It was starting to snow by the time Zach drove back into Rosemount late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. He’d been tense all the way back from Boston, because Jen had a doctor’s appointment earlier in the day. He always dreaded the results but hoped for the best, and so far, that had worked out well. She’d been cancer-free for thirteen years, but Zach knew he’d never stop treating every day together as a blessing.
He’d definitely become the luckiest guy in the world the day that Jen had agreed to marry him, and he would do whatever was necessary to defend that. Who would have guessed that he’d build a successful career as a photographer? It had started with that one gallery show, the one Jen had goaded him into pursuing. Now he did an annual show of art photographs, sold photographic stock from his website and did family portraits.
Jen had built a loyal family for her knitting store, The Black Sheep, and had regular clients who took road trips from Boston, both to shop in the store and attend classes. She’d bought a small warehouse on the edge of town for the online branch of her business, and sold discontinued yarns and colors from her website. She had two part-time employees there who packed orders and shipped them. She featured local knitting designers twice a month in the shop and everything was going really well.
Their own daughters were teenagers now, creative and talented in their own right, and often helped out with one business or the other. Zach would never have gotten his website updates done without his nephew Jonathan and daughter Nicole’s help.
If anything, Jen worked too much. She loved what she did, but Zach always worried that she was pushing herself too hard.
He deliberately drove down Main Street before going around the block to park in the back of the shop. The town really looked its best when decorated for the holidays, with cedar roping on the front of every store, wreaths on the doors, and the windows decorated for Christmas. There were more twinkling fairy lights than he could shake a stick at, and a line of kids waiting to talk to Santa in his hut in front of city hall.
Jen had been a big part of the revitalization of the town and he was so proud of her.
He pulled into the parking spot behind her knitting store, then carried the gift he’d gone to the city to collect up the stairs to their apartment. He kissed his daughters, who were both busy making popcorn chains in the kitchen. As usual, Nicole, the older at eleven was instructing Jasinda, just nine, on the most aesthetically pleasing way to get the job done. As usual, Jasinda was intent on doing the job her way and ignoring her sister. Jasinda was blond and tiny, like a fairy child, while Nicole was tall, dark-haired, and athletic. Zach figured Jasinda should have been giving the instructions as this was a creative task, but he knew better than to say anything. He hung up his coat and kicked off his boots, put the gift on the counter, then grabbed a handful of popcorn. The bowl was enormous and nearly empty but there couldn’t have been eight feet of garland.
He had a pretty good idea where the rest of the popcorn had gone, and Roxie wasn’t even around anymore to help. He frowned, not wanting to think about losing that big lovable dog even for a minute. He missed her all the time.
“What did you buy?” Jasinda demanded. She was already eying the gift, trying to guess what its contents might be from its shape. “It’s big.”
“An Easter basket,” Zach replied, deadpan. “They were a really good deal, although I wonder if the chocolate bunnies might be past their best-before date.”
“You did not!” Nicole replied. Neither of his daughters were easily fooled by his jokes, which was just fine by Zach. They’d be as ready for the real world as he could make them.
“It’s a gift for Mom.”
“What about us?” Nicole asked.
“Wait until the tree is decorated tonight, then you’ll see.” They always decorated the tree on Christmas Eve, since Jen put one up in the shop on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“Aunt Cin said we should ask you for a car.”
“Aunt Cin is more trouble than she has any right to be,” Zach said, referring to Jen’s older sister. “Besides, you’re only eleven. What would you do with a car?”
Nicole nudged Jasinda. “I could drive it. Let me drive yours and I’ll show you.”
“Perish the thought. I’ll savor every minute until you’re sixteen.”
Nicole threaded some more popcorn. “Wait’ll we’re sixteen, then we’ll ask for a car.”
“He’ll still say no,” Jasinda replied.
“He probably thinks we’ll share.” Nicole rolled her eyes at that.
Zach was thinking it would go exactly like that, that Nicole would always drive and Jasinda would be happy to daydream in the passenger seat while her sister chauffered her around. “How many miles of popcorn garland are you making?”
“Mom said to make lots. She popped a huge bowl for us after school, then went down to the shop.”
“I see maybe eight feet of garland and an empty bowl,” Zach noted. “That’s hardly miles.”
“Well, we’re running out of popcorn.”
“And where did it go?” Zach tickled Nicole’s stomach and she laughed. “I guess you’re not going to want dinner.”
