Unbreakable by Rachel Hanna

ones to make a collage out of. We hoped it would help you to look back on your time here with fond memories.”
    “I love it…” Sophie felt tears forming in her eyes but blinked them back. “Thank you so much, Aunt Kay and Uncle Philip. Both my presents are fantastic...” She hugged Philip and Kay in turn before wrapping the collage in the blanket and taking the gifts upstairs with her as she went to get ready for Christmas lunch. Miller and his parents were coming over to share the meal with them and from all accounts it was going to be the meal to end all meals. Miller’s mom, Stacy, and her aunt had been planning it for weeks.
    Sophie changed out of the jeans and long-sleeved shirt she’d pulled on for cooking into a plum-colored dress her mom had insisted she take with her in order to have something “suitably presentable” to wear for Christmas. She was actually glad she had brought it with her. She felt like dressing up for the occasion and she could admit that the dress did add a touch of sophistication to her appearance. She slipped in some silver drop earrings and surveyed the collection of shoes she had brought with her. They ranged from sneakers to slippers to a pair of black winter boots that reached to just below her knees. With no heels to choose from – she hadn’t seen the point of bringing any to a ranch in winter – she opted for the boots as the best match for the dress.
    For the most part she had kept her hair tied back in a bun or ponytail to prevent it falling into her face while she was cooking or helping out on the ranch but today she decided to let it hang loosely. Applying a small amount of makeup in the form of eyeliner and a light shade of pink lipstick, she stepped back to view the results as best she could in the bathroom mirror. It wasn’t the best angle but from what she could make out, things seemed coordinated okay.
    Heading back downstairs she followed the sounds of chopping and running water into the kitchen, where she found her aunt well and truly in action mode. Sophie surveyed the scene with fond affection. “What can I do to help, Aunt Kay?”
    Kay looked up from her chopping board and smiled. “Well, don’t you look just lovely, honey.”
    Sophie glanced down at her attire. “Does it look okay? I wasn’t sure if this would be suitable.”
    “Pretty as a picture, darlin’,” her uncle confirmed as he came into the kitchen. “I better make sure I scrub up well myself so I don’t disgrace you.” He winked playfully at Sophie before heading to the kettle. “So who’s up for a cup of hot chocolate?”
    With unanimous yeses all around, Philip busied himself with the drinks while Sophie got to work laying the larger dining table in the adjacent room. An hour later everything was cooking, the table had been laid and Sophie sat in the lounge rubbing Tilly and Badger’s tummies as they sprawled in front of the fire. Turning at the sound behind her, she grinned at her aunt and uncle. “Wow, you make quite the couple.” Kay looked elegant in a blouse and skirt while Philip looked ruggedly handsome in a long-sleeved shirt and smart jeans.
    “It’s not hard when I have this lovely lady on my arm. Everyone’s so busy looking at her that I can just slide under the radar.” Her uncle winked at Sophie and then grabbed Kay by the waist, dipping her down before bringing her back up and kissing her soundly. Kay laughed and swatted him playfully on the arm before they both came to settle in front of the fire with Sophie. Kay reached for a book, keen to enjoy some downtime before the guests arrived, while Philip turned to Sophie and asked “So how about a game?”
    “Sure.” Sophie nodded and reached for the chess board, positioning it on the side table between them. Her uncle had been teaching her how to play and she had a good grasp of the basic rules by now. Back in San Francisco chess was something that never would have interested her but she found she enjoyed the