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She took it to the kitchen and came back a few minutes later with two plates.

“What are you and Nick doing today?” she asked, sitting.

“Suit fitting.”

“So I won’t see you until the rehearsal?” she said, taking a bite of the cake. She cocked her head to look at it. “Wow. This is the state’s best fruitcake. She wasn’t kidding.”

“Do you think I should give it all up and move to Little Christmas?” I said, talking to my screen.

“If the decision is based solely on the confections, probably?” She chewed. “You sure you don’t want to open a practice here? Sounds like you have a niche.”

“Yes, I could practice Christmas law.”

I got a laugh out of her.

I glanced up over my screen to look at her while she ate. I was a little disappointed we weren’t hanging out until later today.

“I should probably get your number,” I said. “Since we’re splitting up. In case I need to text you about anything.”

“Okay. Also, I started the grocery Google Doc. I’ll need your email.”

We swapped info and she left to meet Noel holding the sandwich I’d made for her. A half hour later, I jogged over to the big house with the dog to meet Nick. Dasher rolled up on her wheeled harness to greet me and Daisy at the door. I crouched to pet the dog, then went in search of my best friend. I found him in the living room standing on a stool. The tailor was already there, measuring Nick’s inseam.

“Hey,” I said.

Nick looked over his shoulder. “There he is.”

I leaned in the doorway. “Looks great.”

“Good,” the tailor said curtly. “No time to change it.”

I peered around while the tailor pinned Nick’s cuff.

A fire crackled in the enormous fireplace. The house was completely decked out for the holiday, as usual. Nick had a twelve-foot tree, fresh garland over every window and doorway. The place smelled like pine.

He’d done all this even though until a few days ago he lived alone.

I wondered how he never got tired of it.

I didn’t have anything up in my apartment. You’d have no idea what month it was in my place unless you looked out the window to glean the seasons from the trees—the way I liked it.

But Lauren liked Christmas…

If for some odd reason she ever came to see me this time of year, I’d decorate for her. I’d want her to like my place. No, more than that. I’d want to see the joy on her face when she saw the tree and the wreath. I’d liked seeing how happy it made her yesterday, walking through town, looking at the lights and the decorations.

My phone pinged and I pulled it out of my pocket.

Speaking of Lauren…

Lauren: Apparently you’re not allowed in the bridal shop.

This was followed by a full-color picture of me in the store window. This one was a headshot.

“Where are they getting these?” I mumbled.

“What?” Nick said.

“All the photos of me in the shop windows.”