It didn’t take them long in the kitchen and they settled on the sofa with Billy just as the movie It’s a Wonderful Life began.
Two hours or so later, there was a knock on the door, just as the movie was ending.
Mandy got up and opened the front door. Emma and Paul came in, with cheeks rosy from the cold and holding bags of gifts. Emma stopped short when she saw Mandy’s damp eyes.
“Is everything all right?”
Mandy nodded and smiled. “Clarence just got his wings.”
Emma laughed. “Of course.”
The kids came running when they heard Emma’s voice and hugs were exchanged all around, followed by more gifts. Mandy had gotten Emma and Paul both comfy flannel pajamas. Emma loved pajamas. And books for both of them—the newest Nora Roberts suspense for Emma and a John Grisham legal thriller for Paul. Jill got them a wine rack for their kitchen and a few bottles of really good wine. Emma and Paul gave each of them a luxurious plush bathrobe and fuzzy slippers, which Mandy and Jill both had recently said they needed.
Emma opened one of the bottles of wine, a cabernet, and let it breathe for a little bit, until they were ready to eat. They had it with dinner, and it was silky and rich, deliciously complementing the garlicky prime rib.
Jill raised a glass to toast everyone. “To being together. This past month has been wonderful.” She looked at Billy. “I know you told your mom we’d come next Christmas, but we might need to find a way to do both. It was really special being here for December and working in the restaurant. It made me feel more a part of it, and I’m really proud of what you all have done with Mimi’s Place.”
“Thank you and I’d love to see this be a new tradition, too, having you both come for the month of December. I’m so glad that you did.”
“Me, too. It’s been fun working with you both and just spending time with you. Paul and I were recently saying that we need to plan a trip to New York soon too.”
“I’d love that. We have plenty of room, so you’ll stay with us. And we’ll show you all around and maybe see a show or two.”
After they finished eating, Paul put out an apple pie he’d made that morning and they had that for dessert before collapsing in the living room to relax and watch more Christmas movies.
A few hours later, Matt came by. His kids were home, so he didn’t want to stay long, but he did want to see Mandy alone for a moment before they went to visit with the others.
“I have something for you. Can we go somewhere private where it’s just the two of us?”
“Of course. I have something for you too. He waved at everyone as she led him into her office and closed the door. It was a small room, but she loved it. She often sat in one of the comfy plush chairs and read a book and enjoyed the ocean view. Today it was cold and gray outside and she thought she saw a hint of flakes starting again.
She handed him his gift bag and said he should go first. He smiled when he pulled out the coffee table book on fishing that she and Jill had found.
“This is great, thank you.”
“There’s something else in there.”
He reached in and pulled out the sweater she’d chosen for him. She’d thought of him instantly when she’d seen it in the store. It was sturdy but soft and the color, a deep teal, was flattering on him.
“I love it. Thank you.”
“If you want to exchange it, there’s a gift receipt in the bag.”
He smiled. “I don’t need to exchange it. Now open yours.” He handed her a very small box.
She unwrapped it carefully and was stunned to see a breathtakingly gorgeous ring inside. It was a sapphire, surrounded by tiny diamonds on a platinum band. It was beautiful and a much bigger gift than what she’d given him.
“This is lovely, but it’s too much. You shouldn’t have.”
“I wanted to. I consulted my kids about this. I know you’re nowhere near ready to think about getting married again. So, this is a promise ring. I wanted you to know how serious I am. You’re it for me, Mandy. I’m in no rush, but when you’re ready for an engagement ring, just let me know. Until then, I wanted you to know how much you mean to me. I hope you like it.”
She felt her eyes grow damp again. “I love it. I really do. It’s so generous of you. And I’m very serious about you too. I told my sisters a while back that there’s no one else I want to date. Just you.”
He looked relieved and smiled. “Good, because I think I love you, Mandy Lawson.”