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Isabelle swept into the room with her usual vibrant energy. “Wait! I want to hear this!”
She’d arrived earlier in a limo after dropping off Annie, Mama, and Sage, and was already dressed for the evening. A headset perched on her perfectly coiffed head as she coordinated caterers, musicians, and who-knew-what-else while guests trickled in downstairs. She looked radiant.
At five-nine she carried herself with easy, confident elegance. Her long dark brown hair was swept into a polished updo, a few soft strands left loose to frame her face. Warm brown eyes, bright with focus and amusement, caught the light as she moved. When she smiled, deep dimples appeared, softening the sharp, capable energy she wore like a second skin. Even with the headset and the quiet stream of instructions, she still managed to look both wholesome and completely in control — the kind of woman who could run an entire event without ever seeming flustered.
Cal smiled. “Hypothetically… if I wanted to give Sage something kinda big, you think I should do it tomorrow or tonight?”
Isabelle practically bounced on her toes. “Ooooh, what is it?! Where is it? Tonight, Bear. Definitely tonight.”
Michael glanced at her, then back to Cal. “Well… um, while I don’t share her level of excitement—ow!”
Isabelle had fixed him with a stern, playful look, arms crossed under her chest. Michael rubbed his arm looking bashful, and as his eyes dropped helplessly to Isabelle’s dress. He froze, then whispered, almost reverent, “By the Force…”
Michael just stared.
“Ah… Michael?” Cal prompted, hiding a smile.
“Yeah, Bear?” Michael managed, voice a little hoarse. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, but his gaze kept drifting back to Isabelle as she stepped closer, letting him look. Her expression softened, warm and knowing.
“You were saying?” Cal asked, amused.
Michael nodded slowly, as if receiving divine wisdom. “Yeah… totally. Like Princess Leia.” His voice dropped with quiet awe. “Like… better than Queen Amidala.”
Isabelle’s breath caught. She looked suddenly soft, almost vulnerable, blinking quickly as her eyes brightened. “Awww, Michael… really?”
Cal blinked. “Like Princess… what?”
Michael nodded, completely lost in her now, Switch forgotten on the bed. “Like… you’re the whole New Republic beautiful.”
Isabelle smiled, small and glowing, gently brushing an invisible speck from Michael’s shoulder. He leaned into the brief touch like it was oxygen.
“Umm, is this making sense to you Isabelle?” Cal asked.
“Yeah,” she said softly, voice warm. “I’ve been studying Star Wars… Michael’s being so sweet.”
Cal sighed again, watching his best friend and Isabelle stare at each other like the rest of the world had faded. “Well… I guess I should go.”
Isabelle nodded without looking away from Michael. Michael didn’t say another word — just smiled, soft and dazed, pushing his glasses up once more.
“Oooookay,” Cal muttered, carefully stepping around them. He headed downstairs and out into the evening air.
The estate had been transformed into a living Christmas dream.
Huge canvas pavilions glowed like lanterns against the snowy night, their soft walls fluttering gently in the mountain breeze. Thousands of warm white lights twisted through the timber beams and dripped from the eaves, while glittering crystal chandeliers spun lazy constellations overhead. Towering fresh-cut fir trees stood sentinel at every entrance, heavy with shimmering glass ornaments, crimson ribbons, and strings of golden beads. The scent of pine, cinnamon, and woodsmoke hung thick in the cold air.
A live band played soft, soulful jazz with a holiday twist, gentle brass and piano weaving through familiar carols just enough to make the music feel like home. Guests in coats and scarves laughed and mingled near small bars serving mulled wine and eggnog, while long buffet tables groaned under Amélie’s hors d’oeuvres. The fierce French chef Isabelle had hired was barking orders with her thick accent, making sure every tray that left the kitchen was nothing short of perfect.
Cal moved through the main pavilion, accepting warm smiles and nods from the townsfolk who’d shown up for Sage. He returned them easily, but his pulse had already begun to climb. By the time he reached the large, detached five-car garage, his heart was hammering in a way no combat mission had ever managed.
He took a slow breath, then climbed into the fully restored Jeep he and Mack Kroger had rebuilt over the last three weeks. When Mack had suggested it would be easier and cheaper to just buy a new one, Cal had shaken his head. “Whatever it takes.” Mack had studied him for a long moment, then nodded. “Alright, Bear. Let’s get ‘er done.”
Sliding into the luxurious caramel leather seat, Cal ran a hand over the custom wood paneling. Even the stereo system was completely upgraded and new.
His phone rang. He answered without looking.
“Yeah?”
“Is that any way to speak to your mother?” Mary Sue’s voice came through, warm and teasing.
