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Molly looks surprised, and maybe a little worried. “Okay, what is it?”

Layla and Hope look at each other briefly before Layla speaks again, “That note you found on Todd’s car?”

Hope quickly adds, “We wrote that.”

Molly’s eyebrows raise slightly. “What? Really?”

“It’s just … we knew Todd was seeing her behind your back because Layla was also getting her hair done by Trudy,” Hope speaks nervously, her voice a little too loud and her hands flying around as she speaks.

Layla motions for her to calm down. “I don’t go to her anymore!” Layla insists, her expression so serious, I have a hard time not laughing.

“We were just trying to help.” Hope’s eyes look sad and apologetic. “But we see how much stress it caused you, and also the drama with your sister’s wedding.”

“But we’re glad everything worked out.” Layla gestures between me and Molly.

Molly looks reflective and doesn’t say anything for what feels like several minutes. It’s probably only ten seconds, but we’re all waiting anxiously to see how she’ll respond.

Finally, she laughs. “Which one of you kissed the note?”

Hope raises her hand, and Molly starts laughing harder. Hope and Layla smile, both looking apprehensive about her outburst.

Amused, I grin at Molly, who’s still laughing.

Dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a napkin, her laughter begins to slow. “I mean, I guess I should thank you both. It finally convinced me to end things with Todd. Indefinitely,” Molly says, smiling genuinely at her friends.

Molly stands and pulls them both into a big hug. “But for real. No more meddling. Okay?”

“We promise!” Hope says, her voice muffled since her face is in Molly’s hair.

“And we’re so sorry!” Layla adds, wrapping her arms tightly around Hope and Molly.

The three women end their embrace and they turn and look at me, as if just now remembering I’m still here. Their expressions turn expectant, like they’re waiting for me to finally say something.

I stand from my seat, Hope and Layla eyeing me hesitantly. I grin, and they relax. Then I shake their hands with all the enthusiasm I feel. “You both are the true heroes of Christmas. Thank you.”

We burst into laughter, drawing the attention of everyone else in the restaurant. I take one giant step toward Molly, my girl. She smiles up at me, her eyes reflecting the same happiness I feel.

I take her beautiful face in my hands and kiss her the way I’ve wanted to all damn day. She melts into me, wrapping her arms around my neck. I ignore the chuckles and whispers from the other restaurant patrons, not caring who sees us.

Molly

Three Months Later

A thorn from the bush I’m hiding in pokes me in the side. “Ouch,” I whisper.

David glares at me. “Shh!”

I mouth the word sorry, and he calms down. Isa gives me a sympathetic smile, as if to apologize for her husband taking this all so seriously.

Madden and Odette are hidden in a bush nearby, watching the garden party closely via binoculars. They’re both grinning, clearly enjoying this way too much.

Sophie is standing a few yards away near the gate that leads into the garden at the country club. She has a walkie-talkie in hand, as does Drew, who’s hidden behind a tree right in front of the bushes. I stifle a laugh because that tree doesn’t stand a chance of concealing Drew’s large form. Sophie calls him Mr. Muscles for a reason.

We have a clear view of the entire garden and one of the country club’s elaborate water fountains. This one reminds me of the large fountain the characters from Friends play in during the opening theme song.

The garden party is on the patio near the fountain. The long table is filled with extravagant floral arrangements and lace tablecloths. All the women are dressed up and wearing ostentatious hats like they’re British or something.

An announcement comes through the overhead speakers, “Mrs. Windell, you’re needed at the front desk. Please come as soon as you’re able.”