Together we turned toward the Christmas tree, aglow with colorful lights. From our position we could see the back of Oren’s and my mother’s heads as they sat together on the sofa. Silvia, Cy, Pat, Uncle Preston, and Aunt Gwen were also near, some refilling their plates with more of the amazing food that I’d help Silvia prepare. The chatter was light and festive as Christmas music played in the background.
I’d not neared Silvia’s level of culinary genius; however, frozen meatballs were no longer in my repertoire. With hers and the help of many patient Costello ladies, I’d made enough strides to keep my husband from starving—well, when Silvia wasn’t around.
Nox nodded. “It feels good having them all here. I think she’d be happy.”
I turned back toward the window. “I’m glad it feels good, because if the snow keeps falling as the weather people promise, we may all be together for more than tonight and tomorrow.”
“Luckily we have some extra rooms, plus the guest house, and Silvia will keep everyone well fed.”
“Mommy!” Angi squealed as she ran ahead of Jane. “Will Santa still come?”
Nox squatted to the floor, capturing our daughter only seconds before she tackled me—and her baby brother in the process. “Whoa, slow down, princess. Have you been good?”
Her lips thinned as she gazed up at her daddy, peering her big light-blue eyes through long lashes. “Mostly.”
“Mostly?” he asked, tickling her sides.
“Daddy, stop!”
The entire room quieted as Angelina became the center of attention.
“If you’ve been mostly good,” Nox asked, “why are you worried about Santa?”
She pointed out the large windows. “Because the man on TV said the snow is coming. He said lots and lots. He said no driving. What about Santa?”
“Child,” Jane said, “I told you, Santa flies a sleigh. Snow’s a Christmas miracle.”
I leaned closer. “Jane’s right.” I glanced at her smiling brown eyes, winked, and looked back to my daughter. “She always is. Santa’s sleigh flies better in snow.”
Angi tilted her little head. “But when you were little, you lived at Grandma and Grandpa’s big house. It doesn’t snow there. Did you still get Christmas miracles?”
“Baby, you’re my miracle.”
She reached out and laid her small hand on my tummy. “And my baby brother, too?”
“That’s right.”
“So Santa will still come?”
“Now how old are you?” Nox asked.
“You know how old I am! I’m three and a half!”
“Has Santa ever not come?” he asked again.
“No.”
“There is one thing you have to do,” I said.
“What?”
“You must go to sleep.”
“It’s the rule,” Nox added with a wink.
“No,” she declared with all her daddy’s finality. “Grandpa said I could stay up with him and watch for Rudolph. Santa needs his nose in the snow.”
Nox’s shoulders straightened. “Grandpa said that, did he?”
“Yep.” Auburn curls bounced as Angi’s little head bobbed.
When she was first born, her hair was copper, just as Dr. Beck had described mine. But with time it’s grown darker. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day it was as dark as her daddy’s. I still have my hopes set for some red highlights.
“Angi,” Oren called. “You weren’t supposed to tell. That was our secret.”
Her little eyes opened wider as she covered her mouth. “Oh, Grandpa, I forgot!” She took off toward him and my mother. “Can we still stay up? Please? I won’t tell…”
I shook my head as she landed directly between our parents.
“He never told me I could stay up for Rudolph,” Nox muttered.
“Mr. Lennox, some Christmas miracles take longer than others,” Jane said.
With my hand in Nox’s, we watched as both Oren and Momma nodded and agreed to whatever diabolical plan Angi was hatching. Though they’d decided marriage wasn’t in their future—or more accurately, my mother had decided she’d spent most of her life as a man’s wife—she and Oren were rarely apart. Whether they were in Savannah, London, or visiting us in New York, they were together.
When Momma had explained her reasoning, how after years of marriage, first to my father and then to Alton, she wanted to live for herself, I understood. It had been my plan when I’d left Savannah after academy and gone to California. I’d wanted to know what it was like not to be Alexandria Montague, what it was like to be Alex. And then I’d become Charli with an i. Now it was Momma’s chance to live as Adelaide Montague. She’d dropped the Fitzgerald and embraced being herself.
