“Bailey, I must say cohabitation agrees with you,” Elle said.

“It does indeed.”

We whispered. We planned. We joined the rest of the world in joy overdrive.

I arrived home late in the evening. Even as I was turning the key, I could tell something was different. When I opened the door to the apartment, I encountered a winter wonderland. It was enchanting. There was a Christmas tree, complete with countless white lights. Cedar wreaths dressed the windows. The tree was anchored by an array of colorful and beautifully wrapped presents. My first thought was that this was the work of the shop on Madison Avenue. I stepped closer and noticed Elliott standing next to me grinning and wearing a sport coat.

“Are we expecting company?”

“Just the lady of the house. Are you surprised? Do you like it?” he asked. It reminded me of my childhood.

“What’s not to like? Yes, I’m surprised. You look nice.” He took my arm, wrapped it around his waist, and embraced me and kissed me as if mistletoe dangled above our heads. We sat by the Christmas tree, and I added my presents to his. Later on, instead of presents, we merrily unwrapped each other.

On Christmas Day, Elliott prepared a Christmas goose with cranberry and currant reduction and a decadent English trifle for dessert. I called Henry. All my men were gathered at Henry’s for a feast. I talked to Daddy first, telling him I loved him, and then Griffin and I spoke. It was awkward. I wished both he and Alex a merry one before turning my full attention to this wonderful Englishman. We opened presents, drank champagne, kissed often, and touched even more. It made for a very merry Christmas memory.

The day after Christmas, I went out to get something I had been waiting to go on after-Christmas sale. When I returned, I noticed the bedroom door was closed. It reminded me of when he was down with his back. Or worse. My heart instantly seized.

“Elliott?” I walked over to the bedroom door and knocked.

“Coming. I have saved the best present for last.” He emerged from the bedroom in a suit and a new tie that I’d given him for Christmas. I hadn’t bought him a New Year’s present. He looked so handsome. But he also looked nervous. “Sit down.”

“Okay. Are we going out?” I hadn’t been aware of any plans. It was like he hadn’t heard me. Now I was getting nervous. He sat down next to me on the couch.