Silver's Secret: Billionaire Boss Secret Baby Romance (Silver Brothers Securities Book 3), page 14
I rubbed my eyes. Morning had already come, and we’d actually slept through our first night in Vienna.
“It was just a stupid dream. What time is it?”
“Noon.”
“Noon?”
“Don’t worry. You’ll adjust to the time change just in time for the wedding, and if we continue having nights like yesterday, I’m all up for you sleeping in.” His brow lifted. “I’m catching up with Gabe on the files from TJ, and then we have a poker game to settle.”
“The wedding’s in four days. Shouldn’t he be getting ready?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Tristan chuckled. “Because the wedding is in four days and the engaged couple insisted on an informal, family only ceremony. They’ll say their vows, we’ll have dinner — do the obligatory dance — and they’ll be off on their honeymoon. That’s it.”
“I’m sure Sam thinks her wedding day has more significance.”
“What’s more significant than committing yourself to the person you love for the rest of your life? By the end of the day, you’re married to your soulmate. It doesn’t really matter how you get there, as long as you get there. Everyone has a unique story.”
His low tone sent an army of chills down my back. The good kind. We’d joked about marriage before, but this morning, his eyes and his entire demeanor were different. He was acting like we were the ones heading for the altar. Tristan had a way of shaking off my nightmare tremors. Almost all of them.
“What’s going to happen to Simone and Infinity?”
“If she knows what’s good for her, she’ll flee. We’ll deal with the Hartleys, and the Wagner brothers are taking on Infinity. If all goes well, they won’t be able to hide behind a name, and if Simone is smart, she’ll stay away when the organization goes down.”
We dressed and joined Gabe and Sam in the dining area. The fireplace was glowing, and the smell of freshly baked pastries filled the air.
“Good morning.” I hugged them both. Sam’s pregnant belly poked further out than mine.
“Good morning,” she chirped. “How was your first night?”
“I slept like a rock.”
“She had a nightmare.”
“No nightmares allowed in this home. Is there anything I can do to help you relax?”
“Don’t you have a wedding to plan?”
She checked her watch. “Olivier’s arriving before three, and my wonderful coordinator is half done with the decorations.” She pointed to where Emma had wound string lights around the posts.
“It already looks beautiful.”
“Don’t worry, Allie. It’s a family-only event. Very relaxed—because we all need it.”
I shivered. Wright was dead, yet he still haunted me at night. Sam touched my hand where I was covering my belly.
“I totally get it. I had nightmares for weeks until Martinez… well, I guess you know how that went. You were there.”
“I’m sorry about that day at your office. We should have listened to Gabe—”
“You didn’t know, and I didn’t know. But it’s all over now. Almost, I guess. I haven’t heard from Kendra since she’s been back, and we’re not sure she’s going to make it to the wedding. James canceled his plus one request, and he wasn’t happy about it.”
“His plus one was my best friend, Laura. They had a tiff. Literally. His ex’s name is Tiffany and they have a daughter, so I really hoped James and Laura could put their differences aside for Christmas. But I may be asking for a miracle.”
“Well, Christmas is a good time for miracles, so hold on to that hope. Coffee or tea?” She reached overhead and handed me a mug as well.
The smell of pine and spice, the twinkling lights, and glowing fireplace warmed the home, but it was people like Sam and the surrounding family who made it magical.
“Tea, thank you. What do you need help with?”
She poured the herbal tea. An aroma of raspberry and mint rose with the steam.
“There’s fruit in the fridge if you want to cut it up. I’m making French toast for everyone.”
“Sounds perfect. My appetite’s been growing these days.”
Gabe and Tristan sat with their laptops by the fireplace, scrolling through. I poured them a cup of coffee each and went back to help Sam. By then, Emma had joined us in the kitchen.
“Any baby name front runners, Ems?”
“My lips are sealed.” She zipped her fingers over her lips and threw away the imaginary key.
But silence and Emma didn’t blend well.
