As Claudia came through from her bedroom wearing a red sequined dress that she’d bought at Glory Days especially for today, smiley Santas in her ears and a garland of silver tinsel around her neck, Marcy exclaimed, with joyous approval, “My God, you’re going as a Christmas tree!” Being so fancily dressed was a truly big step forward for Claudia, for she and Joel had always embraced the season with the most outrageous costumes. Nothing like it had happened after she’d married Marcus, and this time last year she’d been so afraid of upsetting him in some way that she simply hadn’t known what to do with the house, or herself, or even for Jasmine. Marcy still didn’t know the full details of how Claudia had apparently ended up getting it wrong, but she would never forget the phone call she’d received from her granddaughter begging her to come and get them.

Well, she didn’t have to go anywhere to get them today. They were right here under her watch, and since the triumph of last night’s concert they’d all been in such frivolous, festive moods that it had been difficult to sleep. Jasmine’s violin solo had received so much praise that she’d glowed brighter than Rudolph’s nose all the way home. And Claudia had surprised herself by actually giving Dan a quick embrace before they’d left.

“Oh, wow, Mum, you look amazing,” Jasmine declared, coming out of her room in a cream flared mini dress, thick black tights, and bright red lipstick. “I told you as soon as we saw it that it was made for you. And look at you, Nana the banana.”

Marcy winced. “Really not how I wanted to be described,” she protested.

“Then you shouldn’t wear yellow, but you give jumpsuits a good rep, I’m telling you that. I bet Henry’s wild about them.”

“He’s never said.”

“Wait till he has to get you out of one . . .”

“OK, time to go!” Claudia declared, picking up the bag of gifts they’d prepared for the Secret Santa at Andee’s.

“Before we leave,” Jasmine cried, holding up her hands, “I have an announcement to make.”

Intrigued, her mother and grandmother turned back.

“I’ve decided,” she told them, eyes bright with excitement, “that for the opening night of the spring concert I’m going to play Dad’s violin.”

As Claudia’s heart melted, she pulled her daughter into a loving embrace. “That’s wonderful, wonderful,” she murmured, holding her close. “Oh God, after last night . . . I thought, I hoped you might feel ready . . .”

“I think I am.” Jasmine smiled as Marcy joined the hug. “I’ll take it to Anton after Christmas so he can make sure it’s properly tuned and we can start using it during rehearsals.”