As they let themselves in through one side of the double black front door with its smart transom window above they were instantly embraced by warmth, proving that the heating was working. The sitting room was crammed with boxes, suitcases, and unpacked furniture that a removals company had picked up from various locations throughout the day and delivered. The kitchen was flooded with light from overhead spots that Claudia quickly dimmed before hitting another switch to turn on the lamps suspended over the refectory table. There were dozens of boxes piled up in here too, masking the quartzite worktops and many of the pale gray cabinets.

Taking off their coats they quickly set to work, freeing furniture, tearing open boxes, and laughing at how unprepared they were for a party while eager to make it happen. What did it matter that they might have to drink champagne out of mugs or eat canapés off kitchen roll? No one was going to mind, in fact they were expecting it; some were even bringing picnic chairs in case those destined for the refectory table hadn’t yet arrived. They hadn’t, so it was just as well backups were on the way.

By seven the guests were all gathered in the kitchen, admiring everything about it from the double Belfast sink and pale flagstone floor, to the handmade cabinetry and large center island. Just as Graeme opened the first bottle of champagne, Jasmine found a box of glass tumblers. Everyone cheered, and cheered again when Henry proposed a toast to the beautiful new home and its even more beautiful new residents.

Although most had already seen the place while the work was being done, Wilkie, Leanne’s mother, had not been among them so Leanne appointed herself guide and took both her and Tom on a grand tour. As they went into the sitting room for the first stop Richie plugged in his phone to play some music, and Jasmine and Abby began passing around plastic trays of canapés.

Noticing Dan beside the Aga leafing through the album she’d put together of “before” photos, Claudia made herself go and join him.

“You’ve done a remarkable job with this place,” he commented glancing up to see it was her.

“I had a lot of help from Andee,” she said modestly.

“Just so you know,” Andee called out, “all the whacky ideas are hers—and if you’re into draperies you’ll be swooning by the time you’ve seen them all.”

“I reckon we should call Interiors magazine to get them to photograph the place,” Abby suggested. “I mean when it’s properly finished.”

“Oh, please, no publicity,” Jasmine cried, making her genuine protest sound like mock horror.

“Carpets!” Wilkie declared excitedly when she came back into the kitchen with Leanne and Tom. “You have carpets in the bedrooms and the bathrooms. It makes everything so cozy, so ready to be lived in.”