The space inside was empty—except for all the people—her people—and except for a sparkling pink chandelier hanging down from the ceiling.

“Just like the one in Paris,” Vivienne said with a little clap. “We found one online!”

Her mom was the first to approach her. She took her hand and said, “There aren’t any display cases yet, and we wanted you to have the final say about how you wanted your kitchen, so there are plenty more decisions to be made.” Her mother was right there to hug her. “Welcome to your pastry shop, Tessa.”

“Welcome home,” Gram said.

That’s when the waterworks really started up and she felt like she was going to lose it. Leo grabbed onto her with a firm hand.

She looked at her husband’s smiling face. Then she walked into his arms, where he enveloped her in a welcoming embrace.

Home. She was home—right where she belonged.

Home with a twist. The same place, but she was different.

“I told you I hated giving you a shelf in the boulangerie,” her mother said. “Because you deserve your own shop. We’re all so proud of you.”

“It’s your time, babe,” Juliet said, handing her a bouquet of blue irises and giving her a hug.

“We love you, ” Viv said, taking her photo, of course.

“Look up.” Lilac pointed to the ceiling while hugging her. “I painted the sparkly stars up there.”

“What a romantic touch,” Tessa said. “Thanks, Lilac.”

And just as she got used to the shock of having everyone there, Leo dropped to one knee.

You could’ve heard a pastry drop.

“Leo, what are you doing?” she whispered. “We’re married already.”

“We are married, but we were never engaged.” Her husband flashed that beautiful Castorini smile that made her knees go weak. “And this time, I want to ask you properly. Tessa Marie Montgomery, will you be my wife—for real, forever?”

He was holding something in his hand. A box.

“Leo.” This was over the top. But, she had to admit, so much fun.

“Just open it.”

She did, to find an engagement ring. A beautiful solitaire, surrounded by a band of tiny diamonds and sapphires.

“It matches the wedding band,” he said.

“It’s too beautiful.” She had no words. Actually, she couldn’t see it very well because of all the tears. But she didn’t much care. Because she had everything—make that everyone—she loved the most in the world, right here in this room.

Leo beamed. “Nothing’s too beautiful for you.”

She kissed her husband. “I love you,” was all she got to say before their family crowded in.

“Welcome back, Tessa.” Leo’s dad kissed her on the cheek. “Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”

“We’re proud of you, Tessa,” Noah said.

“Hear, hear.” Jack lifted a bottle of champagne and handed it to Leo’s dad. “You do the honors, Mr. C.”