“You and Tristan should get married before the baby arrives.”
“I thought you said not to rush to the altar. Like Goldie and Kurt.”
I saw Tristan lift his lazy eyebrow as Emma continued.
“If I’m truly going to be an aunt, a real aunt, that’s the only way. You know, I could ask the minister to perform your ceremony right after Sam and Gabe’s. It’s really not a problem. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. And don’t worry about the dress or the details. I can take care of it all. We still have plenty of time before we go home. What do you say?”
Emma was ready to take over this wedding and make it mine and Tristan’s. Someone had to draw the line, and since Tristan seemed uninterested, it had to be me.
“Emma, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“It’s a great idea. Just ask Tristan. I’m sure he’ll say yes, because if he doesn’t, I won’t forgive him. Besides, you’re meant to be.”
“I’d much rather Tristan decided on his own—if it’s all right with you, that is.”
“Don’t you know how it is with men? They don’t know how to decide. That’s why they have little sisters to help them.” Emma furrowed her brows and wiggled her finger. “I see what you did there. But I guess if I have to wait to help, I will. For now.”
The doorbell chimed, and Emma’s head flew up. She frowned. “Why do I not know who that is?”
She set her coffee aside and marched to the door, opening it wide open.
“Julian!” She slammed into her brother. Kendra walked around them, set her bag to the floor, and wrapped her arms around Sam. Laura and Foxy crossed the threshold from behind them.
“What in the world?” I set my cup aside and rushed to them. I grabbed Foxy from her and placed him over my hip.
“Should you be doing that in your condition?”
“Oh, don’t you condition me. I’m fine.”
The twelve-foot Christmas tree in the foyer caught my godson’s attention, and I set him on the floor. Laura took in the decorations. I’d had the same jaw-dropping reaction when I walked into the enormous lodge, with an enormous wood-burning fireplace in the middle, a huge family area, and a world-class chef’s kitchen with a world-class chef.
“Wow!”
“I know. It’s a lot.”
Teresa rushed downstairs and lifted Foxy into a grandma’s spin. She covered him with kisses and he accepted them, full of giggles.
“I’m so happy you’re here.” Teresa magically removed his favorite chocolate from her back pocket.
“He slept the entire night, so he’ll be a handful.”
“Nothing grandma can’t handle—right, Foxy? You go take care of what you need to take care of.”
Teresa side-eyed where James was standing by the second floor railing, watching us. He had a firm frown set between his brows and his arms crossed over his chest. She then took Foxy’s hand and showed her grandson all the family ornaments on the Christmas tree while I helped Laura with her suitcase.
“Leave those here.” James walked down the stairs.
“Surprise!” she squinted, waiting for a hint of approval on his face. I couldn’t find any either.
“I thought you were spending Christmas at your parents?” he asked.
“I was. Until they turned on me.”
“Turned on you?”
“It’s a long story. Kendra and Julian were nice enough to take us on their private jet. So, here I am.”
“We have to talk.”
“We do.”
My head whipped back and forth between them.
“But I need to say hello to my son first. Meet me in our room?”
She held her hands in front and twisted her fingers, giving him a quick nod.
James lifted her suitcase and turned to the main family area with the four-way fireplace, where Teresa was showing Foxy his stocking.
“See? I told you everything would be okay.” I reminded her.
“Oh, things are far from okay, but I sure as hell will try to make them okay. How are you doing? I saw the footage from Thanksgiving. Tristan standing up for you like that… It was fucking hot.”
“What footage?”
“Tristan fuming at Simone on your front porch. I’m sorry I missed Thanksgiving, but I caught up by watching the security camera footage. Emma raised some hard cash. Fifty bucks per view.”
“She sold our camera footage?”
“Don’t you love her? It’s like we belong to this family, though I may have fucked it up with James. I think they’re all like that, you know—the Silvers. All protective and shit, which is great when you want your family safe and well—”
“Laura, what’s the matter?”
