“This is great!” Jeff said when he opened his present. “Wink, I’m going to teach you how to play gin rummy.”

“And I’ll teach you how to play crazy eights!” Wink said.

“Thank you, Christina,” Jeff said.

“You’re welcome,” Christina replied. “Here, Wink. Take this last present to your uncle.”

Andy seemed puzzled when he opened it. “A bag of marbles?”

To everyone’s surprise, Oscar spoke up. “You’ve never played marbles? I’ll have to teach you.”

“And me, too, Grandfather!” Wink said.

Delia rose and came toward Christina, which was slightly unnerving.

“Andy tells me you’re a bit prickly about receiving presents, so I stuck with the tried and true. This is from all of us.”

Christina tidily undid the wrapping paper to find a bottle of Joy perfume. “Thank you, everyone.”

“Now let’s go eat!” Wink cried.

“Wait, Wink. I’ve got another present for Christina.”

Andy crossed the room and sat next to Christina. He handed her his present.

Christina peeled away the silver paper to find a small black velvet box. She hesitated before opening it. When she opened it, she gasped. The ring was a beautiful ruby surrounded by diamonds.

She knew her face was flushing as she gazed at the ring.

“I’d like to think of it as a pre-engagement ring,” Andy said softly.

“It belonged to my mother,” Oscar announced, a catch in his voice.

“It belonged to Oscar’s mother?” Christina was dumbfounded. It was true that during this hour in the Bittlesmans’ house, she felt welcome and happy and among friends. It was true that she loved Andy. But wait! Her mind was racing. She tried to slow herself down. “This is an amazing gift, Andy.” She looked into his blue eyes and what she saw there warmed her to the bottom of her heart. “But it’s an heirloom. I don’t know—”

“Oh, Christina,” Wink said, “just take it!”

Christina laughed. “Okay. I will.”

Andy took the ring from its velvet nest and slid it onto Christina’s finger.

It fit perfectly.

Christina burst into tears.

“Mommy, why is Christina crying?” Wink asked, alarmed.

“Sometimes people cry when they’re happy,” Delia told her.

Andy took Christina in his arms. He whispered in her ear, “I love you.”

Janice said, “Wink, she’s probably crying because she’s hungry. I think we should have dinner.” She hurried out of the room.

Oscar rose from his chair. “Come on, Wink, let’s lead everyone into dinner.”

Wink seized her grandfather’s hand. “It’s like a parade!”

After Wink and Oscar came Delia and Jeff, then Christina and Andy. They processed into the dining room. Christina gasped. Janice was lighting candles that stood among a king’s ransom of silver gleaming on the long table. The centerpiece was a long, low, lush mix of red and white roses. Sparkling crystal glasses and silver flatware sat close to white and red china.