“Of course we do! It’s Chinese food night!” Nicole’s enthusiasm was probably affected by the fact that they almost never ate take-out of any kind.
“Natalie said so,” Jasinda said. “She said she’s bringing Szechuan.”
“Excellent,” Zach said. “She must be bringing it from Boston.”
The girls nodded.
He never would get used to the girls calling their grandmother by her first name, but then between his family and Jen’s, they had more than enough quirks to go around and that was a comparatively small one. It had started because everyone in the family had called Jen’s grandmother ‘Gran’ and Natalie had wanted to avoid confusion. Gran had passed a few years before, but the habit had stuck anyway.
“Uncle MB’s coming, too,” Nicole informed him.
“He brings the best candy.”
“Dibs on the Turkish Delight,” Zach said, just to set them off. It worked and he threaded some popcorn as they debated the merits of all the confections made by Jen’s big brother. “How’s your mom?” he asked when there was a lull.
“Busy in the store,” Nicole said, bored by the question. “Why?”
“Well, she’s had you two home all day, and an appointment, and the store to run. I thought she might be tired.”
“That’s why you brought her a present,” Jasinda guessed, eying it again.
“Something like that. Finish up with the popcorn and I’ll go check on her. What time are Natalie and the others coming?”
“Seven, Mom said.”
“Then we have work to do to get that tree decorated. Can you get out the ornaments, please?”
The girls abandoned the popcorn and did as he asked, Nicole giving advice on which box to move first and Jasinda doing as she pleased. Zach shook his head and went down the stairs to the shop. There was Christmas music playing and the steady ring of the cash register, a sound that made his heart merry at any time of year. He paused at the bottom of the steps and surveyed The Black Sheep. The walls were lined with shelves and stocked with yarns of all colors and widths. In the middle of the floor in the front half of the shop was a wire Christmas tree, a kind of sculpture made by one of Maralys’ friends. It looked stark when first set up but by this point in the season, Zach could hardly see the wire frame for all the pairs of mittens hung upon it. The mittens were donated by customers and would be given to the local food bank tonight, along with the contents of the boxes beneath the tree. Jen always got cartons from the grocery store and covered them in wrapping paper, with their tops folded down inside. People brought in non-perishable donations, plus there was a coffee can on the counter for cash donations. They’d take it all down to the food bank before dinner.
Jen was behind the cash register and though she smiled for the customer who had just paid for her new yarn, Zach thought she looked pensive. His chest tightened, but he tried to hide his concern.
“Hey, gorgeous!” he said and swung off the newel post at the bottom of the stairs. “Come dance with me. This is our tune.”
Jen laughed along with the customer, who waved as she left. Jen followed and locked the door, then heaved a sigh. “I think it was the busiest day of the month,” she said. “And there’s really a lot for the food bank. We might have to make two trips.”
“A good problem to have.”
“An excellent problem to have,” she agreed.
“Come dance with me,” Zach said, offering his hand.
Jen smiled and dropped her gaze, then put her hand in his as she came closer.
Zach spun her around, then caught her against his chest. “How is it that you always feel so perfect?”
“Might be a result of you liking me.”
“Might be,” he agreed, pretending to consider it. He began to waltz, leading her around the mitten-clad tree. “What aren’t you telling me?” he murmured and she shook her head.
“I never said anything.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“You have serious radar, Zach Coxwell.”
“I love you. That means I pay attention.”
“More than anyone else who loves me.”
“Maybe I love you more,” he suggested, then grinned and dipped her low.
“Well, I guess that’s the trouble,” Jen said solemnly. There was a twinkle in her eyes, but Zach wasn’t sure what was amusing her.
“Why is that a problem?”
“It’s not, but it has certain...repercussions.” She whispered the last word into his ear, the fan of her breath making him shiver.
It also turned his mind in a predictable direction.
“Nicole and Jasinda,” Zach agreed. “But I think they’re kind of cute.” He dipped her again. “Not as cute as their mom, of course.”
“Maybe the next one will be,” Jen murmured and Zach almost dropped her. He froze and stared into her eyes, noting that then she really smiled. “I do love surprising you, Zach. I don’t think that will ever get old,” she said and reached to touch her lips to his. “Ready to be a dad again?” she whispered.
Zach grinned, and swirled her to her feet, then caught her close again. He was well aware that there were two girls at the top of the stairs, intent on eavesdropping. Jen clearly was, as well. “You’re kidding me,” he whispered.