She swept her hand over her eyes and looked up to the second floor, where James had disappeared. “Nothing. I’m here to make amends if he’ll let me. But I’m pretty sure he won’t.”
“Have some hope. It’s Christmas, and you brought his son across the world to be with him. That has to count for something.”
I hugged her like she was closer than a sister, because she was. If James were smart, he’d see all the good I’d seen in her since the day we met.
“Have you seen the decorations downstairs? You said this was supposed to be low key.” I tried to concentrate as I adjusted Tristan’s bow tie.
“This is low key. It’s just the family.”
“So you haven’t seen the indoor winter wonderland?”
“I have. What can I say? Emma and my mother like to decorate.” He took me by my hips, bringing my belly against his side, where I felt him semi-hard.
“How long before you take this dress off?” He tugged at my lilac strap.
“Too long. I don’t know how I’m going to resist all this.” I slid my hands down his back and squeezed his tight behind. “But it’s their wedding day, so behave.”
“You keep doing that and my behavior will be the least of your worries.”
I tapped at his chest. “We’re going to be late if you don’t stop this.”
I stood on tiptoe and kissed him. God, he smelled so good.
“Where do you get that strawberry lip gloss?” he murmured against my lips. “I love strawberries, but nothing can top strawberry lips.”
I kissed him again, keeping my mouth over his a while longer. My fingers and toes tingled, but I brushed the nerves aside. “I may have to tie you down and have you kiss me like this for the rest of our lives.”
“That sounds more like a promise than a threat. I like it.”
“I don’t mean with rope.”
“I know, Allie.”
“Does it scare you?” I asked. “Thinking about the future?”
“Not when you’re in it.” He pulled me in for another taste, and I forgot where I was. My breasts squished against his chest, lifting with each breath. His arousal hardened against my hip and he pulled away with reluctance. There wasn’t enough air in the room. I rested my forehead against his, and heaved in air as if we’d just climbed the Alps.
“If you keep kissing me like that, the wedding will be delayed.”
“Ready to go downstairs?” He offered his arm. I adjusted my dress, reapplied my lip gloss, and hooked my arm into his.
“Ready.”
Emma had transformed the chalet into an elegant venue. She had done an exquisite job of decorating. Glitter-covered snowflakes floated underneath the ceiling. Ice-blue and white streamers hung underneath the roof beams, connecting the structure in an intricate design. They had wrapped white lights around every column, corner, doorway, and railing. Hydrangea bouquets filled empty nooks, tables, and counters. Their aroma floated from one room to another, carried by a gentle breeze from the backyard. I pulled on my sweater and wrapped it tighter around my body, holding my arms around my front. The middle of winter in the Alps didn’t disappoint with its frosty bite. We stepped through the back door into a winter wonderland made into a fairy tale.
Sun beamed from above, reflected by the dusty layer of snow. Underneath, thousands of lights were wrapped around the sculptures and hedges. The outdoor pool steamed through the Plexiglas holes. Glowing light cut through the fog from below, lighting the tent in blues and purples. Beams and strings tangled in sparkling lights, flowers, and delicate white streamers gave the garden a winter-like atmosphere. The snow-covered view of the town in the valley below was absolutely breathtaking.
Sam and Gabe exchanged their vows under the beautiful gazebo. Tristan sat beside me and held my hand in his as my heart went on a pitter-patter ride through the ceremony. Sam looked stunning with her white faux-fur rippled cape over her shoulders, mesmerized by the man she was about to marry. The couple said their ‘I do’s’, and my gaze caught Tristan’s grinning face. His sexy scar twisted his upper lip as he winked at me. And the room shrank, and the guests disappeared, and I felt like the luckiest woman alive, even if this wasn’t my wedding.
“You may now kiss your wife,” the priest said.
They locked their lips, and half the Silvers cried and the other half cheered. The happy couple walked down the aisle between the guests back toward the house, where Gabe lifted Sam into his arms, pressed his lips to hers, and carried her over the threshold. Everyone cheered again.
