Oscar announced that Janice had cooked the food but he had hired several people from a catering staff to help her serve. The room echoed with laughter as they enjoyed the tender roast lamb, buttered vegetables, and wine, and for Wink, bubbling water. When Wink carried in the flaming baked Alaska, everyone clapped and Wink’s face was rosy with joy. A server poured champagne, and Jeff let his daughter taste a sip, and Christina saw how Delia’s face softened as she watched her husband with their little girl.

When the meal finished, Oscar rose. “And now it’s time for my traditional Christmas nap.”

“What a good idea,” Delia said. “Wink, let’s go upstairs. Daddy and I are going to take a nap. You may read or play with your toys, but we’re all going to rest. You’ll stay in your room for an hour.”

“I’ll carry you up,” Jeff said, and lifted a delighted Wink onto his shoulders.

Christina and Andy returned to the living room and stood a moment looking at the tall, glorious tree.

“What would you like to do now?” Andy asked.

“Truly? I’d like to be in my own house with you. It’s silly, but I haven’t given Mittens her present yet, and…”

“And it’s more private,” Andy finished for her.

“Yes.” Christina grinned. “There is that.”

“I’ll get my keys,” Andy said, moving toward the hall.

“Or not,” Christina said. “You could ride over with me.” She paused. “And spend the night.”

“I can’t think of anything I’d like more,” Andy told her.

They shrugged into their warm coats and caps and gloves and hurried out to her car. The town was quiet as if hushed by the snowy day. Christina had left her Christmas tree lights on, and when she pulled into the driveway, she saw Mittens sitting in the window, looking forlorn. They hurried into her house and shed their coats.

“Poor lonely girl,” Christina said, picking up the cat and cuddling her.

She curled up on the sofa into Andy’s arms, and the cat snuggled up to Christina.

“This is the perfect way to get warm,” she said. Lifting her hand, she turned it this way and that, watching the gems sparkle in the light. “Andy, this is a beautiful gift.”

“The first of many, I hope.” He shifted on the sofa, pulling a cushion behind him. “I’m planning to move here in January. I’ve told Oscar I’d like to live with him for a few months to get used to island life in the winter and to let you get used to the thought of marriage.”

Christina nodded and stroked her fingers through Mittens’s fur. The cat purred.

“Andy, is there any chance that if, when, we get married, we could live in this house? It’s a solid house, and it’s large and roomy and close to town…”