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“Fancy as wh—” I turn to find Ray standing beside an open person-sized Louis Vuitton luggage trunk, the kind I’ve only seen once before. And yet, what it contains is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Inside the trunk is a mannequin dressed in the most gorgeous strapless ball gown in existence. The skirt is made of ivory tulle with enough petticoats to take up half my living room. Draped over half of the ivory skirt is red velvet fabric that gathers at the hip to form a rose. “Oh my God,” I whisper as my eyes drift from the hem up to the neckline. The corseted bodice cinches in at the waist, creating the most beautiful, classic shape. The bodice itself is a combination of white and red lace made to look like flowers. And yet, it is not the stunning nature of the dress that steals my breath. It is the red ruby and diamond necklace draped around the mannequin’s neck, which tells me exactly who this luxe gift is from.
“There’s a note,” Ray says. I take a step toward him, speechless, as my throat aches with emotion. I reach out to him so he can hand me the note. “Ari, are you okay?”
“More than okay,” I say, my voice raspy. Finally, I move my eyes from the dress to him.
“You won’t be needing that white elephant gift, will you?” he says, my reaction giving it away. I laugh and pull the note from its deep red envelope.
You are cordially invited to a
Christmas Ball
An evening of cocktails, music, and dancing.
hosted by
THE AMATO FAMILY
with the Historical Preservation Society of New Orleans
Saturday, December 25
From 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Laroux House
443 King’s Lane, Mandeville
38
To markmy return to New Orleans, Sophia has outdone herself with organizing our most glamorous Christmas Ball yet. While the grand marble staircase leading to the second floor is adorned with candles on each step and the banister is draped with green garland, the white walls and floor of the ballroom overlooking the gardens of Laroux House are illuminated by the glow of Christmas trees along the perimeter of the room. Each tree is decorated with ornaments in shades of red and pink, while strands of pearls, diamonds, and lace add a delicate touch that complements the oversize crystal chandelier hanging from above.
An Amato tradition, the party has slipped to the wayside the past few years, which makes this year’s ball feel even more special. It represents a new beginning for us all. While Sophia and Cassio are living happily married in Savannah, Gio has maintained our family home and started up a new business under the fully legitimized Amato Family Holdings umbrella. It’s a private security firm made up largely of my former soldiers and associates who chose not to join Josephine’s regime. Speaking of which, I hear the transition has gone smoothly. She, of course, is based in Boston, but has chosen a worthy proxy to manage the southern territories. I sayworthynot because I’ve met him, but because he somehow managed to keep a war from occurring in the same streets Ariana calls home. I’ve stayed aware enough of the underworld’s dealings to make sure she’s remained safe, but that’s all the interest I have in it. And now that I’m back and Gio has our own personal army installed and outfitted with custom Cassio Castellani creations, everything is ready for our next chapter. After all this time, I can only hope Ariana is still willing to have me as part of her story.
I pull the black velvet ring box from my pocket to take in the eight-carat emerald-cut stunner. It’s a bit big for Ariana’s more demure taste, but if she chooses to accept my proposal, I want her wearing a ring that is impossible to miss. That way I’ll feel justified in my reaction to whatever man is dumb enough to approach her.
“Alright, brother, the guests are starting to arrive,” Sophia says as she makes her way to me with Cassio in tow. Marriage looks good on them, though I’m not sure I can say the same thing about Sophia’s dress. The strapless neckline of the bloodred gown is far too low, the waist far too tight, and the hip-high slit reveals more of my sister than I’m comfortable seeing.
“Really, Sophia?” I ask before pinning Cassio with a stern look. “You let her out looking like that?”
“Hey, you know how futile it is to argue with your sister, especially over her wardrobe,” Cassio says, raising his hands in surrender. “Not to mention, if anyone makes a move on her, I am more than capable of handling them.” At that, Sophia kisses him on the cheek. I see she’s trained him well. I wonder if Ariana will try the same with me. I wonder if I’ll let her get away with it.
“Well, I might as well wear it while I can. Before long, I won’t be able to fit into anything I own.” Sophia and Cassio exchange a knowing look before she turns her gaze to me. It’s then that her words finally hit me.
“Wait. Wait, are you?”
Sophia nods. “I’m pregnant.”
“Oh my God! Congratulations,” I say as I offer them both hugs. “A new Amato heir. Wow.”
“Makes it all worth it, doesn’t it?” Sophia asks, moving her hand to her stomach. “Because of you, our baby never has to know the same pain we did. He or she will never have to carry the same burdens or live with the same fear.”
“Because ofus. And yeah, yeah, it does make it all worth it. Though, hopefully, your pregnancy won’t be the only reason.”
Sophia nods. “Have you heard from Ariana?”
“Not yet,” I say, refusing to give in to the worry lurking in the darkest corners of my mind.
“You will,” Sophia says then. “And don’t worry, her dress is far more modest than mine. It’s a combination of white and Amato red to represent not only our family but our hope,your hope. Maybothour futures be bright, brother.”
