Harlow nodded. “Yes. I’m better than all right. I’m counting my blessings, most of which are standing right here beside me.”
Her bestie gave her a quick hug. “At the risk of repeating myself for the umpteenth time, it’s good to have you home.”
“It’s good…wonderful…to be home.”
The grand finale, a dazzling array of red, white, blue, green and gold fireworks, filled the air. Streams of silver spirals floated to the ground, marking the end of the celebration.
“Time for the Christmas party to begin,” Harlow announced. “What better way to finish the day than to spend it with the Magnificent Mackies?”
The Mackies ran home to grab their gifts and goodies, giving Harlow a chance to make it back to Wynn Harbor Inn to put the final touches on her preparations.
Lottie, although an official Mackie, had decided to take David up on his offer for dinner in town. Harlow secretly speculated it was because the two planned to exchange gifts while the others weren’t around.
Aunt Birdie had noticed as well and made a comment.
“Are you coming by for the Mackies’ party?” Harlow asked her on the way home.
“Am I invited?”
“Of course you are. The more, the merrier.”
“I wasn’t planning on it. I don’t have gifts or cookies to exchange,” Birdie said. “Maybe I’ll hang out for the food and then skedaddle.”
“Sounds like a plan. You can grab a cookie or two while you’re at it.” Harlow and her aunt parted ways on the sidewalk out front.
She slipped inside and went straight to the kitchen, unloading the trays of munchies—finger foods including pinwheel wraps. There was a pan full of barbecue chicken wings and another glass dish filled with Sloppy Joe mix ready to be warmed. Trays of veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, fresh-cut fruit, along with a slab of ribs her father had smoked earlier, all waiting to be gobbled up.
Harlow finished arranging the dishes and turned Christmas music on. The doorbell rang. Noelle, Eryn, Peyton, Abby, Meg and Aunt Birdie arrived en masse. The chatter of cheerful voices filled the cottage.
Each of the guests placed their “Secret Santa” presents beneath the tree, twinkling with red, blue and green Christmas lights. Harlow’s mother’s silver stained glass star shone down from the tippy top. A mishmash of decorations had been lovingly placed on the branches…ornaments Harlow had made in school, a paper ball with her first-grade photo, missing front tooth and all, smiling back.
So many memories were on display, some from even before Harlow was born.
The group assembled at the table she and her father had set up. Whimsical snowmen with smiling faces and dressed like Santa’s elves danced down the center. Candy cane sleighs with Santa, snowmen and reindeer held cards with each of the Mackies’ names in front of the chairs.
“The place settings are adorable.” Abby ran her fingertip over her name. “Did you make these?”
“Lottie helped me.”
Meg spun around. “Speaking of Lottie…where is she?”
“Dad invited her to a special dinner, just the two of them.”
Noelle let out a flirty whistle. “A romantic meal for two.”
“Aunt Birdie and I have put a damper on their weekly cards and casserole night, so I think they’re trying to sneak off for some time alone,” Harlow joked.
“Your father wouldn’t have it any other way,” Aunt Birdie said.
“Before I forget, I heard you put an offer in on Lighthouse Lane,” Peyton said. “You can fill us in while we eat.”
The women filled their plates, teasing Harlow about her claim she could burn water.
They all gathered at the table, thanking her for hosting their annual party.
“I love holiday traditions,” Harlow said.
“Why don’t we go around the room and share one of our favorite traditions?” Eryn suggested.
