"Call me Evelyn." She turned and hung up Kiki's coat on the coat rack in the foyer. "We've known each other far too long to be so formal."
"Thanks, M- er- Evelyn." Old habits die hard.
Evelyn placed her hand on her back and gingerly guided her toward the living room filled with people. "Now, go warm up and I'll be right there with some hot chocolate."
"Thank you." Kiki walked into the living room, which was well lit with candles and soft light, and stood by the fire, the brightest light in the room. People chatted animatedly, drinking their coffee, hot cocoa, or hot apple cider while playing with or talking to the children, all dressed in their finest attire. The ladies of the town had either made dresses for the children or had donated store-bought clothing for them. Kiki had thought t
