I had barely seen Cass since that weekend we'd shared with all our friends as our lives had been so busy since then. Greeting her with a long kiss and cuddle, I was aware the others left us alone to have a moment of privacy. She couldn't stop smiling as she leaned back, caressing her cheek with my thumb, her blue eyes just drinking in my face.

"Now this is the Christmas present I wanted," she whispered, head resting against my shoulder.

"I'm glad you're here, Cass."

"So am I, Mark. Thank you too, Cindy."

Cindy hugged her good friend, assuring her she was family as much as Alexa and...