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After the first of the year, she was going to set up a own side of Paper Moon Her business partner had been focused on the designer clothes business for a couple of years now Madeline had placed the last saht into the co on more responsibility She had a lot of plans and it was time to share them

Her cell rang She pulled it out of her pocket and smiled when she saw the familiar picture on her screen

“Hi, Mom”

“Madeline, how are you? Your father and I were just talking about you, so I thought I’d call”

“I’ood I sold two dresses today Both to lovely brides”

“I can’t wait to see the pictures Are you ready for Christmas?”

“Yes My shopping is done I’ She comes in tomorrow I’m excited for her to try on the dresses I chose Are you and Dad all ready for the cruise?”

“We are”

“You’re going to have a great time”

“I know, but I worry” Her ht by yourself? With us gone and Robbie not there, ill you do?”

“Moo We’ve talked about this You and Dad are going to have soOn Christrown up You did a good job raising me”

“I can’t help it We love you”

“I love you two, as well Now relax and trust me to be okay”

They chatted a fewup Madeline went to her co hoht of her fa tiht and her eyes burned

“Don’t be silly,” she told herself “I’m fine I have plenty to do”

Only this would be the first Christ, but it also felt kind of lonely Sure her parents would call, as would Robbie, but it wasn’t going to be the same

She sniffed, then sniffed again In the battle, tears finally won She sucked in a breath, trying to get control as she wiped her face

“What’s wrong?”

She looked up and saw Jonny standing in the doorway to her office, Raven at his side The old dog had the rope bone in her mouth and Christmas antlers on her head