Not being married didn’t lessen Mother and Oren’s obvious love for one another. While at first the whole idea had seemed strange, it no longer did. With Oren by her side, I witnessed a mother I’d never known, one who was fiercely loyal and intensely driven. After the court agreed to uphold not only my grandfather’s will, ruling that Alton’s recent revision had been made by a man who was not of sound mind, but also our shares of Montague Corporation—together we maintained the majority vote—she asked Oren to help her, to teach her. She set out to learn what her father and Alton had told her she could never do. With Oren beside her, and with the help of Nox and Oren’s people, the board of directors was thoroughly vetted. Those loyal to Montague, to the belief in the company, were retained. Those loyal to Momma’s deceased husband were relieved of their positions.
New faces, both men and women, were brought on board. The misogyny of the past was over. It wasn’t always smooth. Change rarely was. The value of Montague stock fluctuated. Some of the subsidiaries sought other backing and support. However, Montague wasn’t alone in its struggles. The entire country had seen the shifts. The country as a whole was in a state of flux.
That had its advantages. We were no longer front-page news. Alton’s murder was in the past, as was Suzanna’s conviction. The press had called her a scorned lover. She’d received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after twenty-five years. Bryce’s plea was not guilty by reason of insanity. After his stunt at the hotel with Chelsea, it seemed plausible. However, the state didn’t accept it. The prosecution took the risk of taking his case to trial. Melissa Summers had been murdered on the Saturday of our engagement party. Hundreds of people saw and spoke to Bryce that night.
Cold and calculating were words used by the prosecutor. The trial went on for a lengthy period of time. Chelsea and I attended every session. The jury deliberated for days. Finally we received word the verdict was in.
Guilty of murder exercising malice and aforethought.
His sentence was for life with no possibility of parole.
Over time the association with Montague faded away. Despite my grandfather’s antiquated way of thinking, he had built a company that fostered success. As other headlines took precedence, the CEO or majority stockholder of Montague Corporation was no longer an issue.
Momma never took the position of CEO. She recognized her limitations. That said, she helped to fill the position with a person she could trust, and now she was an active member of the board. Even from London, she managed to stay on top of the pressing matters.
Jane ran Montague Manor until Angelina was born.
I wanted Jane in New York and thankfully she wanted to be here.
She didn’t raise our daughter the way she had me. Nox and I were too hands-on for that, but she helped. She and Silvia both. Together they sat with us during long nights of crying and colic. They gave advice and cared for all of us. Jane held my hand while Silvia kicked Nox’s behind. She was his voice of reason when he became too obsessed.
It worked. Together we were a family.
As Oren had said many times: family was family.
No longer did Nox and I need our apartment in the city. It didn’t make sense with Angelina. We both wanted our child to have a home with a yard, surrounded by lo
ve. That didn’t mean Nox and I didn’t still work in the city. Until just recently, I had a part-time position at Demetri Enterprises in their legal department—the job Nox had offered me years ago. With Dominic Russell almost here, I was officially on a leave of absence.
“I’m sorry Chelsea and Isaac couldn’t be here,” Nox said as we continued to watch the scene around us unfold.
“I know how you were looking forward to seeing him.”
Nox shrugged. “After all those years of having him around every day, it’s weird.”
“Don’t you speak to him daily regardless?”
“I do. Security isn’t all hands-on. He’s lightened some of Deloris’s burden.”
“I think it’s kind of cool that he and Chelsea finally realized there was something between them.”
Nox reached out to my stomach. “It’s about time since their little one is due in three months.”
I laughed. “I know. I was so looking forward to seeing Chelsea. She wasn’t showing the last time we were all together.” I smiled, recalling their wedding.
“Well, not all brides look as beautiful as you did with a baby bump.”