Emma nudged me from the other side. “Your turn’s next.”
“I think the cold air has frozen your brain, Ems.”
“Yeah.” She rolled her eyes. “Like I’ve ever been wrong.”
“I’m gonna grab a drink. Would you like anything?” Tristan asked.
“I’ve been eyeing that hot chocolate stand since Olivier set it out.”
“One hot chocolate coming up.”
“Make that two,” Emma chirped.
“Why don’t you help me, Ems?”
Tristan looked over my shoulder, and I glanced back at James. Emma shot up to her feet. “You know, you could have just said you need to talk to James.” She lifted her chin and marched over to the chocolate station. Tristan followed her, and James came up as soon as they’d left me on my own.
“Hey, Allie.”
“Hey, James. Beautiful ceremony.”
“It was. Feels like everything this family needed. I’m sorry for yelling earlier, Allie. I know you meant well.”
I’d kept Laura’s secret from James, and he was hurt.
“It wasn’t my place to tell her secret. She’s wanted to for a while.”
“So I hear,” he grunted, and I frowned.
“She’s a good woman, you know. And she’s the best mother I’ve ever seen. You should be proud.”
The corner of his mouth twitched. “I’m glad she has you as a friend.”
“Me too, but I’ll be happier when you finally forgive her. Life is too short to hold grudges.”
He puffed out a breath of air as if he understood the meaning behind the words better than anyone. “You’re right, Allie. Life is too short.”
Sam and Gabriel departed for their honeymoon right after the wedding. Her mother returned to New Zealand, but everyone else was staying for Christmas and until after the New Year.
Over the next few days, Laura and James spent more time together, and by the time Christmas arrived, she was sitting in Santa’s lap like it was her favorite spot.
The Christmas tree by the fireplace stood, at least, nine feet tall. Ribbons were woven through the branches and between the silver, blue, and white ornaments. The white lights twinkled in the sparkling glass bulbs.
On Christmas morning, we all sat near the tree, listening to Teresa and Jacob read a Christmas story. Laura stared at James dressed in a Santa suit. Foxy sat on James’s left knee while Laila sat on his right. They’d been horsing around all day and only now sat calmly open-mouthed, keeping Santa within view.
“It’s family tradition that the youngest goes first,” Emma said, as she passed Laila and Foxy their gifts. We waited as they each opened a toy train, a set of matching plushies, and something very colorful and crafty that Laila immediately recognized.
“That looks messy,” I whispered to Laura.
“It’s okay. Look at that face. She loves it.”
“Here’s another one for you, Ems. Ho, ho, ho.” Thankfully, Laila wasn’t old enough to recognize a dressed Santa as her father, but he could have put more effort into the ho, ho, ho’ing.
“He looks impatient.”
“Full balls and nerves of steel will do that to you, but he’s gonna blow. I can feel it.”
“I gather that’s a good thing.”
Laura snickered as Emma removed the bootie box from its package.
“Blue baby booties?” She lifted her gaze to mine. “Are you having a boy?”
I nodded from across the room, giving Tristan a knowing look.
“Yes, we’re having a boy.” His full chest lifted and a boyish grin filled with pride stretched across his face. I rubbed my tummy and then welcomed the hugs and kisses from all the Silvers.
Fred and Wilma exchanged a book instead of traditional gifts. Tristan leaned into my ear. “They write nice things about each other for the entire year—wishes for their families, futures, that sort of thing—and then trade on Christmas eve. It’s the only gift they swap.”
I pressed my hand over my heart and suddenly missed my father. I wanted him here with us.
My mother leaned in from the other side as if reading my mind. “He’s here in spirit. He’s always been with us, and he guided us to meet the Silvers. I can’t imagine we’d be safer and happier elsewhere.”
“I feel the same way, Mom.”