“I’m not.”
“This calls for a foxtrot.”
“At least you know how to do it now,” she countered and they danced across the floor.
Zach halted suddenly and lifted her off her feet. “Wait.” He held her gaze and whispered again. “Are you allowed to dance?”
“I can do whatever I want, as long as it feels good.”
“Isn’t that how you ended up pregnant again?”
Jen laughed. “Pretty much.” When he began to dance again, she grabbed two fistfuls of his sweater—a cabled merino wonder that could stop traffic in knitterly circles—and tugged him to a halt. “Are you pleased?” she whispered. “Really?”
“Truly, utterly and completely,” he said without a shred of hesitation. “How could I not be?” He pushed a hand through her hair and dropped his voice to a murmur again. “As long as you’re okay.”
Jen nodded, her happiness more apparent now that she was reassured. “She said I’ll have to take it easier this time, because of my age...”
“You’re only forty-three.”
She sobered and held his gaze. “It might not work out, Zach. Will you be okay with that?”
“I’m good with whatever we do together. We’re a team. We’ll do our best but it will be as it will be.”
Jen nodded agreement and held tightly to his hand. “I don’t think we should tell anyone yet,” she continued in an undertone, flicking a glance upward. “Let me get through the first trimester first.”
“When’s the big day?”
“It should be the middle of July, but she warned me that it could be early.”
“Okay. What other changes do we need to make? Should Fiona become full-time in the store?”
“Probably not during the winter.” Jen bit her lip. “It tends to be quiet. I might close Sunday, Monday and Tuesday until March. The extra day won’t make that much difference, and I’ll probably need the rest. And the only evening we need to be open is Thursday, for the Stitch and Bitch.”
“Sounds like the perfect winter to catch up on your knitting,” Zach said.
“We have no baby things,” she agreed. “I gave everything away after Jasinda.”
“Uh huh. This is all a diabolical plan to add to your yarn stash,” he teased.
Jen laughed outright. “No, but it is a plan to add to our family.”
“Sounds good to me,” he assured her, then kissed her as if no one was looking—even though he knew that wasn’t the case.
“You said my name!” Jasinda accused and two pairs of footsteps could be heard on the stairs.
“This has to be about presents,” Nicole agreed as the girls jumped into the shop.
“Presents?” Zach said with feigned surprise. “Why should there be presents?”
“It’s Christmas!” the girls protested in unison.
“But do we know anyone who’s been particularly good this year?” he said, looking around the shop as if he couldn’t see anyone. Then he glanced down at Jen and let his expression turn to delight. “Jen! It just so happens that this big guy in a red suit asked me to make a special delivery for him, to you.”
“You didn’t,” Jen said.
“I didn’t. It was Santa, honest and true. I’m just the delivery boy.”
“I think I know,” Jen said, her pleasure clear in her expression.
“It’s true that you’ve been very very good this year,” Zach said and they kissed again, more slowly this time.
“What is it?” Nicole demanded. “We don’t know.”
“There’s only one way to find out,” Jasinda said and seized Jen’s hand. The two girls practically flew up the stairs to the apartment, Jen giving him a glance as she took her time. Zach lingered behind, taking a moment to turn off the lights before he followed. He knew that Jen would love the antique yarn swift because she’d been the one to find it online and had admired it—she just hadn’t liked the price. But Matt had dropped off the check, repaying the family loan for Grey Gables, and it had come at a good time to spread a little festive cheer.
Even better, they were having a baby.
Zach was pretty sure he hadn’t forgotten everything he knew about babies, and he was honest enough to admit that he hoped it would be a boy this time.
A baby.
The best part of success was being able to share it.
Matt really enjoyed giving those checks to his siblings. They’d believed in him, all those years before, agreeing to let him buy out their shares in Grey Gables after their father’s death. At the time, Matt had been terrified that he wouldn’t be able to make good on the loan. It was a lot of money, and he’d just left his job to become a writer. He’d had one book written, no agent, no publishing deal—just the faith of his wife and family.
And it had been more than enough.
His first book had been sold at auction to a big New York publishing house and had been launched with enthusiasm. Matt knew it was a stroke of luck that the movie rights had been optioned, and another that a movie actually had been made. It hadn’t been a blockbuster—a thoughtful story about two brothers wasn’t likely to do that—but it had been enough of a success to pave the way for six more books and three more movies.