“Speaking of brides… Uncle Preston seems to be doing well with Cy.”
Nox sighed. “I’m so glad they’re out of Infidelity and now married.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I am too, but what’s going on?”
“Why would you think something is going on?”
“The way you said that. I know you hate the company.”
Nox shrugged. “Demetri pulled out.”
“I hate when that happens.”
His blue eyes shone. “Oh, princess. We can rectify that right now. You, me, upstairs.”
I laughed. “That’s almost as tempting as a trek to the gas station restroom.”
He leaned close, his warm breath near my ear and whispered, “We’ll do it in the bathroom, you can hold the vanity, and I’ll watch your golden eyes in the mirror as you scream about my cock.”
I shook my head. “Dick. You’re avoiding the subject.”
“I’m not. You want it. Just admit it.”
“I want to know what’s happening with Infidelity.”
“It dodged a bullet, a big one, with the Melissa murder. It’s not worth the risk. We’re no longer involved, not Demetri Enterprises, not you, or Chelsea, or Pat and Cy.”
“But, Nox, hundreds or thousands of people are, from everyday people to movie and sports stars. I wouldn’t want it made public for any of them.”
“Princess, I’m not exposing it. Deloris was a huge asset for the company. But we’re out. She has more important things to do than watch their firewalls. I’m not saying it’ll happen, but if it does, we’re clear. Even their…” He nodded toward Pat and Cy. “…records were deleted.”
“Chelsea’s?”
“Yes, that happened before asshole’s trial.”
I knew it had. It was just good to hear it.
“Lennox,” Oren called. “Angi and I have a proposition for you and Alex.”
Nox’s smile grew. “Do you know how much trouble we’re in if she learns her negotiating skills from him?”
“SOMETHING SMELLS WONDERFUL,” Oren said as we made our way down the stairs and toward the kitchen.
“I have your coffee poured, and the calzones are almost ready,” Silvia said.
“Silvia,” I said, taking in the counter filled with sweets. “You always outdo yourself.”
She grinned. “I like having people around again. This place was too quiet for too long.”
A squeal came from the way of the corridor to the pool house.
We all laughed. “It’s not too quiet now.” I nodded toward the hallway. “I’m guessing Angelina is already awake?”
“That girl’s been up for hours. It’s taking every bit of her parents’ persuasion to stop her from opening the presents or passing them out. Lennox told her she could as soon as everyone was there.”
“Just imagine what it will be like when there are two of them,” I said.
“Oh, Lordy, Miss Adelaide,” Jane said, coming from the direction of the excitement. “I think I’m getting too old for this.”
“Nonsense, Jane,” Oren said. “You’re young at heart where it counts.”
Silvia carried a tray of coffee mugs toward the pool house. “Most everyone is already there. Come on and enjoy the fun.”
Oren reached for a tray filled with delicious-looking pastries. “I’ll take this out there. If you’ll bring my coffee?” he asked with a kiss to my cheek.
My lips rose. “We’ll be right there.”
Jane shook her head. “This, all of this, is a dream come true. I always prayed that one day I’d see you and Miss Alex happy, really and truly happy.” Tears filled her eyes. “It’s a blessing.”
I knew exactly what she meant as small lines formed near my eyes, my cheeks rose, and my voice became lyrical. “It is. I mean, look outside.”
We both turned toward the window. The scene beyond the glass was of a winter wonderland. Familiar shrubbery had been transformed into glistening white mounds and the pool and lawn were all one snow-covered plain.
“Look at us,” I said. “Two fine Georgia women in the middle of a frozen tundra with smiles on our faces. Who would have ever predicted?”
“Me,” Jane said. “I didn’t know how, but like I said, I prayed. I believed.”
I reached for her hand. “Thank you for praying. I never thought it would happen. I never imagined…”
“Can’t never give up hope,” she said, her shoulders growing straighter. “Nope.”
