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The dark-skinned woman turned her kind brown eyes on Belle.
“Mrs. Stone, merry Christmas.”
“Call me Tilda, or Mama T, please. And my husband goes by Mathew. No need for formalities here. You’re family now.” Tilda held out her arms.
Belle set down the bottle of pinot on the counter and walked into the tall woman’s embrace. She was still so overwhelmed with gratitude. Everything was so much better than she’d ever imagined it could be. It was hard to believe this was her life now.
Tilda released her with a squeeze. She spoke low enough for only Belle to hear. “I’m so glad Bently found his happiness finally. That boy is like a son to me. I knew it would take a special woman to reach his guarded heart. Take care of him.”
“I will,” Belle promised.
“You will what?” Bently asked, sweeping his arms around her and pulling her back firmly against the front of his chest as he kissed her cheek. “Hey, Mama T.”
Tilda’s eyes shone with joy. “How are you doing, son?”
“Better than ever. How are you?”
“You look like a man who’s finally content.” She smiled. “I’m good.”
“Uncle Bently is here! Gramma, can we do gifts now?” Lyra ran into the kitchen.
The adults chuckled.
“Yes, sweetheart. Let’s go.”
Belle sat between Bently and TJ as the family gathered around the large tree in the sitting room. They exchanged gifts. Lyra tore her presents open with glee and excited cries. Mikel held Phoenix and helped him slowly tear at the paper, taking care not to let him eat it. Jasmine held Zoey close, letting her gifts pile up.
Belle nudged Bently, nodding towards his sister. He took her cue and reached over to grab his niece. “Open your gifts, Jaz.”
Jasmine looked towards them before she nodded. Some unnamed emotion flitted through her features. The girl seemed to keep so much inside.
Jasmine got to her feet. “I’m just going to get a drink.”
“I’m worried about her,” Bently said quietly after she passed by.
“It seems like something is troubling her.”
“I just wish she’d talk to me.” Bently sighed.
“Let me try?”
Bently leaned in. “I’d appreciate that.” He kissed her cheek.
Belle stood and walked into the kitchen. Jasmine poured the remnants of a bottle of wine into an empty glass as she approached.
Jasmine grabbed another glass and motioned to it.
“Yes, please,” Belle answered the unasked question.
Jasmine filled the glass halfway with wine before sliding it towards her.
“Are you okay?” Belle took a sip.
Jasmine swallowed, turning towards her and nodding. “Of course. It’s Christmas. I’m surrounded by family and people who love me. I have a healthy baby girl. What else could I ask for?”
Despite her words, sadness flickered in her green eyes.
“I don’t want to overstep. But I just wanted to let you know that it’s okay if you feel sad even though you have everything you listed. It’s okay to want more.”
