They laughed as the dog grabbed it and ran off.
Cary passed her two wine bags. “These are for Bert and Dylan.”
Tyler peeked inside. “Cary! No, they’re too expensive.” She handed them back but he wouldn’t accept them. “I know how much Penfolds Grange is.”
He shrugged. “It was on sale.”
Liar.
Cary grabbed the last bag—the smallest. “This one’s for Nadie.”
“What is it?” Tyler rested her hands on her hips.
“A Shure microphone, and you can’t get mad because I’ve got an endorsement.”
“All of this is too much, Cary.” She set the wine bags on the buffet table and grabbed a small, wrapped present. “This pales in comparison.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything. I’ve got everything I need and then some.” He unwrapped the paper and smiled at an old, worn-out guitar capo. “Thank you.”
“It was the Humbler’s.” She pointed out his initials on the side. “I found it kicking around in the basement.”
His jaw dropped to his boots. “The Humbler’s? Wow! This is the best present ever.” He examined the guitar nut, turning it over. “This should be in a jazz museum. Seriously, I—”
“My man.” Hank hugged him as if they were pals while Heather mouthed,Sorryfrom across the room. “How’s it hanging?”
“Thanks for the other night,” Mark butted in. “That was so freaking awesome, hanging out and shooting the shit.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Hank said.
Cary nodded once. “Don’t mention it.”
Cary hadn’t just picked up their tab—he’d covered the whole pub. Meanwhile, Tyler celebrated double-points days at the supermarket like a national holiday.
“Cary!” Dylan said, raising a glass of wine.
“Thanks for having me, Dylan.” He gestured to the Robertsons’ family band. “Aren’t you playing tonight?”
Dylan raised her glass again. “I’m drinking instead.”
“I can see that,” he said.
“You know what?” she blabbed into his ear.
“What?” Cary lifted his brow.
She flung her arm around his shoulder. “You fit right in here.”
That’s enough, Dylan.
Tyler introduced Cary to the guests as classic Christmas tunes played softly in the background—festive, familiar, and secular.
“Auntie Ty!” Nadie shouted over the music. “I’m singing your favorite next.”
She nodded while Cary squinted.
“Silver Bells,” she told him.
“It’s my favorite, too,” Nadie added.
