Page 118 of Nocere

"But Momma." Nova dropped into my lap. "We didn't finish our game."

Luna flailed in her seat, but didn't say anything as she stared at the luscious silver and white decorations on their aromatic Christmas tree. It made the whole living room smell of fresh pine.

I hugged Nova gently, then rubbed her back when she started to pout. "We can play again next time I visit."

"Okay," she said, letting out a sigh of resignation. She stood up and glanced back at me with a pout. "G'night, Rosie."

"Good night, Nova." I waved to her as her pajama-clad feet padded down the hall.

"And you, little naughty." Alice swept Luna off her timeout bench and tossed her over her shoulder. "Say good night and do it nicely."

Luna giggled and waved with both hands. "Good night nicely!"

I chuckled and waved back before pushing myself up to stand. When I made for the kitchen, Samirah, Vee, and Scarlett all watched me with amused smiles. My cheeks reddened as I made my way back to them after a reprieve to play with the kids.

"You're amazing with kids, Rosie," said Vee, her kind smile unwavering.

"Thanks. Been around a lot of them." I leaned into Sam when she held her arm to me.

"Ever think about having children?" asked Scarlett, her eyes twinkling while she leaned her chin on Vee's shoulder, both of them holding a glass of red wine.

"No. I'm still trying to figure out my own life." I looked up at Sam and she kissed the end of my nose.

"Alright, my lovelies," said Stella as she returned to us. "Shall we move this party to the dining room?" She lifted two trays of snacks she'd fixed and we followed her to the room left of the kitchen.

"Does Aurora sleep through the night?" asked Vee as she pulled out Scarlett's chair at the dining room table set for six.

"Thank you, baby." Scarlett kissed her cheek when she sat down beside her.

"She does," answered Stella. "Of all the girls, she's the best sleeper. Probably because she had to deal with sleeping through their shouting voices for all six months of her little life."

"What can I do to help, Stell?" asked Sam when Stella set down both trays. One held heaps of charcuterie, the other hot appetizers fresh from the oven.

"Nothing." Stella smoothed Samirah's hair. "Just relax. Cooking relaxes me."

"I know, but you do too much already."

"Don't fight with her," warned Scarlett, though she grinned while she said it. "She'll cut you off at the knees."

Sam laughed and Stella wagged her brows. "She's right. Besides, I made lasagna and meatballs. Easy stuff because the girls would eat it, too. Which they already have, to rave reviews."

"Can't wait then." Sam offered Stella a smile before brushing her lips over my cheek. "Would you like some wine, baby?"

"A little bit perhaps," I said, and she lifted the bottle from the table to pour some in my glass.

"Does it help that your wife loves your lasagna?" teased Vee, snickering when Stella pretended to gasp.

"Are you accusing me of bias, Miss Baird?"

"I am." Vee chuckled.

"Well, you'd be correct." Stella finally sat down after checking the oven timer, then helped herself to a cheesy fried ravioli. "She's a superhero and deserves to be pampered."

"Does she pamper you right back?" asked Sam, her smile lingering as she lifted a mini meat pie then handed me one.

"Thanks, honey." I accepted the offering and joined her in our indulgence. No one cooked like Stella, and I enjoyed every meal I'd ever shared with her.

"You know she does." A hint of a blush brought out her smattering of freckles.

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