I’d given my mother her gift earlier that morning, figuring a bottle of the smooth Comisario tequila wasn’t exactly the most traditional present. But when she saw the e-reader full of romance novels, she just sat there with her mouth open.
“It was just a stupid dream. What time is it?”
“Noon.”
“Noon?”
“Don’t worry. You’ll adjust to the time change just in time for the wedding, and if we continue having nights like yesterday, I’m all up for you sleeping in.” His brow lifted. “I’m catching up with Gabe on the files from TJ, and then we have a poker game to settle.”
“The wedding’s in four days. Shouldn’t he be getting ready?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Tristan chuckled. “Because the wedding is in four days and the engaged couple insisted on an informal, family only ceremony. They’ll say their vows, we’ll have dinner — do the obligatory dance — and they’ll be off on their honeymoon. That’s it.”
“I’m sure Sam thinks her wedding day has more significance.”
“What’s more significant than committing yourself to the person you love for the rest of your life? By the end of the day, you’re married to your soulmate. It doesn’t really matter how you get there, as long as you get there. Everyone has a unique story.”
His low tone sent an army of chills down my back. The good kind. We’d joked about marriage before, but this morning, his eyes and his entire demeanor were different. He was acting like we were the ones heading for the altar. Tristan had a way of shaking off my nightmare tremors. Almost all of them.
“What’s going to happen to Simone and Infinity?”
“If she knows what’s good for her, she’ll flee. We’ll deal with the Hartleys, and the Wagner brothers are taking on Infinity. If all goes well, they won’t be able to hide behind a name, and if Simone is smart, she’ll stay away when the organization goes down.”
We dressed and joined Gabe and Sam in the dining area. The fireplace was glowing, and the smell of freshly baked pastries filled the air.
“Good morning.” I hugged them both. Sam’s pregnant belly poked further out than mine.
“Good morning,” she chirped. “How was your first night?”
“I slept like a rock.”
“She had a nightmare.”
“No nightmares allowed in this home. Is there anything I can do to help you relax?”
“Don’t you have a wedding to plan?”
She checked her watch. “Olivier’s arriving before three, and my wonderful coordinator is half done with the decorations.” She pointed to where Emma had wound string lights around the posts.
“It already looks beautiful.”
“Don’t worry, Allie. It’s a family-only event. Very relaxed—because we all need it.”
I shivered. Wright was dead, yet he still haunted me at night. Sam touched my hand where I was covering my belly.
“I totally get it. I had nightmares for weeks until Martinez… well, I guess you know how that went. You were there.”
“I’m sorry about that day at your office. We should have listened to Gabe—”
“You didn’t know, and I didn’t know. But it’s all over now. Almost, I guess. I haven’t heard from Kendra since she’s been back, and we’re not sure she’s going to make it to the wedding. James canceled his plus one request, and he wasn’t happy about it.”
“His plus one was my best friend, Laura. They had a tiff. Literally. His ex’s name is Tiffany and they have a daughter, so I really hoped James and Laura could put their differences aside for Christmas. But I may be asking for a miracle.”
“Well, Christmas is a good time for miracles, so hold on to that hope. Coffee or tea?” She reached overhead and handed me a mug as well.
The smell of pine and spice, the twinkling lights, and glowing fireplace warmed the home, but it was people like Sam and the surrounding family who made it magical.
“Tea, thank you. What do you need help with?”
She poured the herbal tea. An aroma of raspberry and mint rose with the steam.
“There’s fruit in the fridge if you want to cut it up. I’m making French toast for everyone.”
“Sounds perfect. My appetite’s been growing these days.”
Gabe and Tristan sat with their laptops by the fireplace, scrolling through. I poured them a cup of coffee each and went back to help Sam. By then, Emma had joined us in the kitchen.
“Any baby name front runners, Ems?”
“My lips are sealed.” She zipped her fingers over her lips and threw away the imaginary key.
But silence and Emma didn’t blend well.
“You and Tristan should get married before the baby arrives.”
“I thought you said not to rush to the altar. Like Goldie and Kurt.”
