She felt filled with joy for the second time that day. “I know I love you too, Matt.”
He pulled her into his arms and showed her how he felt. She loved kissing Matt, but when he reluctantly pulled apart, she agreed they should probably go join the others.
“Merry Christmas, Mandy,” he said softly.
She looked up at him and into the kind, handsome eyes that reflected the happiness she felt.
“Merry Christmas, Matt.”
Chapter 19
It was Jill’s suggestion to have a private New Year’s Eve party for staff and friends once the restaurant closed for the night. They knew they wanted to do something fun for New Year’s Eve, but they were also all working, so it made things easier to just stay at Mimi’s Place and celebrate there. The last customer left a little after ten and they locked the doors and turned up the music. Paul set out some appetizers and sandwiches in case anyone was hungry, and Gina poured drinks for everyone.
Jill noticed that Jared and Gina seemed to be an item now. The two of them had been inseparable since Christmas and seemed to be head over heels for each other.
And she was thrilled to see Mandy so happy with Matt. He’d arrived shortly before they closed. She and Emma had met at The Corner Table for lunch a few days ago and both agreed that they no longer thought Mandy needed to date anyone else. Matt seemed crazy about her, and the sapphire ring he gave her for Christmas spoke volumes. He’d told Mandy he was ready to get engaged whenever she was, and Jill didn’t doubt it. She knew Mandy wasn’t in a rush for that, though, and that Matt understood.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Billy said.
She smiled up at him. They were sitting at the bar sipping Gina’s New Year’s Eve punch. Jill wasn’t sure what was in it, but it was delicious.
“I was just thinking how glad I am that we decided to do this. It was good for Mandy and for us. It’s been fun working in the restaurant.”
“It has been. If this recruiting thing doesn’t work out, I know I could always get a job in a restaurant now. Mandy said I’m a natural.”
She laughed. He really was, though. He knew most of the regular customers by name now and he made everyone feel welcome and special. It was a simple thing, but people loved to feel appreciated and it kept them coming back.
“I’m so glad we came to our senses and found each other,” he said. They’d been best friends and business partners for so many years and it wasn’t until Jill spent a year working on Nantucket that they both realized that their friendship had deepened into the kind of love that lasts.
“Me, too. And since we’ve been married, it’s only gotten better. I really do want to do this again next year. Do you?”
He nodded. “We’ll find a way to make it work. Maybe we can come here right before Thanksgiving next year and fly home on Christmas Eve day.”
Jill nodded. “That sounds good and then the year after we get Christmas here again. I have something else I want to tell you. I think it will make you really happy.” It was something she’d been thinking about more and more, ever since the Hodges’ open house.
“What’s that?”
“I think I might be ready to start trying.”
“Are you serious? That’s fantastic. Are you sure?” Billy looked like he’d won the lottery.
“I’m sure. But I don’t want to say anything yet, in case it doesn’t happen right away.”
“Whatever you want. Thank you.” He leaned over and showed her how much he appreciated her with a quick kiss. And then whispered in her ear that he loved her.
“What are you two plotting?” Emma asked as she and Paul walked over. Mandy and Matt were right behind them.
“World domination,” Billy joked.
“Christmas plans for next year. We’re definitely coming again for a month, but we might come for Thanksgiving instead and leave just before Christmas, if that works for Mandy of course.”
Mandy smiled. “Thanksgiving could be fun. Whatever works for you guys is fine by me. As long as you come.”
Jill lifted her glass. “To a Happy New Year for everyone and to next year, at Mimi’s Place.”
Jared and Gina wandered over arm-in-arm and joined the toast, lifting their glasses high. “To Mimi’s Place!”
“And family and good friends,” Mandy added.
“Always.” Emma clicked her glass against her sisters. “Happy New Year!”
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed Christmas at the Restaurant. I love hearing from readers, feel free to drop me a note at [email protected]