We head over, and Eve blurts it all out in one breath.
Elsie screams and jumps and gives poor Rudolph a good jostle in the process.
Rudolph gives a few happy yips. Is it true, Bizzy? Am I getting my very own family for Christmas?
Fish runs over, as does Sherlock, both waiting with bated breath for my answer and I give a little nod.
“Are you okay with this, Rudolph?” I whisper, and he gives a sharp bark in return.
Yes!
Congratulations, Fish mewls. Do visit.
Sherlock whimpers, I was just getting used to having you around. Make sure they give you lots of bacon, little guy.
I give Rudolph a kiss on his forehead. “I’m happy for you—both.” I look to Elsie. “Please stop by the inn often. We’re going to miss him something awful.”
“Are you kidding?” Her eyes grow wide. “This place is the it resort. You bet we’re going to visit. Especially when it warms up. I love the cove.”
Eve shrugs. “Then it’s settled. You’ll be seeing a lot of the three of us.” She gives Rudolph a quick scratch and he licks her hand.
“Bizzy?” someone hisses from behind, and I see Mackenzie snarling while curling her finger as she calls me over.
“Excuse me,” I say as I head her way. Mackenzie has her long chestnut hair perfectly coiled, a cranberry pantsuit on, and heels that even Macy would be envious of with their spiked metal heels. “Mayor Woods.” I give a sly smile.
“Don’t give me that Mayor Woods bull. I’ve got a titanium ring burning a hole in my pocket. “When should I initiate World War III?”
I make a face at her before glancing back at Emmie and Leo still tending to the dessert table. My brother isn’t too far off as he stands speaking to Jasper and my father, looking relaxed, and satiated, and very much as if he forgot all about the next matrimonial blunder he was about to head into.
“Give it a couple of minutes,” I say. “I’ll pull him out of that conversation.”
Georgie, Juni, my mother, and Macy all trot over, each in their Christmas finery. Both Georgie and Mom are wearing wonky quilt dresses in various patterns of red and green—a stark departure from my mother’s typical preppy style, but she’s made it clear she wants to represent the brand. And, of course, there’s Macy in a red lacy dress that can double as lingerie.
Juni gives Mackenzie a few light taps on the face, just this side of a slap, and I hold my breath in the event Mack decides to start that bar brawl a little early.
Mack lifts her chin to Juni. “What do you want, simple one?”
“I’m tryin’ to center ya. That’s what a good coach does right before the big fight.”
Mackenzie rolls her eyes. “It’s nice to know at least you’re on my side.”
Georgie pokes her finger at Mack. “When’s this going down, sister? I’ve got my camera poised and at the ready. I’ll be taking the money shot, if you know what I mean.”
“Yeah,” Mom grunts a laugh. “She means she’ll want money for it.”
Mackenzie shrugs. “Take the right shot, and you just might get it.”
A dark laugh springs from Macy. “And I’m taking Emmie’s picture.”
Mackenzie sucks in a quick breath. “What’s this? Don’t tell me the kitchen mouse is going for the gold tonight, too.”
I straighten. “Call her a kitchen mouse again, and there will be a very real World War III on your hands.”
“Fine.” Her expression sours. “Just make sure we’re not doing it right next to one another. I’ll need some breathing room.”
“Done,” I say. “Give me five minutes.”
I trot over to where Hux stands with my father and Jasper.
“Are you ready to fall on the sword?” I ask my brother, and he frowns over at me.
“Bizzy, this is a big night for me. I may not look it, but I’m nervous. Cut me a little slack. I can use your support.”
“I’m sorry.” I wince. “Let’s just say I have it on good authority that everything works out in your favor. You have absolutely nothing to worry about.”
Dad pats him on the back. “I think you have a solid plan, son. Start with a fight and end with a kiss. I’ve used that formula for years, and look where it’s gotten me.” He inches back. “Never mind. I have good faith it’ll take you to a heck of a lot better than I did. This is the real deal. I can see it in your eyes. I can’t wait to be the first to congratulate you.”
Jasper leans in a notch. “Get your head in the game and speak from the heart.”
“Oh, I will.” Hux gurgles with a laugh.
Leo comes over, looking lean and mean in a dark inky suit. “Emmie is on her way back from the kitchen, last trip. I told her I’d eat dessert with her when she got back. It’s go time, Bizzy.”
“Great.” I bounce on the balls of my feet, giddy for my bestie to finally get her moment. “I’ll go get the cake.” I take up Jasper’s hand and mouth the words come with me.
We head into the foyer, and I pull him close. “Jasper, both Hux and Mackenzie have decided to go with a proposal that starts off as an argument.”
A moaning sound comes from him. “Bizzy? Are you in any way responsible for the chaos that’s about to ensue?”
I shake my head. “Someone far more creative than me.”
He’s right back to moaning.
I trot us over to my mini fridge and quickly shuttle that pricey piece of cake over to Leo.
His hands shake as he takes it and closes his eyes for a moment.
“Here it goes.” He looks up at Jasper and me. “She’s going to say yes, right?”
“Of course,” I tell him. “And believe me, your proposal is going to take the cake.” I give a little wink as Emmie walks back into