Then digital publishing had come along and he had negotiated for the right to write and publish something different. He’d written a mystery series under a pseudonym, a series that was up to twenty titles and still going strong. It sold really well and had been translated into eight languages. Discussions had just begun about making it into a television series.
Matt had everything he wanted, and he knew it was because James, Zach and Phil had given him the chance to follow his dream.
He’d talked to James about their housing options and suggested they start walking daily together once James and Maralys moved. Matt knew he could use more exercise, too. He also had asked James to help him with the contract on the television deal, knowing that his older brother would enjoy the challenge of learning the legalities of performance rights. Maybe that would lessen the blow of leaving the courtroom.
Zach had stopped by the day before on his way to Boston and Matt had enjoyed seeing his youngest brother’s face light up when he opened the envelope with the check inside. No doubt with two girls to send to college soon, the money was welcome.
He had one check left, the one for Phil, his baby sister, and he couldn’t wait to present it to her.
This Christmas, for Matt Coxwell, was about the joy of giving.
Christmas Day at Grey Gables was always like something out of a movie to Jen. Everything seemed to be perfect in that house, and no expense was ever spared, at least to her eyes. Lights twinkled and snow fell. Crystal sparkled and wine flowed. Everyone dressed up and the girls had new velvet dresses for the day.
Jen figured it was good for the girls to have the contrast between Zach’s affluent family and her own. For Christmas Eve, they’d worn jeans and their ugliest holiday sweaters then shared a feast of take-out Chinese food.
She was, in a way, looking forward to seeing the faces of the Coxwells when they learned that her sister, Cin, had bought everyone goats for Christmas. The goats would actually be delivered to families in Africa, as a source of milk. In her family, everyone had been thrilled to send some joy to those with less to celebrate. She and Zach had had a good laugh after everyone left at the reception such a gift might have in his family.
They parked in the crowded circular driveway.
“Last,” Zach said with a shake of his head. “Even though we live in town.”
“Not last,” Jen said, pointing to Nick and Phil’s mini-van, which was just pulling into the drive.
Zach laughed. “The locals arrive last. I love it.”
“Have you seen the puppies yet?” Phil called, opening her door once the van was parked.
“Puppies?” Jasinda and Nicole asked in unison.
“Three puppies,” Phil said with a smile. “Mom’s watching them for Ross. They were rescues, just found on Friday. They’re in the kitchen.”
“How do you know all this?” Zach demanded as they hugged and kissed.
“I had to lend them baby gates.”
They laughed together and exchanged holiday greetings. The four girls ran for the front door, and Jen thought Jasinda and Nicole were even more excited than they had been all day. Michael walked behind them, pretending to be too cool for puppies, but Nick grinned. “He’ll be down on his knees with them in five minutes,” he predicted. “They’re really cute.”
“Ross didn’t want them getting adopted over the holidays,” Phil said, getting a bowl out of the back.
“You watch,” Nick said. “He’ll be matchmaking today.”
They laughed together about that.
Zach lifted the dishes from Jen’s hands, leaving her with only her purse to carry into the house. She gave him a look, thinking the others would notice, but he just winked.
If they noticed that he was being extra attentive, they didn’t say anything.
In fact, Nick seemed to be particularly attentive to Phil. She wasn’t carrying anything either.
Surely there couldn’t be two new surprise babies on the way.
Then Phil flushed and fanned her face. “Stupid hot flashes,” she muttered as she opened her coat. She smiled at Jen. “Wait for it.”
“What did you bring?” Jen asked, changing the subject.
“Gluten-free stuffing and a dessert. Did you bring that nut loaf?”
“I did, and Zach’s beet salad.”
“Excellent. I love both of them.” Phil sighed and shook her head. “Another holiday feast, filled with temptation.”
“It’s Christmas. The food is part of the celebration.”
“Then we should get to wear our sweatpants with the stretchy waistband.”
“Or at least bring them so we can change later.”
They laughed together. “Those puppies are so cute,” Phil said. “I’m halfway tempted.”
Nick glanced back. “Because you need something else to do?” he asked and Jen sensed an old joke.
“No, I don’t. But they’re adorable. Little caramel poodles.”
“It must be nice for Beverly to have them over the holidays,” Jen said as they walked to the house together.
Phil winced. “I know. She really misses Champagne and Caviar.”
Zach sobered then, and Jen knew he was thinking of Roxie. The Bernese mountain dog had been a huge lovable part of their family, but she hesitated to suggest adding a puppy, given her own news. Zach winked at her, clearly thinking the same thing.
