Kim Beall
Everyone is eagerly anticipating Christmas at Vale House, for all the usual reasons, and for a couple of reasons that are not so usual outside Woodley, USA. For one thing, the annual Christmas Eve party is the only time Katarina ever makes authentic Mexican tacos. For another, the real Santa Claus always attends this party. At least, that’s what everyone is telling Callaghan McCarthy, and they’re saying she needs to be prepared, because Santa always grants one wish to each person present. Cally doesn’t believe in Santa or in wishes, of course. She’s just glad her daughter Kelleigh is in town for the festivities, staying with Brandon and Rosheen at the Yellow House. It doesn’t even bother her that Kelleigh’s father has promised he will be joining his daughter and son for Christmas as well. Having her ex visiting so nearby is a bit awkward, but Cally’s coping with it well enough. At least until she begins to suspect she knows the identity of the body Ignacio found under the ice in the pond two days ago.Chronologically the events in this story fall between Moonlight and Moss and Ghost of a Chance in the Woodley, USA series, but this short, sweet Christmas episode can stand on its own even if you have never read any other stories in the series. (Warning: it will make you want to read the rest of them!) 3
