My parents texted me, “The Christmas party has been canceled. Don’t come, my love.” They had no idea I was standing right outside the door, watching them and my sister raise a glass and say, “Merry Christmas—it’s so much better without So

then back to me.

“My name is David Harlan,” he said. “And I’m here because your grandfather asked me to be.”

My throat tightened. “My grandfather is… he’s been gone for two years.”

David nodded. “I know,” he said. “That’s why he planned ahead.”

I blinked hard, trying to make sense of it. “Planned what?”

David glanced toward the driveway, where headlights continue reading …