James, Miranda - Out of Circulation (CAT IN THE STACKS MYSTERY)

We had a great time delving into packages and sharing the contents. Helen Louise gave me two more sweaters, and I had found a beautiful necklace and earrings for her. We shared a kiss or two under the mistletoe Sean had hung earlier, and I noticed that my children spent a fair amount of time beneath it with their partners.

By late afternoon we were all full, tired, happy, and sleepy. Diesel and Dante had worn themselves out playing with boxes, wrapping paper, and ribbons, though we all had to be vigilant to make sure none of the paper or ribbons were eaten.

Around five I went into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee. I needed a little caffeine to perk me up. As I stood at the sink filling the pot with water, I felt two arms slip around me, and my daughter whispered in my ear, “Merry Christmas, Dad.”

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart. I’m so glad you’re here.” I didn’t add that I dreaded her leaving after the holidays and heading back to California.

“I have a little surprise for you,” she said with an impish grin. “I wanted to tell you first, and then I’ll tell Sean and the others.”

“What is it?” I set the coffeepot down. My hands trembled a little. I knew what I hoped she was going to tell me.

“I’m not going back to California, Dad. I’m going to stay here. The college offered me a full-time job. The woman who was out on maternity leave decided not to come back, and they want me to take her place.”

“That’s wonderful,” I said and swept her into a hug. “I’m so happy you’re staying here.”

“Me, too,” she said as I released her.

“You’re sure you’re not going to miss being a glamorous Hollywood star?” I couldn’t help teasing her a little.

“Nope, not a bit. I actually have another role in mind,” she said with that same impish grin.

“And what would that be?” I asked.

“Let me put it this way,” she said. “How would you like to help me plan a wedding?”