Last Christmas, I Reached My Husband’s Parents’ Home Early, Holding My Hope Quietly Because I Was Pregnant. But Instead Of Joy, He Accused Me Of Carrying My Boss’s Child. His Words Cut Deeper Than Any Wound, And He Filed For Divorce The Same Day. Three Weeks Later, When I Returned With The Truth, EVERY SINGLE FACE IN THE ROOM TURNED PALE

I pulled into the Thornton driveway at 6:47. Matthew’s truck was parked out front, which meant he was already there helping his parents set up for the party. The two-story colonial house was lit up against the December darkness, Christmas lights outlining the roof and windows. A wreath on the front door that Caroline had made herself from pine branches and red ribbon.

This house held so much of our history. Five Christmases celebrated here. Countless Sunday dinners where Caroline cooked too much food and sent us home with leftovers. The New Year’s Eve party seven years ago where Matthew had first kissed me at midnight. The Thanksgiving three years later when he told his parents he was going to propose. The engagement announcement dinner. Our wedding reception in the backyard.

This was supposed to be where we announced we were having a baby.

I grabbed the shopping bags from the trunk. Boston souvenirs I’d carefully selected for everyone. Lobster-shaped chocolates for Caroline because she loved quirky gifts. A vintage Patriots pennant for Robert because he’d been a fan since the seventies. A Red Sox cap for Matthew even though he was a die-hard Yankees fan, which made it the perfect teasing gift.

The front door was unlocked. Family tradition. Caroline said locked doors made guests feel unwelcome, made them feel like they were intruding instead of joining a celebration.

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