Then another car pulled into the driveway. They waved at the station wagon, because it was Ross, and he pulled around to the garage. Matt had opened the front door and the kids had gone inside, but Jen and Zach waited for Ross. He was walking really quickly, as if he wanted to catch up with them, but Jen saw that he was being tugged by a large golden poodle.
“This is Freya,” he said as she hauled him to the door. “She hasn’t stopped whining since Friday and she won’t eat. I thought my tech, Maddie, could use a break.”
“The mom of the puppies?” Zach guessed.
“And I think she knows where they are. She went crazy sniffing me when I picked her up.” Ross leaned in the door and shouted. “Everyone out of the way to the kitchen. There’s a poodle coming through!”
James shouted from down the corridor that the way was clear and Ross unclipped the leash. Freya bolted down the corridor and lunged into the kitchen.
“She’s on a mission,” Zach said.
“She’s beautiful,” Jen replied and he glanced at her.
Then they heard a joyous bark and a lot of laughter from the kitchen. They all hurried down the corridor. Everyone was in the kitchen, and one end of the room had been barricaded off, just as Phil had said.
“She jumped right over the baby gate,” Maralys said.
“Then she was so excited that she jumped back out,” James said.
Freya had evidently jumped back inside the makeshift pen. Her tail was wagging so hard that Jen could hardly even see it and the puppies were gathered around her. She was sniffing them and licking them, and one reached up to suckle. She came back to Ross, leaping over the gate again, and licked his hand before returning to her puppies. Then she laid down on the dog bed there and the little ones piled on top of her, wiggling and wagging.
“Maybe she’ll eat now,” Beverly said.
Ross nodded. “Maybe.” He reached for a box of biscuits and Freya graciously accepted one from him, then ate it delicately. Ross pushed a hand through his hair and smiled, his relief obvious. Beverly came to stand beside him, and Jen noticed that she looked happier than she had in a while.
Since Caviar’s death.
There was more activity as dishes were put in the fridge, the contents of the fridge were rearranged, coats were hung up and more greetings were exchanged. Matt was pouring drinks, and Maralys was carrying gifts into the living room, where they’d do the gift exchange after dinner. The kids were already scattering and Jen could smell the turkey cooking.
“What a lot of trouble they are,” Beverly said, her voice filled with affection. “But they already know to go to the door when they have something to do. They’re so clever.” She reached over the barrier and one puppy darted to her, licked her hand, then hurried back to Freya. “Now, they’re all happy.”
“Has Freya been adopted?” Zach asked Ross
Jen held her breath waiting for the answer.
“No,” Ross said. “I didn’t even want to consider it before the new year. Now, I don’t know. It seems as if she needs to be near her puppies. And she still has to gain some weight back, too.”
Freya wagged her tail, her expression so bright that Jen thought she could have been smiling. “We could take her,” she suggested, slipping her hand into Zach’s. “I’d like to have a dog again, and she could come into the shop when she got used to it.”
“But...” Zach murmured, concern in his eyes.
“She won’t need to be trained. She already is.”
Ross nodded. “She is. My tech said her manners are perfect. The only thing is her weight and her concern about the puppies.”
“The girls are old enough to take some responsibility, and they have been begging for another dog.”
“The question of her weight looks fixed,” Jen said as Beverly gave Freya another biscuit and it rapidly disappeared. “Provided you know where the puppies are going to be.”
“Of course, he knows where the puppies are going to be,” Beverly said crisply. “He knew that the moment he brought them in the door.”
Ross began to smile. A bit of color rose on the back of his neck, as if he’d been caught doing something underhanded, and Jen found herself smiling.
“You had a plan,” Beverly said.
“I have many plans,” he admitted. “They don’t always come to fruition. I’d hoped you’d keep one.”
Beverly smiled back at him. “All three or nothing at all. They’re sisters and need to be together.”
Ross smiled not looking surprised at all. “Deal.”
Beverly turned to Jen. “Meet Honey, Amber, and Goldilocks.” She pointed a finger at Ross, laughing a little. “You knew that if I agreed to look after them for a week, I’d be lost. It didn’t even take that long.”
Ross grinned. “Well, now that’s settled, maybe my second plan can come together, too.”
Beverly wrinkled her nose but her eyes were sparkling. “You’re going to take advantage of a weak moment, aren’t you? You, wicked man.” There was no heat in her words and Jen was pretty sure Beverly liked Ross just the way he was.
