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“Ethan,” Saffron said, breaking into Sage’s musings, “it’s good to see you again.”

Sage’s mother came into the room from the kitchen and, seeing the latest arrivals, her face broke into a wide smile. “Merry Christmas. Welcome. Now come here and give me a big hug.” Before either could comply, she wrapped her arms around them both and then grabbed hold of Sage’s hand and admired the engagement ring.

“You look happy,” her mother said, looking at Sage.

“I am.” She almost teared up when she shared a look with Ethan.

“I consider myself the luckiest man in the world,” Ethan added, gently squeezing Sage’s waist.

“While you’re here, we should make plans for the wedding. Summer here is perfect—”

“Actually, Mom,” Sage said, cutting her mother off before she got ahead of herself. “Ethan and I were thinking of getting married in Seattle.”

“Seattle!” her mother cried, as if Sage had suggested the ceremony be held on the planet Mars.

“What’s all the fuss in here?” Sage’s father asked, joining them.

“Sage and Ethan want to get married in Seattle this summer.”

“Early autumn,” Ethan inserted.

“Mom,” Saffron said, touching her mother’s arm in order to distract her. “There’s a good possibility there will be a Madison wedding in Chicago this summer.”

Their mother’s eyes widened into wide orbs. “You and…Tom?”

“Don’t freak out yet. We’re talking. He asked to marry me and I’m considering it. It’s a big decision on how best for us to blend our families.”

“Why didn’t you say something sooner?” her mother demanded.

“I would have, except Tom wanted to talk to Dad first and…”

Rosemary whirled around to face her husband. “You knew and didn’t say anything to me.”

Her father shrugged. “This is man stuff. Tom came to me the same way Ethan did. I respect them both for it. Can we all sit down now?”

“Of course,” Saffron said, and collected their coats and steered them into the living room.

“You and I will discuss this later,” Rosemary said to her husband, her eyes narrowed. With that she returned to the kitchen.

“Don’t worry, Dad, I’ll smooth matters over.” Saffron followed her mother.

“Do you need help?” Sage called after her.

“No. Sit down and relax.”

Sage knew her mother had been cooking for days in preparation for their visit. The scent of Christmas was in every room. The Christmas tree was up in its usual place, and the Nativity was spread across the top of the fireplace mantel. This was home, the Christmases she remembered from her youth.

“I’m happy you were able to join us for the holidays,” Jason Madison said, slapping Ethan across the back in a friendly gesture. “I understand it’s been a busy year for you.”

Ethan reached for Sage’s hand. “A busy year for us both.” He shared a smile with Sage, and she wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned against him. The last several months had been challenging and wonderful as they’d encouraged and supported each other in their individual roles.

“Ethan’s accounting firm already has several notable clients,” Sage told her father. She was extremely proud of Ethan. He’d taken a risk, leaving the security of Park Marketing and venturing out on his own. As she knew he would, Ethan had already attracted a growing clientele. During tax season she’d barely had a chance to see him.

For her own part, Sage was happy with her role as the executive manager of the Seattle branch of Park Marketing. Once she was awarded the promotion, she’d stepped into Stanley Mowrey’s shoes with an ease that surprised even her. She worked closely with the staff. Erica had become her executive assistant and had become her right and her left hand. The company was thriving and had recently been awarded one of the largest accounts in its history.

It had been a rocky start when the Hudson Group learned they wouldn’t be working with Troy. Sage could only imagine what Troy had told them. Because the contract had already been signed, they agreed to remain with Park Marketing.

Sage had worked tirelessly to make sure the launch of Buzz met all their expectations. To her delight, the first sales report exceeded them. Buzz did exactly what its name implied and created a buzz all across the country. The Hudson Group was more than pleased with her work.