Boxing Day dawned crisp and clear, and Beth pretended disappointment as she stood at the window looking out onto the white-covered garden. "I think the snow has frozen, so no more snowballs," she ventured.
"I hope Marie's OK driving up," said Sarah.
"It'll be fine," I reassured her. "I walked out to the road and it's been gritted, she'll just have to take it steady on the drive."
I got out of bed. "Turkey salad for lunch, but what would you two like for breakfast?"
Sarah thought for a moment. "Mm, just toast, I think."
She put her hand on her stomach. "At least I don't seem to be having a problem with morning sickness."
We sat in the kitchen for a while, the girls nibbling on their toast, then Beth stretched. "Probably better put some clothes on, even if we are going to get more comfortable when Marie's here."
I made more coffee, and we returned to the kitchen table. "Oh, we got Marie a present too," Beth remembered.
"Do I know what it is?" I queried.
She shook her head. "It's a surprise."
I heard the crunch of tyres on crisp snow. "Think our visitor is here."
I went to open the door for Marie, giving her a hug. "We're in the kitchen."
The girls got up to welcome her, and Beth produced a gift-wrapped box. "Happy Christmas."
"Oh, how thoughtful," smiled Marie. "Can I open it now?"
"Sure."
I poured coffee for her, and she sat at the table, carefully loosening the bow of shiny ribbon, unfolding paper. "You do everything very precisely," Sarah observed.
Marie chuckled. "Comes of working in a lab a lot of the time - I didn't mean to be dissecting your gift..."
She lifted the lid of the plain cardboard box. "Oh! It's beautiful."
The girls had got Marie a bracelet in a pattern similar to Sarah's engagement ring, and Marie slipped it onto her wrist, turning it this way and that. "It looks lovely on you," smiled Sarah.
We talked for a while, then I glanced at Marie. "Ready for some lunch?"
"Mm, sure."
I busied myself getting out the remains of the turkey, cold meat, other salad items, and everyone helped themselves. "This is delicious," Marie nodded.
We finished our meal - "We have mince pies and mulled wine for later," Beth promised - and I grinned at the girls. "No prizes for guessing what you'd like to do this afternoon."
Beth shook her head. "We've been looking forward to introducing Marie to it."
Marie smiled. "I'm intrigued."
"This way," Sarah invited, and Marie followed them through into the conservatory. The double doors were already open, the water steaming, and Marie's eyes widened. "Mm - just the thing on a chilly day like this."
She hesitated. "I didn't bring a swimming costume or anything, though."
Beth grinned. "No problem. First rule of the hot tub is that costumes, trunks, are banned."
"Well, then," chuckled Marie. "I don't want to break the rules before I even start."
I watched as she lowered the zip on her skirt, slipping it off and dropping it on the sofa. Her blouse followed, leaving her in the same lingerie she'd worn on the night of the party. "I do love the feel of silk," she smiled.
Beth couldn't tear her eyes from Marie's figure. "Do you run or anything to keep in shape?"
"Once in a while," nodded Marie.
She reached behind her back, shedding her bra, then slipped her thong down, and I heard Beth's soft intake of breath. She stepped closer, reaching out hesitant fingers. "Can I...?"