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Her playful shove turned into a hug and then something more and by the time they’d showered and changed, everyone was at the door.
Nick flung the door wide, letting in freezing air and the noise that was their family.
Amidst the chorus of Christmas greetings, Catherine produced Maggie’s missing suitcase. “It was delivered yesterday, but in all the excitement of the wedding the message didn’t come through to me from reception.”
Maggie took the suitcase. “This means you girls will have two sets of presents, because I already bought a replacement set.”
“Life’s tough,” Rosie said, “but we’ll cope.”
Maggie laughed. “Will I have to return my new wardrobe?”
“No.” Nick took the suitcase from her. “But I’m pleased to see this, because it contains something very important. Something I need.”
“What could you possibly need from my suitcase?” She watched, intrigued, as Nick flipped it open, delved deep and brought out a familiar box.
“Oh Dad.” Rosie rushed forward and pulled off the lid. “You brought our decorations from home. There’s my angel. And the jeweled camel! Now it really does feel like Christmas. You’re the best.”
Katie was laughing. “This is almost as embarrassing as whipping out baby photos. My contribution is a very impressive Christmas star.” She slid her arm around Jordan. “Please bear in mind that I was seven when I made that star. Don’t judge.”
“Do I look as if I’m judging?”
Maggie looked at Nick, her throat clogged with emotion. “You packed those decorations?”
“No. They jumped into the case because they didn’t want to be left out of a White family Christmas.” He shrugged. “And I thought, maybe, you’d be feeling a little nostalgic, and that this box might help. It’s a little taste of home, that’s all.”
“I think it’s the most wonderful, thoughtful—” She walked toward him and Rosie stepped between them.
“No! Just—no.” She spread out her arms to keep them apart. “I think I speak for all of us when I say how thrilled we are that you and Dad will not be getting a divorce, but we don’t need to witness every second of the making up. We’re convinced, truly.”
“I’m in charge of breakfast,” Catherine said, carrying several large bags to the kitchen.
Katie followed her. “I’ll help.”
Maggie watched as she and Catherine emptied the bags, laughing and talking as they worked smoothly together. Already she saw a change in Katie. She was softer, less sharp and jumpy and the glances she exchanged with Jordan told Maggie that whatever this relationship was, it was making her daughter happy.
There was a pop and a whoop as the first champagne bottle was opened, and then the clink of glasses and the murmur of conversation.
Catherine waved a fork. “Help yourselves to food, then we can open the presents.”
There was smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, freshly baked pastries, and plenty of chilled champagne and orange juice.
Maggie took a moment to appreciate her family. She’d dreaded spending Christmas away from home, and yet it was turning out to be better than ever, which proved that change could be good.
Spending Christmas here had been forced upon her, but it had turned out well.
If she resigned from her job, maybe that would turn out well, too.
“I have a toast.” She raised her glass. “To being brave and taking risks.”
Everyone joined her in the toast and Nick strolled across to top up her glass.
“I love it when you’re brave.”
“Do not pour Mum any more champagne,” Rosie yelled across the room.
Nick ignored her and poured. “I have no idea why you’d say that. There isn’t another woman alive who can tolerate alcohol like your mother.”
“Here—put the bottle down and open this, Dad. It has your name on it.” Rosie crossed the room and put a box in his hands. “I’ll take that.” She whisked the champagne bottle away, and passed it to Jordan.
