“Well, if you’re sure, then we need to crack open the bubbly, ’cause there’s only a few minutes ’til midnight.”

“Oh, crap!” Jules jolted with surprise. “Guys! Will, Lucy!” she shouted. “It’s nearly time!”

“Geez, Jules, chill,” whined Chloe from the couch.

“I’ve got the fizz!” called out Lucy. She entered the living room with the bottle held high, followed by Will who carried six flutes—three in each hand. “Here, Matt, you’re the expert,” said Lucy, handing over the bottle.

Matt got to work on the foil, while Lucy took the glasses from Will and placed them on the coffee table. Matt removed the cage from the cork, then cracked the bottle with a whisper, just as the DJ on the radio announced in his silky voice that there was one minute to go.

“Oh, my god!” Jules was practically dancing with excitement and, as Matt poured each glass, she handed them out.

“I just wanna say something before the countdown,” Jules said hurriedly. “Archer, Chlo, come on, you two, stand up.” Archer leapt up and held out a hand to Chloe, who tutted good-naturedly as she peeled herself off the couch.

“I’ll make it quick, I promise,” said Jules. “I just want to say that I love you girls like sisters, my fellow May Ladies, and I’m so happy that we’re all here together.” Lucy gave her a broad smile and an “aw” and Chloe pursed her lips to blow a kiss across the room. “Archer, thank you so much for making this happen. Will, Lucy, you were amazing getting the place ready for us.

“And Matt …” Jules turned to look up at him, feeling his hand tighten on her waist. “Thank you. Thank you for coming all this way with me—for me.” She grinned, surprised by the tears in her eyes, and Matt dipped his head to land a quick kiss.

“Ten, nine, eight …” Jules shared an excited look with Lucy, then Chloe, as they all joined in on the countdown. “Seven, six, five, four, three, two, one!”

The six voices rang out, “Hap-py New Year!” as their flutes came together to toast the New Year and all the promise it held.

THE END

If you enjoyed The Christmas Swap then you’ll LOVE the Holiday Romance Series which is also by Sandy Barker, an uplifting romance series with gorgeous destinations.

You can get the first book, One Summer in Santorini here!

Be sure to follow Sandy Barker on Twitter @sandybarker, on Facebook @sandybarkerauthor, and check out their website at www.sandybarker.com for all the updates on their latest work.

Acknowledgements

It’s hard to believe I am writing the acknowledgements for my fourth book, but here I am. I have dedicated this book to my parents—my mum, Lee, my dad, Ray, and my step-mum, Gail. I am extremely fortunate to have parents who not only love me, but champion me and inspire me. They have also instilled in me the importance of family—including the family members we choose—as well as having a sense of adventure and following your dreams.