I saw Tristan lift his lazy eyebrow as Emma continued.
“If I’m truly going to be an aunt, a real aunt, that’s the only way. You know, I could ask the minister to perform your ceremony right after Sam and Gabe’s. It’s really not a problem. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. And don’t worry about the dress or the details. I can take care of it all. We still have plenty of time before we go home. What do you say?”
Emma was ready to take over this wedding and make it mine and Tristan’s. Someone had to draw the line, and since Tristan seemed uninterested, it had to be me.
“Emma, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“It’s a great idea. Just ask Tristan. I’m sure he’ll say yes, because if he doesn’t, I won’t forgive him. Besides, you’re meant to be.”
“I’d much rather Tristan decided on his own—if it’s all right with you, that is.”
“Don’t you know how it is with men? They don’t know how to decide. That’s why they have little sisters to help them.” Emma furrowed her brows and wiggled her finger. “I see what you did there. But I guess if I have to wait to help, I will. For now.”
The doorbell chimed, and Emma’s head flew up. She frowned. “Why do I not know who that is?”
She set her coffee aside and marched to the door, opening it wide open.
“Julian!” She slammed into her brother. Kendra walked around them, set her bag to the floor, and wrapped her arms around Sam. Laura and Foxy crossed the threshold from behind them.
“What in the world?” I set my cup aside and rushed to them. I grabbed Foxy from her and placed him over my hip.
“Should you be doing that in your condition?”
“Oh, don’t you condition me. I’m fine.”
The twelve-foot Christmas tree in the foyer caught my godson’s attention, and I set him on the floor. Laura took in the decorations. I’d had the same jaw-dropping reaction when I walked into the enormous lodge, with an enormous wood-burning fireplace in the middle, a huge family area, and a world-class chef’s kitchen with a world-class chef.
“Wow!”
“I know. It’s a lot.”
Teresa rushed downstairs and lifted Foxy into a grandma’s spin. She covered him with kisses and he accepted them, full of giggles.
“I’m so happy you’re here.” Teresa magically removed his favorite chocolate from her back pocket.
“He slept the entire night, so he’ll be a handful.”
“Nothing grandma can’t handle—right, Foxy? You go take care of what you need to take care of.”
Teresa side-eyed where James was standing by the second floor railing, watching us. He had a firm frown set between his brows and his arms crossed over his chest. She then took Foxy’s hand and showed her grandson all the family ornaments on the Christmas tree while I helped Laura with her suitcase.
“Leave those here.” James walked down the stairs.
“Surprise!” she squinted, waiting for a hint of approval on his face. I couldn’t find any either.
“I thought you were spending Christmas at your parents?” he asked.
“I was. Until they turned on me.”
“Turned on you?”
“It’s a long story. Kendra and Julian were nice enough to take us on their private jet. So, here I am.”
“We have to talk.”
“We do.”
My head whipped back and forth between them.
“But I need to say hello to my son first. Meet me in our room?”
She held her hands in front and twisted her fingers, giving him a quick nod.
James lifted her suitcase and turned to the main family area with the four-way fireplace, where Teresa was showing Foxy his stocking.
“See? I told you everything would be okay.” I reminded her.
“Oh, things are far from okay, but I sure as hell will try to make them okay. How are you doing? I saw the footage from Thanksgiving. Tristan standing up for you like that… It was fucking hot.”
“What footage?”
“Tristan fuming at Simone on your front porch. I’m sorry I missed Thanksgiving, but I caught up by watching the security camera footage. Emma raised some hard cash. Fifty bucks per view.”
“She sold our camera footage?”
“Don’t you love her? It’s like we belong to this family, though I may have fucked it up with James. I think they’re all like that, you know—the Silvers. All protective and shit, which is great when you want your family safe and well—”
“Laura, what’s the matter?”
She swept her hand over her eyes and looked up to the second floor, where James had disappeared. “Nothing. I’m here to make amends if he’ll let me. But I’m pretty sure he won’t.”
