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“I can’t believe these gorgeous trees.” I walked around them to take in all the intricate details. “One for each ghost of Christmas past?”
“Yes. A Christmas Carol was one of Mom’s favorite reads around this time. She always had three trees. I thought you’d like it too.”
“I love it.”
“You should be able to decorate your own home any way you like.” He removed my coat.
I grinned at him and continued my exploration of the main floor. The garland on the mantel and on the banisters going up the stairs were done in beautiful reds, greens and golds that complemented the design of the Christmas trees.
“How did you get all this done in one day?”
“Lots of people. Lots of money.” He wrapped his arms around my waist. “I would’ve paid double to see you smile like this.”
“Thank you.”
“No, thank you. For telling me to fuck off every time I need it. We make a good team.”
“Yes, we do. Promise me you’ll talk to me from now on.”
“I promise.” He placed a hand over his chest.
“Even when the Irish come knocking? I need to know.”
“Yes. As much as I’d like to be your knight in shining armor, I can’t protect you from everything.”
“No, you can’t. But we can work together.”
“So now what?” He gestured to the room at large. “I haven’t done this in a while. We eat, get drunk, open presents?”
“Drinks and then gifts,” I said, feeling like the resident Christmas expert. “I did get you something.”
“Let see it.” He walked to the bar cart where he had a bottle of champagne in a chiller.
He popped the cork and then poured two glasses. I joined him and exchanged a flute for a beautifully wrapped box. I could kiss Paula right now for taking the time to add a fancy ribbon and a tiny nutcracker to the bow.
Santino elegantly sipped from his glass before he set it down, and then, tore the paper off. He released a breath when he took out the nutcrackers. “To replace the ones Dad smashed to pieces. Thank you.” He bent down to kiss me. “Should we put them on the mantel? I think that’s where they were before.”
I nodded and watched as he carefully arranged them behind the heavy garland. He’d said he’d forgotten how to celebrate. But I didn’t think that was true. He’d simply put away all those memories in a safe place deep inside his heart, so his dad wouldn’t taint it with his own grief.
“I love you so much.” I joined him by the fireplace. “This is way better than what I had expected. Do you ever do anything normal?”
“What’s normal, really?” He ran the back of his fingers over my cheek. “Speaking of normal, Rex and Caterina are hosting a party at their home tomorrow. I didn’t go last year. I have no clue what to expect. It may or may not be lame. But my two sisters and their broods will be there. So at least there’s that. Would you like to go?”
“Rex and Caterina lame? That’s not possible. And yes, I would love to spend time with your family.”
“I like the sound of that.” He flashed me a sexy smile. “Now, which present are you going to open first.” He gestured toward the trees and the piles of pretty boxes adorned with big bows.
I laughed, digging into the Saks Fifth Avenue bag to retrieve the other box Paula had included with my purchase—the ugly sweater I’d been browsing when she found me.
“Please tell me one of those is an ugly sweater.” I fisted the lapels of his suit jacket and laughed at the idea of Santino picking out an ugly Christmas sweater for me because that would never happen. “You’re so over the top.”
“Normal is overrated.” He winked.
Chapter5
Christmas Day in the City
Santino
