her to jump.

"Oh! You scared me!" Jocelyn rose to her feet and turned around. "I didn't know you were there."

Mallory smiled. "Sorry."

Jocelyn crossed the room to her and took both of her hands into her own. "Mallory, you don't have to do that. We can live here together, like we always have."

Mallory nodded. "I know. But if I don't go now, I never will." Her lips curled into a smile. "I just realized th