“Have some hope. It’s Christmas, and you brought his son across the world to be with him. That has to count for something.”
I hugged her like she was closer than a sister, because she was. If James were smart, he’d see all the good I’d seen in her since the day we met.
“Have you seen the decorations downstairs? You said this was supposed to be low key.” I tried to concentrate as I adjusted Tristan’s bow tie.
“This is low key. It’s just the family.”
“So you haven’t seen the indoor winter wonderland?”
“I have. What can I say? Emma and my mother like to decorate.” He took me by my hips, bringing my belly against his side, where I felt him semi-hard.
“How long before you take this dress off?” He tugged at my lilac strap.
“Too long. I don’t know how I’m going to resist all this.” I slid my hands down his back and squeezed his tight behind. “But it’s their wedding day, so behave.”
“You keep doing that and my behavior will be the least of your worries.”
I tapped at his chest. “We’re going to be late if you don’t stop this.”
I stood on tiptoe and kissed him. God, he smelled so good.
“Where do you get that strawberry lip gloss?” he murmured against my lips. “I love strawberries, but nothing can top strawberry lips.”
I kissed him again, keeping my mouth over his a while longer. My fingers and toes tingled, but I brushed the nerves aside. “I may have to tie you down and have you kiss me like this for the rest of our lives.”
“That sounds more like a promise than a threat. I like it.”
“I don’t mean with rope.”
“I know, Allie.”
“Does it scare you?” I asked. “Thinking about the future?”
“Not when you’re in it.” He pulled me in for another taste, and I forgot where I was. My breasts squished against his chest, lifting with each breath. His arousal hardened against my hip and he pulled away with reluctance. There wasn’t enough air in the room. I rested my forehead against his, and heaved in air as if we’d just climbed the Alps.
“If you keep kissing me like that, the wedding will be delayed.”
“Ready to go downstairs?” He offered his arm. I adjusted my dress, reapplied my lip gloss, and hooked my arm into his.
“Ready.”
Emma had transformed the chalet into an elegant venue. She had done an exquisite job of decorating. Glitter-covered snowflakes floated underneath the ceiling. Ice-blue and white streamers hung underneath the roof beams, connecting the structure in an intricate design. They had wrapped white lights around every column, corner, doorway, and railing. Hydrangea bouquets filled empty nooks, tables, and counters. Their aroma floated from one room to another, carried by a gentle breeze from the backyard. I pulled on my sweater and wrapped it tighter around my body, holding my arms around my front. The middle of winter in the Alps didn’t disappoint with its frosty bite. We stepped through the back door into a winter wonderland made into a fairy tale.
Sun beamed from above, reflected by the dusty layer of snow. Underneath, thousands of lights were wrapped around the sculptures and hedges. The outdoor pool steamed through the Plexiglas holes. Glowing light cut through the fog from below, lighting the tent in blues and purples. Beams and strings tangled in sparkling lights, flowers, and delicate white streamers gave the garden a winter-like atmosphere. The snow-covered view of the town in the valley below was absolutely breathtaking.
Sam and Gabe exchanged their vows under the beautiful gazebo. Tristan sat beside me and held my hand in his as my heart went on a pitter-patter ride through the ceremony. Sam looked stunning with her white faux-fur rippled cape over her shoulders, mesmerized by the man she was about to marry. The couple said their ‘I do’s’, and my gaze caught Tristan’s grinning face. His sexy scar twisted his upper lip as he winked at me. And the room shrank, and the guests disappeared, and I felt like the luckiest woman alive, even if this wasn’t my wedding.
“You may now kiss your wife,” the priest said.
They locked their lips, and half the Silvers cried and the other half cheered. The happy couple walked down the aisle between the guests back toward the house, where Gabe lifted Sam into his arms, pressed his lips to hers, and carried her over the threshold. Everyone cheered again.
Emma nudged me from the other side. “Your turn’s next.”
