“I don’t mean anything by it. I’m just saying that Angie and Peggy have a special connection that no matter the circumstances they were destined to be in each other’s lives. Even if you had chosen Helena over me to be Angie’s other mother Peggy would still have been her grandmother.”

“I suppose that’s true. I never gave it any thought because I never imagined anyone else being her mother except you. Maybe you were the common bond between Angie and Peggy. Maybe it was your destiny to bring them together.”

“I guess we can spend all night figuring out different combinations of that theory, but it really doesn’t matter. What’s important is that we are all blessed to share such a special love and bond, and to be in each other’s lives. We better get some sleep. I have a feeling our little angel is going to be up bright and early in the morning.”

“You’re right. Good night babe. Merry Christmas. I love you.”

“I love you baby. Merry Christmas and good night to you.”

They share a kiss and fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

***

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is festive. The families take advantage of all the wonderful Christmas holiday happenings in Los Angeles including Downtown on Ice and the DWP Holiday Light Festival in Griffith Park. They have a more intimate celebration for New Year’s Eve than they did for Christmas.

This time it’s just Peggy, Bette, Tina, Angie, Winnie, Wilson, Jang Yin, James, Lisa, Sophie, Joey and Zach gathered at Peggy’s mansion. The kids all had afternoon naps, so they can stay up past midnight to see the fireworks on the beach. They toast with non-alcoholic beverages, kiss and hug each other as they ring in the New Year. James and his family relax on New Year’s Day then leaves in the early evening to drive back to Monterey.

Samuel drives Winnie, Wilson, and Jang Yin to the airport. They meet up David, Gina and Katie for their flight on the Peabody jet to New York and Boston respectively.

After everyone leaves, the house is suddenly very quiet. Peggy has Samson her new puppy to keep her company, but she is already missing her family. Angie helped Peggy to pick a puppy and they named him Samson even though he was a small breed and would never live up to his name.