A scene from years ago came back to mind. A glass filled with small white pills and the decision to wash them down with fine Montague Private Label. I lowered my chin. “I almost did. I was mighty close to giving up.” I swallowed and looked into Jane’s beautiful brown eyes. “I never properly thanked you for what you did that night.”
“That’s not true, Miss Adelaide. I’m thanked every day. I’m thanked every time I see you smile. Everyday Miss Alex has her momma and Miss Angi has her grandmother. My heart is full of thanks.”
“I hope you know how much we love you. You’re our family.”
“Oh, I know. You’re mine too.”
I laughed. “Oren always says that family is family. No matter what.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I reached again for my cup and Oren’s, but before picking them up I turned to Jane. “Before we go out there, I have a question that I’ve been meaning to ask. Whatever happened to those pills?”
“Why? You don’t need them.”
“No,” I agreed. I’d been clean for over four years. “I’ve just been curious. Angelina visits the manor. Soon we’ll have little Dominic. I wouldn’t want them or anyone else to find them.”
“Not a thing to worry about, Miss Adelaide. I wouldn’t let those pills hurt you. I’d never let them hurt those babies. Besides, I got rid of them about four years ago. They’re gone now.”
My stomach twisted as I digested her meaning. “Four years?”
Jane reached for my arm. “That’s all over now. Ain’t nothing to think about.”
“Jane?”
“Ma’am, they go much better with Cognac than they do wine.”
“B-but Suzy?”
Jane shook her head and straightened her neck. Her usual smile flattened into a straight line. “No, ma’am. That woman wasn’t living in your house, not as long as I had breath in these lungs. No, ma’am.”
I stared for a moment into the mugs of coffee still sitting on the counter, unsure what to say. There were too many things, too many memories, scenes where despite what I’d claimed, Jane had known the truth. She’d seen. She’d listened. Taking a deep breath, I reached out, laid my hand on hers and lifted my gaze.
She winked as her cheeks rose. “No need to talk about that anymore, Miss Adelaide. Now, let’s go out there to the pool house and watch little miss open her presents. I’ve been out there
. Lord a mighty! Santa definitely made it. I’d say he needed a backup sleigh for all them presents.”
“Remember, he’s magic.”
“Ma’am, magic happens all the time. Sometimes, we just need to help it.”
“Thank you.”
Jane shook her head. “Keep being happy. That’s all I ever wanted.” She nodded toward the mugs. “I can help you with those.”
“No, thank you. I’ve got them,” I said as I picked up Oren’s coffee in one hand and my own mug in the other, and Jane and I began walking together down the corridor. Beyond the windows the sun in the bright blue sky was almost blinding, shining on the snow with new intensity.
“Miss Adelaide,” Jane asked, “Are you and Mr. Demetri going back to Savannah or to London?”
“Savannah, for a while.” I stopped. “He’s there, Oren is… in my house…” I wasn’t sure what I was saying. Maybe I was seeking Jane’s approval.
“Yes, and he makes you happy?”
“Yes, very much.”
“And he’s good to you?”
I nodded, swallowing the lump forming in my throat.
“And you love him?”
“I hope that’s obvious.”
“It is. And because of all that, your house… that’s right where he belongs.”
Swallowing the lump, I said, “Well, I like having him there, filling the manor with new memories. I also love his flat in London, but it’s cold there, even colder than here. Oren and I are working out a pattern that keeps me away from too much snow. Nevertheless, we’re not going anywhere until Dominic arrives.”
“That little baby boy…” Jane shook her head. “…it shouldn’t be long now.”
“Grandma,” Angelina called as we stepped through the doorway into the pool house. “Finally. Now can we open presents?”
“Yes,” the room said together with a collective sigh.
Warmth filled my cheeks as Oren wrapped his arm around my waist. I handed him his mug.
“Your arrival was greatly anticipated,” he whispered.
“I guess it was. I didn’t realize.”
He nodded toward the windows filled with a winter wonderland and winked. “I have a gift for you.”
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