“Come on everyone,” Ross said. “I need witnesses, in the living room.”
“Why not right here?” Beverly asked.
“Because I’m going to drop to one knee on a nice thick carpet,” he replied and caught her hand in his. “And if your mom says no to me again,” he told Zach. “You can all commiserate with me.”
“Again?” Jen echoed.
“Not again,” Beverly said, then blushed as she followed Ross to the living room. “Although I shouldn’t have told you that. The suspense should be part of it.”
Nick was never going to be completely at ease when he went to Grey Gables, especially over the holidays when the house seemed to be a bastion of tradition and wealth. He was always a little intimidated by the house, and when it was decorated for the holidays, just the sight of it conjured up all his teenage insecurities—and his awareness that he’d come from the wrong side of the tracks.
But that was quickly followed by his conviction that he’d married well.
Not just because Phil came from a family with money, though. She was the one for him, the keeper of his star, and he couldn’t imagine being without her. He wished he’d noticed her worries sooner, but now that they’d started to talk about things, they were working as a team again. He’d done some research online after she went to bed, and learned a lot more about menopause, which had given him a plan as to how to help her get through it. He sat beside her in the sparkling dining room with its long elegant table and held her hand, awed that she’d agreed to be his wife all those years before.
She looked fabulous dressed for Christmas in a little black suit with a red blouse. Her earrings were little jingle bells that Michael had chosen for her when he was all of five, and she wore them every year. She was the best mom, and their kids were awesome—creative and smart and balanced. He credited Phil for that. Her little secretive smile still drove Nick crazy and the smell of her skin drove him to the moon. He was sure that he could make love to her every night and day for the rest of his life, and it would still seem new every time.
He was prepared to test that theory.
She took his hand when they entered the house, just like she always did. The kids ran ahead, having no hesitation about Grey Gables.
Nick had been shocked to learn about James’ incident and it had shaken Phil. She led them straight to James and Maralys. “Are you okay?” she asked and James had time to nod before Phil hugged him tightly.
She always wore her heart on her sleeve, and Nick loved that.
“If you need help with anything, let us know,” Nick offered as James shook his hand.
“We’re looking at houses in town,” Maralys said.
“What do you know about those places built on Campbell’s old farm?” James asked.
“Good builder,” Nick said. “Friends of ours bought there last year and really like it. The house is finished well. I said to Phil that we should look over there.”
“You’re moving?” Maralys asked in surprise.
“We stayed at the house for Lucia, but it’s too much for us.” It sounded so simple when Nick said it out loud, and it was true.
“We have seeds to plant,” Phil said with a smile. “I don’t suppose you’re in the market for a stuffed lynx?” she asked, teasing James. “It might give the right touch to your foyer when you move.”
Nick nudged her. “Don’t spoil the surprise. I was going to give them the sculptures of the crucified thieves as a housewarming gift.”
The dismay in James’ expression made them all laugh.
“What are you going to do with everything?” Maralys asked.
“Auction,” Nick said. “If there’s anything you want, speak up.”
“I would love to come and look later this week,” Maralys said. “Lucia had some really interesting pieces and we have some mad money now.”
“Mad money?” Phil asked.
“Shh,” James said. “They still don’t know.”
Know what?
Nick turned and found Matt behind him, grinning as if he was up to trouble. But it had always been Zach who got up to trouble. Matt was the quiet, straight arrow. Nick glanced at Phil, relieved to see that she appeared to be just as confused.
“Step into my office,” Matt said, dropping his voice ominously low.
“Said the spider to the fly,” Phil said, echoing Nick’s thoughts perfectly.
“That’s a parlor,” Matt corrected, welcoming them into the library with a sweeping gesture. Nick liked this room a lot since Matt and Leslie had redecorated it. The leather couch looked particularly inviting with a fire blazing on the hearth and a Christmas tree sparkling in the corner. Matt’s desk was cleared of everything except an envelope.
Matt handed it to Phil with a flourish.
“What’s this?” she asked with suspicion.
“Open it and see.” Matt smiled, looking like the cat who had swallowed the canary. Phil took a deep breath, a lifetime with three older brothers making her doubt almost every situation. She opened the envelope and pulled out a Christmas card.
That seemed innocuous enough.
Except for the check that fell out of it.
Nick gasped.
