“I thought you might want to keep it on your desk at work,” she’d told him quietly. “I know you don’t have many personal items in your office, so if you’d prefer to leave it at home, I’d understand. You don’t - “

Ian had interrupted whatever she had been about to say next with a devouring kiss, one that had literally taken her breath away. When he had finally broken the kiss, he’d continued to hold her head between his hands, his gaze burning into hers.

“That photo will hold a place of honor on my desk,” he’d told her fiercely. “Just as you hold the most cherished part of my heart.”

He’d taken her to their bed after that, and even though they had both been worn out from the long flight and jet lag, had made love to her with the sort of exquisite tenderness he could so often exhibit. She’d fallen asleep curled up trustingly against his big body, only to have woken this morning to the sight of her brand new stuffed lamb carefully arranged on her nightstand. She had giggled in delight, clutching the woolly pink and white toy against her as though it was the most precious thing in the world. And then she’d silently corrected herself, for there was no doubt at all, not even the tiniest one, that her man would always be the single most cherished part of her life.

Nathan waved a hand now in dismissal. “Nah, everything turned out okay. When Julia and her mom get started in the kitchen, everyone knows to keep their distance.”

Tonight’s party was serving a dual purpose. Besides ushering in the New Year, it was also a housewarming for Julia’s and Nathan’s brand new home in Tiburon, an elegant waterfront community located a short distance north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge. Tessa knew that Nathan had bought the lot the house was built on a number of years ago during a downturn in the local housing market, and had always planned to build his dream house here one day. With the help of Julia’s father, the renowned architect Robert McKinnon, the building plans had been finalized and ground had been broken on the new house nearly a year ago.

From the abbreviated tour they had been given upon arrival, the house looked every bit like the dream home Nathan had envisioned. The rooms were spacious and open, with high ceilings, windows everywhere that would allow in plenty of natural light, and finishings that were both sophisticated and homey at the same time. Julia had been particularly enthralled with her gorgeous new gourmet kitchen, as well as the enormous walk-in closet where her extensive wardrobe had been very precisely arranged.

Nathan excused himself then to go greet some new arrivals, while Ian steered Tessa over to the self-serve bar that had been set up near the wide French doors that led to the expansive outdoor space. Julia had lamented over the fact that the pool area, outdoor kitchen, and gardens were still a work in progress, but after Ian had teasingly pointed out that it was winter and the temperatures in the forties tonight, she’d conceded that being outdoors wouldn’t have been feasible anyway.

“Would you like some more champagne, darling?” asked Ian, holding up an open bottle.

She nodded, holding out her flute. “Yes, please. I see that Nathan bought Julia’s favorite brand again.”

Ian grinned, topping off both of their flutes. “Anything to keep her happy, I suppose. Not that I blame him, of course.” He bent to press a kiss to her lips, his voice husky as he murmured, “Because I would do exactly the same thing. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to ensure your happiness, Tessa, nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

She smiled at him lovingly, resting a hand on his chest as she reached up to press a kiss to his cheek. “Well, that’s easy then,” she replied brightly. “Because all you really need to do is just be with me every second of every day. That’s all I need in order to be happy.”

“Tessa. Ian. It’s so lovely to see both of you again. Did you enjoy your holidays in London?”

Tessa beamed as Madelyn Benoit drew her into an affectionate little hug. “Very much, yes. What about yourself?”

Madelyn looked stunning - and far younger than the fifty-something she and her twin Natalie actually were - in a long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder slinky red dress and coordinating heels, her dark blonde hair cut in a new, feathery style that suited her classically lovely features. She was glowing, her face wreathed in what looked like a perpetual smile, and Tessa instantly attributed her happiness to the very elegant, handsome man who was keeping Maddy glued to his side.

“We had a wonderful holiday,” gushed Maddy. “Absolutely wonderful. We were at my sister’s for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, of course, then flew out to spend a few days with James’s children and their families in Hawaii. We just arrived back in San Francisco a few hours ago. Julia would have never forgiven me if I missed this party!”

James gave Tessa a brief peck on the cheek before clapping Ian on the back. “Good to see the two of you again. And no need to ask how life has been treating you since we last met, since it’s rather obvious how happy you are. Just like Maddy and I.”

“We’re both very lucky blokes, aren’t we?” drawled Ian, his arm sliding around Tessa’s shoulders to hug her close. “Though I understand that you and Madelyn are going to beat us to the altar.”

Maddy and James exchanged a fond look before she nodded. “We’ve decided to get married in February. On Valentine’s Day, to be exact. And in Paris, of course, because that’s where we first met. James tried to find ways to make things even more romantic, but I told him anything else would just be overkill.”

“If you happen to be in Europe around that time you should pop over for the wedding,” offered James. “It’s just going to be a very small affair, my children and their families and Maddy’s sister and nieces, of course. But we’d love to include the two of you, especially since Ian helped to get us back together.”

Ian shrugged, casually dismissing his small part in the matter. “As timing would have it, James, we will be in England in February but about a week later. Are you planning to stay in Paris after the wedding?”

“No.” James shook his head. “I’m whisking Maddy off someplace warm and sunny for our honeymoon, either the Seychelles or perhaps the Caribbean. It sounds like we’ll just miss each other, unfortunately.”

They chatted for awhile longer, Maddy gushing over the dress Tessa had chosen for the party. The dress was white with a black lace overlay, with a tulip-shaped skirt and a V-necked, bustier-style bodice. Her high heels were of black mesh with lace appliqués, and earlier Julia had oohed and ahhed over them almost covetously.