“That’s nice.” She smiled. “I like Wishing Tree.” She paused. “Not that I don’t love Seattle, because I do.”

Toby grinned. “Don’t worry. I’m not forcing anyone to move here. Everyone have a good week.”

“You, too, Boss.”

He disconnected from the video conference and closed the program. He probably should make his way to Seattle for a few days, but he didn’t want to be gone during the holidays. Not with everything going on. Plus, now there was the Advent calendar.

He smiled, thinking he had a very good life. He and Harrison might have had a rough start together, but they were doing fine now.

He turned his chair so he could look out his office window. A huge Christmas tree and two smaller trees were already in place at the north end of The Wreath—the trees of Christmas past, present and future. The Advent calendar had been set up at the south end. The calendar was actually boxes stacked in the shape of a tree, each box about four feet square. Harrison had been surprised at how big it was and how everyone participated in at least one of the activities. He’d gotten very excited about collecting coats for a coat drive on the day that box had been opened last year.

Toby remembered when he’d been a teenager. He’d considered himself too sophisticated to care about the Advent calendar, even though he’d secretly been interested to see what was going on. Once he’d started dating Reggie, refusing to participate hadn’t been an option. She’d insisted they be there, right at four on the first day, to enjoy every second of the celebration.

That night they’d returned to The Wreath for an outdoor sing-along. Even though her voice was average at best, she’d been an enthusiastic participant. Reggie had never been afraid to simply jump in and get started on anything.

Thinking about her made him recall the second day of knitting at the community center. Each of the kids had finished their first hat and had eagerly started a second. Reggie had been right there, cheering them on, with Belle offering a headbutt of support.

That dog, he thought with a chuckle. She always had on a sweater or a warm shirt of some kind, and she adored Harrison.

He turned back to his computer, ready to get to work, only he found himself picking up his phone instead.

He scrolled through his contacts, then started texting.

Advent starts at 4. Want to join me and Harrison? Belle would be welcome—just make sure she dresses warmly.

He waited a few seconds, then saw three dots.

Sounds like a great time. I want to go and the company will be fun.

Excellent, he thought. Harrison and I will be by to pick you two up at three thirty.

We’ll be ready.