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I wave her off. “Don’t worry about it. I rather be a little woozy, dancing and laughing with you than not having you here at all. Seriously, it’s the best Christmas present you could have given me.”
“Talking about Christmas presents… I have found the best one for you.”
She’s jumping up and down on the spot. The pleased expression on her face makes me a little uneasy, because it means it’s either one hell of a gag-present or one she knows I’ll absolutely love. From the twinkle in her eyes, I suspect it’s the first option.
“And it’s going to be perfect for the wedding too,” she continues, but then abruptly closes her mouth.
“Do go on. Tell me what you’ve concocted this time.”
She shakes her head. “No. You’ll have to wait till Christmas. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise.”
Crap! Christmas.
I have nothing for her or Lex. I didn’t expect to see them.
What am I going to do?
Being a mind reader too, she rolls her eyes.
“Spending Christmas with you and being here for your wedding is gift enough for me. Until a few days ago, I didn’t know I could have either. So in my books, not much can top this,” she reassures me.
I rise to hug her, and Rhia’s eyes fall onto my abdomen.
“Oh my god, El, look at you. You have a little baby bump. How did I not see this earlier?” Rhia says excitedly, pulling out of our hug and staring at my stomach.
Taking a step forward, she circles my bump with her flat hand, bending down and whispering, “Hello there little peanut, it’s your auntie Rhia here. You’re so much bigger than the last time I saw you. I can’t wait to meet you.”
Oh for heaven’s sake, why does she have to be so sweet?
I stand no chance of holding back the tears.
They still stream down my face when Rhia drags me to the sofa.
“Now, let’s all gather around and discuss the wedding. I have a few ideas, and I bet you all do too. Let’s throw them all together and create something magnificent.”
Chapter Seven
Gualtiero
Istepintoourbathroom, my bare feet touching the warm tiles. Floor heating—you have to love it in a climate like this.
Alaska isn’t my place. I’m still stunned about how I ended up here.
Ella loves it, though. She’s in her element in amongst the mountains, and while I can appreciate them, I miss the Mediterranean sun and beaches. Winters in Sicily are mild with a few rainy days. It’s hard to get used to the bitter cold here.
I’m looking for another private island where we can settle down once our son is born. There are plenty for sale around the world, and I have my sights set on the Caribbean, but I haven’t found the right one yet.
I had planned to gift it to my angel for Christmas, but with Christmas Eve only two days away, it’s impossible now. She’d be happier with this place here anyway.
It’s where we’ve taken our second chance to be together… this time forever. So yes, it holds sentimental value. I don’t want any other family living here… this is ours.
If only it was in a sunny location.
I stride to the grand clawfoot bathtub. It sits in front of a vast window that frames the mountains. There’s something to be said about this view.
Ella often comments how at peace she feels just looking at the grandeur of nature, and as I stare at the vast scenery before me, I get it… I get her.
The mountains with their sheer mass do radiate a profound level of tranquility that lets you breathe deeply.
