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Claire looked at her, confused.

“Every year,” Maggie said, “everyone who spends Christmas with us hangs an ornament. Now you have one too.”

Claire hung it.

No speech. No one made a big deal. It simply became part of the tree.

And yet she found herself choking back tears over it.

Finally, the tree was done. Claire and Ainsley stepped back to admire their work. Claire fluffed branches, fixed ribbon, and straightened ornaments before deciding she was pleased. Maggie watched her and smiled.

Noah walked up beside Claire and kissed her cheek. “Best tree yet.”

Nobody disagreed.

Except Will.

“Well. . .except for 2008,” he stated.

Everyone groaned.

Claire looked at all of them. “What happened in 2008?” she asked.

Emily sighed. “Dad still thinks that was the best tree.”

Will grinned. “That one can’t be beat.”

“We know. You remind us every year,” Maggie teased.

“Ainsley.” Noah looked at her. “You want to do the honors?” He nodded toward the tree topper.

Her eyes lit up. “I want Aunt Claire to hold me up.”

So Claire lifted her up while Noah steadied them both, and she placed the angel on the top of the tree. Maggie quickly got to work finishing the rest of the decorations, with Emily’s help.

Mugs, dishes, rugs, garland, the nativity scene.

Soon, it was finished.

Later, Claire found herself alone in the living room just staring at the tree. The music was still playing softly. The tree glowed. The fireplace was lit.

Noah walked in. “What?” he asked.

She quietly said, “Nothing. I’m just really happy.”

He wrapped an arm around her. “I’m really happy too.”

“I think this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”

“It’s November.”

“I know.”

CHAPTER 34

I Love You

Saturday morning, the suitcases were out.