“Well, Angie waited until you were up to open her gifts. All except that one.”

“And so,” Tina drawled, “a new family tradition was born.”

“That’s right. One gift on Christmas Eve to tide us all through, just in case someone oversleeps and wastes most of the day.”

Tina playfully swatted Bette’s shoulder. She sobered a little as Bette poured two glasses of wine. “Did you call the shelter and make sure Danielle and Harley got there okay?”

“Yes, they’re fine. Their case worker told me that they were all settled in for the night.”

“Do you think they’ll really be able to help her?”

“Yes. Before we sent them off, you know I had a long talk with Danielle,” Bette said.

Tina nodded. “I didn’t hear most of it but I know you and she were having a pretty deep discussion. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“Well, she told me, among other things, that she has some education and skills already. She just needs a helping hand to get on her feet. I talked to the people that run the shelter. They have a great success rate in helping women to find jobs and decent housing. We could have let her stay here –”

Tina raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Well, we would have talked about it, anyway. But she’s a very independent person. It’s amazing she let me do as much for her as she did. The last time I tried to talk to her it didn’t go that well. She told me today that she felt ashamed to accept anything from strangers.”

“I’m glad you were able to change her mind, babe,” Tina said, giving Bette’s hand a squeeze. “One thing I’m curious about, though… What made you pick her out of the crowd? I mean, there are people all over this city that need help, you know.”

“I don’t know. From the first time I saw her I wanted to help. Maybe it was the fact that she had a daughter. I got to thinking how things can go wrong and your whole life changes. It made me think about how much I have. You, Angie and,” Bette waved her hand at the expanse of the living room, and the tree twinkling with lights, “all of this.”