“I think the cold air has frozen your brain, Ems.”
“Yeah.” She rolled her eyes. “Like I’ve ever been wrong.”
“I’m gonna grab a drink. Would you like anything?” Tristan asked.
“I’ve been eyeing that hot chocolate stand since Olivier set it out.”
“One hot chocolate coming up.”
“Make that two,” Emma chirped.
“Why don’t you help me, Ems?”
Tristan looked over my shoulder, and I glanced back at James. Emma shot up to her feet. “You know, you could have just said you need to talk to James.” She lifted her chin and marched over to the chocolate station. Tristan followed her, and James came up as soon as they’d left me on my own.
“Hey, Allie.”
“Hey, James. Beautiful ceremony.”
“It was. Feels like everything this family needed. I’m sorry for yelling earlier, Allie. I know you meant well.”
I’d kept Laura’s secret from James, and he was hurt.
“It wasn’t my place to tell her secret. She’s wanted to for a while.”
“So I hear,” he grunted, and I frowned.
“She’s a good woman, you know. And she’s the best mother I’ve ever seen. You should be proud.”
The corner of his mouth twitched. “I’m glad she has you as a friend.”
“Me too, but I’ll be happier when you finally forgive her. Life is too short to hold grudges.”
He puffed out a breath of air as if he understood the meaning behind the words better than anyone. “You’re right, Allie. Life is too short.”
Sam and Gabriel departed for their honeymoon right after the wedding. Her mother returned to New Zealand, but everyone else was staying for Christmas and until after the New Year.
Over the next few days, Laura and James spent more time together, and by the time Christmas arrived, she was sitting in Santa’s lap like it was her favorite spot.
The Christmas tree by the fireplace stood, at least, nine feet tall. Ribbons were woven through the branches and between the silver, blue, and white ornaments. The white lights twinkled in the sparkling glass bulbs.
On Christmas morning, we all sat near the tree, listening to Teresa and Jacob read a Christmas story. Laura stared at James dressed in a Santa suit. Foxy sat on James’s left knee while Laila sat on his right. They’d been horsing around all day and only now sat calmly open-mouthed, keeping Santa within view.
“It’s family tradition that the youngest goes first,” Emma said, as she passed Laila and Foxy their gifts. We waited as they each opened a toy train, a set of matching plushies, and something very colorful and crafty that Laila immediately recognized.
“That looks messy,” I whispered to Laura.
“It’s okay. Look at that face. She loves it.”
“Here’s another one for you, Ems. Ho, ho, ho.” Thankfully, Laila wasn’t old enough to recognize a dressed Santa as her father, but he could have put more effort into the ho, ho, ho’ing.
“He looks impatient.”
“Full balls and nerves of steel will do that to you, but he’s gonna blow. I can feel it.”
“I gather that’s a good thing.”
Laura snickered as Emma removed the bootie box from its package.
“Blue baby booties?” She lifted her gaze to mine. “Are you having a boy?”
I nodded from across the room, giving Tristan a knowing look.
“Yes, we’re having a boy.” His full chest lifted and a boyish grin filled with pride stretched across his face. I rubbed my tummy and then welcomed the hugs and kisses from all the Silvers.
Fred and Wilma exchanged a book instead of traditional gifts. Tristan leaned into my ear. “They write nice things about each other for the entire year—wishes for their families, futures, that sort of thing—and then trade on Christmas eve. It’s the only gift they swap.”
I pressed my hand over my heart and suddenly missed my father. I wanted him here with us.
My mother leaned in from the other side as if reading my mind. “He’s here in spirit. He’s always been with us, and he guided us to meet the Silvers. I can’t imagine we’d be safer and happier elsewhere.”
“I feel the same way, Mom.”
I’d given my mother her gift earlier that morning, figuring a bottle of the smooth Comisario tequila wasn’t exactly the most traditional present. But when she saw the e-reader full of romance novels, she just sat there with her mouth open.
