Chapter 9

When she had told Belle they were coming here, she’d caught a glimmer of the holiday spirit in Belle’s eyes, especially after they’d finished watching Sir Patrick Stewart trudge about with three ghosts. That light had dimmed a little when Julie had then mentioned Hector would be joining them. He was the quintessential third wheel, and she hated to bring him along, technically speaking, but she needed his help and prayed that when all was said and done Belle realized it.

Packing their bags and grabbing one of the cookie containers, the drive here, and even over dinner last night, Belle had been quiet. Something was bothering her, and Julie wondered if it was all to do with Hector’s presence.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. The goal in bringing Belle home for one of her favorite holidays was to brighten her mood and help ease the pain of being ditched by her parents. Again. Tomorrow everything would be different, and if the roads were sufficiently clear, Hector would be on his way out.