“It’s only logical,” Christina said. “Because Oscar managed to stay in the shed for an hour, he learned the condition the sheds are in.”

“Oscar, is it now?” Harried asked, arching one eyebrow.

“Yes. It’s Oscar.” Christina had to bite her tongue to keep from boasting, He’s going to be my father-in-law. Harriet would have to be revived with brandy if she knew that.

“This is a spectacular Christmas present!” Mimi said.

“But this isn’t all because of my challenge,” Christina reminded them. “What does it say in the letter? The sheds are unsuitable for such talented people as we four? I’d say that’s quite a compliment to our caroling!”

“Maybe you’re right,” Harriet said.

“Well, I think it’s wonderful,” Andy told them all. “I’m sure my father was touched by the caroling, and I’m also sure that once he knew the state of the sheds, he knew he should live up to his responsibilities as a landlord and improve your buildings.”

“I agree,” Jacob said.

As if she’d only just noticed it, Harriet said, “Oh, you’re here, Andy. I mean on Christmas Day.” Cattily, she added, “How nice for Christina not to have to be alone.”

And then, because it was true, and wonderful, and because she was only human after all, Christina said, “I’m not sure ‘nice’ does justice to the occasion.” And she flashed her ruby and diamond ring.

Harriet shrieked. Mimi hugged her. Jacob said, “Congratulations.”

Mimi, always the most sensitive one, said, “Okay, we’re leaving now!”

“But, the champagne,” Harriet said.

“We’ll have it at my house.” Mimi politely redistributed her bulk so that she could urge Harriet and Jacob to the door. “Merry Christmas!”

Christina and Andy stood in the doorway waving goodbye to their unexpected guests.

“What a great Christmas present,” Christina said.

“I think you were just about to show me the upstairs of the house,” Andy reminded her with a smile.

“So you’d really like to live here when we”—Don’t freeze now, her Inner Christina commanded—“are married?”

“Yeah,” Andy answered. “I like this house.”

“I like you in it.”

Christina took his hand as they went up the stairs.

They didn’t come down until morning.

Dedication

This book is for

Ellias

&

Adeline F10

&

Emmett

&

Anathea

acknowledgments

When I started writing Let It Snow, the first sentence flew onto the page exactly as it is now. It was as if I was watching real people, and I knew their names at once.

Wink. I know two people on Nantucket named Wink. One is a beautiful young woman. The other is a charming older man. Neither one is a nine-year-old girl. My Wink showed up on the page entirely and completely herself, and she brought the novel with her.