“Mad money,” Phil whispered. She turned the card so they could both read the inscription. “I didn’t think you’d pay off the whole loan this fast!” she said to Matt.
“Things have been going really well. I wanted to share.”
Phil turned to Nick with shining eyes. “A farm,” she whispered.
Nick wasn’t sure, not now that he’d seen their finances. “Let’s see how things look after we sell the house and its contents.”
“What farm?” Matt asked.
“Nick wants to transform the heritage seed collection into a business. He thinks we should buy some land and till the seeds, harvest more, and start a heritage seed catalogue.”
“Is that why you’re selling the house?” Maralys asked.
Nick shook his head even before Phil could answer. “No, it’s time for that, but hopefully, time for this new venture, too. We’re going to look at smaller places in town.”
“You’ll still be stretched thin,” Matt said. “How about an investor in that new business?”
“Really?” Phil asked.
“Sure.” Matt winked. “We can call it seed capital.”
“That would be great!” Phil said and Nick smiled.
“It would be great. Let’s see how all of this selling works out, then we’ll talk.”
“You know where I am,” Matt said, and shook Nick’s hand.
Phil gave her brother an impulsive hug. “Thanks for the mad money.”
“Thanks for the chance to keep the house in the family.”
Then everyone was hugging and Nick was included, much to his own surprise. He felt blessed then by his inclusion in Phil’s family and more optimistic about what they could achieve together.
They returned to the foyer to discover that JD had just arrived. Maralys teased him that a woman must be responsible for him being late and he’d flushed so that Nick wondered if it was true. JD had brought Marcia and her date, Norm, who seemed like a nice guy. They chatted and caught up a bit on each other’s lives, admired the puppies, then Beverly called for everyone to sit down.
Annette and Jonathan were organizing the meal in the kitchen while the older generation took their seats in the dining room. Candles shone on the table, the chandelier sparkled overhead, and as usual, there was silver and crystal lined up at every place. It looked perfect and the room was filled with both conversation and laughter. JD carried in the turkey to a cheer of approval. Jonathan worked his way around the table, pouring wine. Zoë, Nicole, Jasinda, Michael, Krista and Alex carried in hot plates and cold, under Annette’s instruction, until it seemed that the table couldn’t hold one more dish.
Beverly was laughing, showing off her new engagement ring. The puppies were quiet in the kitchen, probably because they and Freya had fallen asleep after an early dinner. Annette turned down the lights and took her place at the table.
“Uncle Nick gets to make the toast this year,” she said, sparing him a smile. He tried to hide his surprise but obviously failed. “Don’t decline. You haven’t done it before and it’s time.”
“It certainly is,” Beverly said.
Nick started to protest but Phil squeezed his hand. He took a deep breath and stood up with his wine glass. “I raise a glass to all of you. Thank you all for contributing to the bounty of this feast we all share each year. Thank you for your companionship and your laughter, for sharing your challenges and your joys. I’d like to thank God on this day of days for the gift of good health, for the luxury of comfort and warmth, for the joy we find in each other’s company. Thank you for all these blessings, and may everyone have continued happiness and success. Here’s to the Coxwells. May we all prosper in the year ahead.”
“Amen,” the others said in unison, then glasses were clinked. There was laughter again. Napkins were shaken out and dishes were passed, then Nick saw a flash of gold as Freya left her puppies to slip beneath the table. He saw Jen peek at her and slip a hand beneath the table, but pretended he didn’t notice that.
“I don’t know how your year could be anything but fabulous, Nick,” Zach said as he passed a salad. He had that wicked glint in his eye that Nick knew better than to trust.
“Don’t tell me you drew my name in the gift exchange.” Nick felt an old dread rising. Zach was too cocky for this to go well.
“I did. And you’re going to love what I got you.”
“Oh no,” Phil whispered, echoing Nick’s thoughts.
Nick watched Zach warily, his imagination running wild. “Any hints?”
“It’s bigger than Freya but fits in an envelope.”
Nick was mystified, but Jen started to laugh. “You didn’t?” she whispered to Zach.
“I did. Everyone needs a goat.” He gave Nick an innocent glance as Jen started to laugh. “We’ve all got one, after last night. I didn’t want you to feel left out.”
“You bought it since last night?” Jen asked.
“Online shopping,” Zach confided. “The single best way to acquire goats.”
James shook his head and chuckled as he took some salad. Matt grinned, then passed the potatoes.
