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December 25th
“Champagne?” A server offered Luce one of the bubbling flutes on his tray, while the valet removed her mink shawl.
I removed my own coat and handed it to the same valet before I grabbed a glass for myself. I drank deeply from it, while I surveyed the scene in front of me. Apart from the elaborate Christmas decor, this was like any other party hosted by Rex and Caterina.
“Not too bad.” I relaxed my stance and turned to Luce.
“Not at all.” She beamed at me as she stepped out of the way to let my nephew squeeze by. “Whoa.”
“They’re going to wreck the place. I’m not sure Caterina knew what she was getting into when she invited both my sisters.” I grabbed Nathanial, my sister Helena’s youngest, by the collar. “Slow down, where’s the fire?”
“We’re doing s’mores outside.” He wiggled out of my reach and took off running.
“Off you go then.”
“Caterina and Rex have been married for a year. I’m sure they’re next.” Luce giggled as more kids ran past us to get to the terrace.
“Hmm…I doubt it. Rex is more concerned about patching things up with Enzo these days.” I brought her closer to me. “What about you? Do you want kids? I don’t think we ever discussed it.”
“We skipped a few dates before we got married, didn’t we?” She shook her head, smiling.
“You made it. I’m so happy to see you.” Caterina barged in and hugged Luce. “Please make yourselves at home.”
“I’m already well on my way.” I raised my glass to her.
“Good. Food is set up in the dining room.” She glanced over her shoulder behind her.
As if they had their own secret form of communication, Rex met her gaze from across the room. He nodded to the group he was entertaining and ambled over to us.
“I didn’t believe Caterina when she informed me this morning that you had officially RSVP’d to our brunch.” Rex slapped my shoulder then hugged me.
“Happy Christmas.” Donata kissed Luce on the cheek, then made her way over to me. “I never thought I’d see the day.” She threw her arms around me. “Welcome back.”
“I never left.”
“You know what I mean.” She beamed at me. “The gang is back together. Well, almost.”
I scanned the room quickly. All the board members of the Society were in attendance, along with a few other members who had become close friends, like the Rossis. Lately, everywhere I went, there they were. That was Rex’s doing. No doubt he had plans for them. With the entire Gallo family gone, Rex needed someone to fill in. The Rossis were a good fit.
“No Enzo.” I said under my breath.
“No.” Donata shook her head. “I don’t blame him. There are wounds that cannot be healed.”
“You’d be surprised.” I leaned behind her to reach for Luce’s elbow. “You can have her back in a minute,” I said to Caterina when she pouted in my direction. “I want to say something to the both of you.” I nodded at Donata when Luce joined us.
“What’s going on?” Donata stepped in so our circle of three had no room for anyone else.
“Do you want to tell her?” I asked Luce.
“Yes.” She smiled at me then turned to Donata. “We figured out the security situation, if your offer to work at the hospital still stands, I’m ready. I can start after the new year.”
“Omigod. Of course, the job’s still yours. We need all the help we can get. I knew that if anyone could get through Santino’s thick head, it would be you.” She winked at Luce, then gave me a one-shoulder shrug.
“This is on a trial basis. If her safety is comprised at any point—”
“We’ll make it work.” Luce kissed my cheek.
Luce working at the hospital with Donata was a recipe for disaster. Not to mention, it put Luce’s life at risk. But she was right. I couldn’t keep her locked away. She needed to live her life. And I wanted nothing more than to see her happy. More than that, I wanted to be the one to make her happy.
