“She’s upstairs. A Havanese mix. I, uh, named her Marshmallow, but we can change it. I wanted it to be a surprise . . . she’s from the same rescue place as Bonnie. I dropped by with our Christmas donations, and when I met her, it was kind of like when I met you: love at first sight. She’s adorable and tiny and, well, she’s already destroyed our carpet and maybe one of your slippers.” Jake grimaced, then raised his hands and smiled. “Merry Christmas?”

“Oh my goodness . . . a puppy . . .” Charlie stared wide-eyed at Jake. “No one told me. I . . . I love the idea of a puppy, and can’t wait to meet her, but . . . That’s not what this message is about, Jake.”

The room went quiet as Jake read the biscuit’s message out loud. “ ‘Big Sister’?”

Charlie nodded, tears coming to her eyes again.

“Oh goodness me,” Faye exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “She’s pregnant!”

“We’re having a baby?” Jake’s expression was shocked—but delighted.

Charlie started to laugh through her tears. “Merry Christmas?” she said, her voice wobbly. Jake whooped and then everyone gasped and cheered as he picked her up and spun her around.

“This is the best present ever,” Jake murmured, setting her back down as he kissed her.

“You’re sure?” Charlie asked.

“I’m sure,” Jake replied.

Cass peeked her head around the landing, looking just as overjoyed as everyone else. “Oh, Charlie.”

Charlie glanced up the stairs at her sister. “I’m sorry. I wanted to surprise you with the news later. I didn’t want to take anything away from you and Miguel today, so—”

“Take what away from Cass and Miguel?” Essie asked, just as Miguel walked into the room, impossibly handsome in a black tuxedo, a white rose secured on his lapel. He looked dapper but nervous, his fingers fiddling with his bow tie. But then he stilled, seeing Cass, and his breath caught. Absolutely mesmerized, all he could get out was, “Wow.”

All eyes now turned to Cass, who was descending the staircase in a silky white long-sleeved sheath with an open back. Her wavy hair hung loose around her shoulders, with sparkling crystal barrettes holding tendrils back from her face. She clasped a small white posy of flowers in her hands, tied with a brilliant red satin bow. She was glowing, and she smiled as she caught Miguel’s eye.

“We wanted this to be a surprise, and, well, we wanted to do this our way,” Cass said, joining Miguel in front of the tree. “With little fuss but with everyone we love in the same room.” Miguel took both of Cass’s hands and gave her a soft kiss, while Faye softly chided, “Not yet, young man. That’s for after the vows.”

Helen turned to Charlie, eyes wide and filled with unshed tears of joy and surprise. “Did you know about this?”

“I did—I made the cake, actually,” Charlie said. “Three tiers, because I wanted to give these two a touch of tradition.” She smiled at Cass and Miguel. “Starlight fruitcake, Dad’s gingerbread, and German chocolate for the top tier . . . all of which we will enjoy after we let these lovebirds say their vows.”