“It’s going to be very special.” Marcy’s voice shook a little, knowing already that many tears would be shed that night and a lot of them hers.

“This is the best Christmas present I’ve ever had,” Claudia said softly, cupping Jasmine’s face in her hands.

“You’ve made us very happy,” Marcy added. “We’re both so proud of you. I know I’ve already told you this, but the way you played last night will stay with me forever. Everyone was so moved, and opening the spring concert on your dad’s special gift to you . . . That’s going to be even more memorable.”

Laughing, Jasmine said, “I hope you’ll be one of those out there dancing, because it’s not going to be a wholly classical performance. Plenty of pop and jazz.”

“You can count on it,” Marcy assured her.

“And now we really should go,” Claudia told them. “Are you sure you’re happy to drive?” she asked Jasmine.

“Totally,” Jasmine insisted, and held up the key to the bright blue Mini with a painted daisy on top that her mother and grandmother had bought for her two weeks ago when she’d passed her driving test. An early Christmas present, they’d told her. She went everywhere in it now, and it had already been decided that she would leave them to get a taxi home later while she went to spend the evening with Abby at Ash Morley.

By the time they arrived at Andee and Graeme’s, Andee’s mother Maureen was already there and welcomed them at the door. She and Marcy were like old friends these days, given all the time they spent together at the community center, but this morning at the shelter was the first time Claudia and Jasmine had met her. She was as gracious and good-natured as her daughter, and eager to break out the champagne, they discovered, as they entered the kitchen. The smell of roasting turkey, potatoes, and stuffing was so delicious that they could almost feast on the air.

Graeme immediately popped a cork, and as the glasses were filled and everyone joined in a toast Claudia didn’t like to ask where Dan was; no doubt he’d turn up any minute. However, as the smoked salmon canapés and Brie and cranberry twists were passed around, and crackers were pulled for silly gifts and paper hats, he still didn’t show.

Maybe he was going somewhere else for lunch and coming later. Or he could be unwell and had called to say he couldn’t make it.