“Reese insisted we have an engagement party tonight,” Jason said. “Before the Christmas madness.”
“She was that sure I’d say yes?” Mauve asked, laughing.
“Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be if you hadn’t?”
“That would put a damper on the party for sure. But, fortunately, I said yes. Let’s go celebrate with our family and friends.”
Everyone greeted them with cheers and hugs when they came in the front door. Her mother and David were there, clearly delighted. “We’re excited for this next chapter for all of us,” Cynthia said to Mauve. “Thanks for letting us be a part of it.”
“Mom, I can’t tell you how nice it is to have you here.” They hugged, and then Mauve hugged David. “Jason has an idea about a house for you.”
“Can’t wait to hear it,” David said.
Walter and Grace rushed forward to give their congratulations and reassurances that Walter would also be available while the house was being built.
“We’re tickled pink you’re going to build on the Hayes family property,” Walter said. “Means a lot to us.”
“It means a lot to us too,” Jason said.
“I’m around too,” Grace said. “For tea or coffee or walks around the property when you’re missing Jason. Now that you’re going to be a Hayes, you don’t have to be lonely for long.”
Walter laughed. “Maybe she’ll wish for a little peace, rather than another Hayes family member stopping by unannounced.”
“It sounds lovely,” Mauve said. “Thank you for making me feel so welcome.”
“Okay, the best friend needs her hug.” Reese pushed through the crowd to hug Mauve so hard she was afraid it would hurt the baby.
“I’m so happy for you,” Reese said. “And do you know what this means?”
“We’ll be sisters for real.”
“It’s a dream come true,” Reese said.
Roan pulled her into an embrace. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thanks for introducing us,” Mauve said, tears blurring her vision.
“Thanks for bringing my twin home. Where he belongs,” Roan said.
The party began for real then. Grace had made lasagna and a Caesar salad that could feed a small orphanage. Some of Grace’s Christmas cookies were brought out for dessert. There were toasts and more hugs and then someone put on Christmas music. Reese grabbed Roan’s hand to dance and soon everyone had joined them, crammed into Mauve’s small living room.
A big messy, loud family. Just like Mauve had always dreamed of.
Finally, everyone donned coats and gloves and headed home. Jason and Mauve stood on the porch holding hands as cars pulled out of the driveway. When the last car faded from sight, they turned to each other, smiling under the porch light.
“What a night,” Mauve murmured.
“The best.” He held open the door, and she walked into the house first, hearing him close the door firmly behind him.
“Welcome home,” she said.
Jason made the sign for happy, then took her hand and led her over to stand in front of the Christmas tree. She took a moment to gaze at each of the ornaments her grandmother had chosen for a much younger Mauve. They were a part of her past but would also be part of her future. For those lucky enough tobe rich in love, the past was never forgotten nor the future taken for granted. Whether they were together every moment or not, it didn’t matter. She and Jason had chosen each other. As long as that was true, nothing that came her way would scare her or cause worry. Because she knew she would always have a warm place to land. Jason Hayes might be known around the world for his acting credits, but to her he was more than his job or money or fame. He was her soulmate. They’d finally found their way to each other at long last.
That was a good Christmas present. The best, actually.
She smiled up at him, the tree lights twinkling merrily as she rested her cheek against his sturdy shoulder, taking in the moment, as happy as any person could be.
EPILOGUE
