IT WAS ALMOST one in the morning, and we were still going strong. I had lit a big fire in the living room fireplace and we’d covered ourselves with quilts and blankets. Even Toby and Gabrielle were wide awake. And Stacey Lee had come by with a pound of her absolutely perfect maple-walnut fudge.

“This fudge is our reward for getting that Crazy Tuna Hash down our throats,” said Claire. Everyone laughed and, probably because of the Grand Marnier I was sipping, I laughed too. Actually, I’d served the hash because it was a family joke.

“By the way, I talked to Lizzie a little while ago. She and Mike send their love,” I told everyone. The room turned quiet.

Emily said, “I called Liz on the way up. She said Mike is doing better.”

“And he is. He’s resting up for the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night. And then the wedding,” I said. “Plus, he’s working on his jokes.”

“Well, before I drink any more, I’m going to see how my decorating staff did with the barn,” Stacey Lee said and stood up. “I really am bursting to have a look.”

“I’ll go with you,” Marty said.

“Remain seated. No one sees it till it gets my approval,” Stacey Lee said, and she left the room by herself.

“I think I’ll go for a little walk too,” said Gus, who was becoming, if not downright friendly, at least cordial.

“It’s cold and it’s snowing. Don’t go out, honey,” Claire said. I was glad to hear her use the word “honey.”

“I could use some fresh air,” Gus said, getting to his feet. “Too much food.”

“You could use a few puffs of weed is what you mean,” I said.

“Gaby!” Gus said, acting all shocked and offended. Sometimes he seemed to forget I taught high school.

“Arms out. Legs apart,” Marty said as he stood alongside Gus.

“No way!” Gus yelled. “C’mon, Uncle Marty!”

“Then you don’t go out,” Claire said. “Your choice, dude.”

“Give him a break,” Bart said. Talk about your good moods. Bart and Emily were like different people. The intense, Type A, New York duo had been replaced by an easygoing, lovey-dovey twosome.

“Nope. This will be quick,” Marty said. He began moving his hands over Gus. “Sorry, buddy.”

A few seconds later he announced, “Wallet. Mechanical pencil. Gum. Loose change. Gus is clean.”

“You’re a pervert, Uncle Marty,” Gus said.

“So?” said Marty.

“Just a minute,” I said. “Hand over the wallet, please.”

“Awww, Gaby.”

“Hand it over.”

I looked inside the billfold section. Sure enough, tucked among a few one-dollar bills was a wrinkled but very fat joint. I took in the wide-eyed concern on Gus’s face.

“Nothing in here,” I lied. And I handed the wallet back to Gus.

“Sorry,” Marty said. “We’re on your side, Gus.”

“No problem,” said Gus. “Anyways, you’re right. It’s probably too cold to go out.”

We watched Tom add a big log to the fire. Toby and Gabrielle were mesmerized by the initial blaze of sparks that the log made. I passed around more fudge. And Bart filled the brandy snifters with a second helping of Grand Marnier. There was something frankly wonderful about having everyone here. Somehow all troubles and cares seemed to diminish when you were with the people you loved.

Then we all distinctly heard “Ho, ho, ho!”