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I walk into the sitting room where the tree and gifts are. Gio seats in my throne chair, looking as if he’s the king of my house. I shake my head and go to take a seat in front of the tree on the floor next to Bella.
I laugh to myself when I notice Bella has her mass of curls pulled up on top of her head the same way Lizzy does. They’re in the matching pajamas Bella insisted I buy for them as we shopped for Lizzy’s gift.
I can’t help but wonder who’s idea the hairstyle was. Most likely Bella’s. I decide in this moment I’m doing the right thing. I’m going to ignore my assistant and treat her like any other employee.
Besides, it’s too soon for me to get involved with anyone. The last thing I need is to create motive, so the police turn their attention back our way.
“Merry Christmas,” Lizzy says with that bright smile.
“Merry Christmas,” I murmur.
“Who is this one from? That’s my name, it’s for me,” Bella says as she places a gift between herself and Lizzy.
“It’s from your Uncle Gio.”
“Thank you, Uncle G,” Bella sings as she tears away the paper.
“You’re more than welcome, princess.”
Bella gasps and squeals as she gets the box open. I look between Gio and Lizzy. I honestly don’t think we need to bother with the rest of the gifts.
“It’s almost exactly like mine. Your Uncle asked me to see if the Book Court would honor you with a gown and crown of your own. As Book Queen, I didn’t see why not,” Lizzy says.
The little dress looks just like the one Lizzy wore for Halloween. The only difference is the tulle skirt. I look to my brother and give him a nod of gratitude. In a single gift he has made my daughter’s day.
Gio has a habit of doing that. Making things better even when you don’t know you need him to or how you need him to. I look to Lizzy because I have no idea when she had time to do this.
Thank you, I mouth.
She gives me that gorgeous smile, and those bands around my heart loosen just a bit more, and another breaks and falls away.
Lizzy
I know Dante wanted this to be a great Christmas for Bella to distract her from her mother not being here. I’d say mission accomplished. Bella has been all smiles this morning as she has opened present after present.
I love how Bella’s happiness is so important to all four of these men. Her uncles love her as much as her father does. I’ve wished for family connected to my mom and dad a million times throughout my life. Not that Dad and Aunt Denise haven’t been great to us.
How can I explain it? I’ve never felt connected to anyone other than my sister. There’s nothing like blood. I look up at Dante and his brothers as they tease and rib each other.
Dante looks up as I lock eyes on him. He gives a small smile. It’s the first I’ve seen in weeks other than the ones he gives Bella. He moves away from the group and retakes his seat beside Bella.
“Can we give her our gift now?” Bella asks.
“Yes, go ahead.”
Bella grabs one of the few gifts left. Her excitement is so adorable. She turns and hands me the small box.
“You guys really didn’t have to,” I say.
“I think we did. Go on, open it. Bella picked it herself.”
I open the box and smile so hard my face hurts. Inside is a charm bracelet with books and crowns hanging from it. I look closer and notice the crowns all have different color stones set in each, making the bracelet sparkle in the light. I clench the bracelet to my chest.
“I love it. Thank you so much.”
“See, Daddy. I told you.” Bella leaps to throw her arms around my neck.
I hug her close with one arm as I hold tight to the bracelet in my other hand. I love her scent. It speaks to her innocence and sweet personality. She smells of cocoa butter and strawberries. It’s her shampoo and body cream. I have used both on her in the last week.
Dante clears his throat. “I…um…I have something for you too.”
I release Bella as Dante places a box in front of me. I’m a little thrown off. I did get him something, but I didn’t think he would get me a gift outside of what he planned to get me with Bella.
“I have one for you too. Hold on.” I move to grab the box I wrapped for him.
I already gave Dario, Gio, and Jace the gifts I purchased for them. Dante takes the gift hesitantly. I’m a little nervous for him to open it.
“Should we open them together?”
“No, you first,” I say.