“How does a goat fit in an envelope?” Nick asked.
“Because you don’t really get the goat,” Jasinda said. “It’s given to a family in your name. You get a card and they get the goat.”
“I thought about chickens,” Zach confided as he helped himself to potatoes. “But if you’re going to buy a farm, you probably actually want to get the chickens, so they can peck around the garden and eat bugs.”
“Natural pest control,” Phil said.
“Exactly,” Zach agreed. “Plus I thought they’d make a mess in the house if they were running around here today.” He frowned and asked his question of the room in general. “Can chickens be house trained?”
“Let’s not find out,” Beverly interjected from the other end of the table.
“So, I promise to buy you chickens if you buy a farm.”
“You probably want some eggs,” Nick teased and Zach laughed.
“Actually, that’s a really good plan. Deal!” They all laughed together, then the meal began.
Beverly was amazed. She sat in the living room beside the fire, Freya on the couch beside her and Honey in her lap. Ross was sitting on her other side with Amber and Annette was rolling a ball across the floor for Goldilocks. Amber watched the ball avidly, then jumped down to join the game. Beverly set Honey on the floor, because she wasn’t as good of a jumper as her sisters, and she trotted toward the ball, too.
“They’re adorable,” Annette said.
“They are,” Beverly agreed. She smiled at Ross. “The very best Christmas gift ever.”
“Nuh uh,” he said, waving a finger at her. “Pets shouldn’t be Christmas gifts.”
“They made Christmas special in the best possible way,” she corrected and he smiled.
Then he sighed with mock forbearance. “Here I thought I’d done that myself.”
“You brought the dogs,” Annette noted.
“And the ring,” Ross said.
“Oh, right. The rock.” Annette smiled. “It’s nice, too.”
“It’s perfect,” Beverly said, holding it up to admire it. The sapphire was square-cut and surrounded by diamonds, an arrangement she found very appealing.
“You probably have six more just like it, but with bigger stones,” Ross said. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to buy jewelry for you?”
“No, because you did it perfectly,” she replied and smiled at him.
“I’ve had a bit of time to learn what you like.”
They kissed and Annette cleared her throat. When they didn’t stop, she scooped up the puppies and headed for the kitchen. Freya jumped down and followed, clearly intent on keeping her offspring in sight.
“I thought she’d never leave,” Beverly whispered.
“You wicked woman,” Ross whispered. “I think you have a nefarious scheme.”
Beverly laughed a little. “What’s nefarious about celebrating our engagement?”
“Finally,” he teased and stole a kiss. “I was halfway sure you’d turn me down again. Right in front of everyone.”
“Bold play, then.”
“Throwing myself at your mercy was my back-up plan.”
“I don’t believe it.” They smiled at each other for a long moment, then Beverly sobered. “I was protecting you that last time.”
“Me or you?” he asked, seeing the truth that had eluded her, just as he always did.
She sighed. “You’re right. I was afraid. But we do well together, don’t we?”
“I think we understand each other.”
They stared into the fire together, his arm slung over her shoulders, and Beverly felt a wonderful sense of contentment. “Thank you for the puppies,” she said finally. “It’s the same thing, really. I would never have brought them here.”
“Because you were afraid of having your heart broken again.”
Beverly nodded. “Exactly the same thing. Thank you.”
“I think hearts need to be tested a little,” he said. “Because when they mend, they’re stronger.”
“And we can love even harder than before?” Beverly guessed. She nodded. “I like that. It gives the pain a point.”
“If you didn’t love anybody or anything, you’d never get hurt.”
“But it wouldn’t be much of a life.” She nodded and tightened her grip on his hand. “I’d drink to that, but I think we should do something else instead.” Their gazes met, then locked and Beverly felt her blood heat as Ross smiled.
“Something celebratory,” he said, his eyes sparkling. “Any ideas?”
“Just one, but it’s a good one.” Beverly stood up and gave his hand a tug. “Come to bed, Ross, and I’ll show you just what you’ve gotten yourself into.”
He stood up and swung her around, leading her to the door. “I thought you’d never ask,” he teased and they climbed the stairs laughing together.
Beverly could hear the muted voices of James and Maralys in the library with Matt and Leslie. Annette, Jonathan, JD and Zoë were in the kitchen, laughing at the puppies. Grey Gables was filled with love and joy and family. Beverly Coxwell realized that against her earlier expectations, on this Christmas night, she was feeling very festive indeed.