“Ree…K—”
The doorbell rang. Remy was off like a shot, barking, his fur aquiver.
Gilbert stood. “Odd, no one ever visits on Noël.” He fought a smile and headed for the door.
Luca grinned up at her.
Claire wondered what they were up to. Had they invited Sister Georgette?
“Joyeux Noël,” came a voice.
Claire blinked. “Marti?” She jumped up and took Luca’s hands. “Come meet my best friend!”
Arms open wide, Marti rushed into the salon. Shopping bags filled with beribboned gifts dangled from her wrists. Dragging suitcases, her husband, Stephen, followed in her wake.
“I was so worried when you didn’t answer your phone.” Tears flooded Claire as she embraced her dearest friend. “You were on your way here!” Together, they laughed and cried and laughed again.
“We’ve spent the last twenty-six Christmases together; I couldn’t let this one get away.” Marti squeezed Claire. “Besides, it was the perfect excuse for Stephen to deliver on his promise of taking me to France.”
Stephen pulled off his knit cap and scarf. “I owe it all to you, Claire.” He collapsed into a chair. “Merci.”
Gilbert introduced himself and Luca.
Luca took Marti’s hand and gently kissed it. “I am enchanté to meet Madame Claire’s dearest friend.” He stared at Marti’s husband. “But you look very sleepy Monsieur Stephen.”
Marti bent down, like she was melting with love for the child, and hugged him. “I am enchanté to meet you, Luca.”
Gilbert popped a Champagne cork, and Luca rushed to the bar for glasses, which Gilbert began filling. After Luca delivered a coupe to everyone, Gilbert splashed a tiny bit in Luca’s coupe. Luca raised his. “Bien venue au Château Soltner.”
Gilbert rested his hand on Luca’s shoulder and raised his glass. “We are very happy to have you here, and we wish you a merry Christmas.”
“Bien venue et joyeux Noël,” Claire chimed.
“I am teaching Madame Claire French.” Luca’s dimples deepened. “She is a very fast learner.”
“I suspect the travelers must be hungry?” Gilbert asked.
“Ravenous,” replied Stephen.
“I will return in a moment.”
Claire followed Gilbert into the kitchen. “You knew about Marti and Stephen and kept it a surprise.”
“Bien sûr.” He put his arms around her. “I hope you don’t mind, but after you were so sad not to be sharing Christmas with Marti, I called her and invited them to stay with us.”
“That was so very thoughtful and kind of you.” She kissed him. He returned her affection with far more enthusiasm than she’d anticipated. Breathless, she eked out, “Merci.”
The timer dinged. He let her go. “I must serve le déjeuner.”
She wasn’t finished. She waited for him to pull the quiche from the oven and set it down, then wrapped her arms around his waist. “Merci. Merci for inviting and welcoming my friends into your home.”
“I hope you will consider thisyourhome. You and I and Luca and Remy—we all welcome them together.”
Claire smiled against tears, tears of happiness and joy.
“We’d like you to stay with us, but it looks like we might have to fight Marti for you.” He smiled and picked up the quiche.
Her heart beat wildly. She’d been awake all night considering his job offer as vintner. He’d presented her with an entirely new career possibility, along with the adventure of living in France and being close to Luca and falling in love with Gilbert. Could she move here? She couldn’t wait to discuss it with Marti. She picked up the plate of croissants and a pot of jam and followed him into the salon.
