Page 74 of Loyalties & Longings

“Hey, Dad.” I greet him with a kiss on the cheek.

“Hi,Bella. Blaze.” He steps back, and the sly smile he flashes Blaze doesn’t go unnoticed by me.

He gestures with his good arm for us to come in. His physiotherapist said his shoulder might not ever heal properly, and he might never regain the full range of motion or strength.

When we step inside Dad’s house, we find the place is filled with amazing scents. I think I smell glazed ham, apple, cinnamon, and ginger, and is that peppermint as well?

“You didn’t have poor Adriana cook all of this up for you, did you? Tell me you didn’t.” I groan to Dad.

“Nonsense,” he replies. “She insisted. Actually, she will be joining us for dinner.”

That’s suspicious.

Hearing her name, Adriana comes flitting out from the kitchen to place a bowl of potatoes on the dining table. Removing her apron, she comes over to give us a cheerfulholiday greeting.

“Just in time, dinner is ready. Blaze, you can put those under the tree.” She points him over to the tree near the sofa, and he obliges, setting the presents down.

“Where’s Lucifer?” I ask, surprised the big oaf hasn’t come bounding out to knock me over yet.

“He’s in the laundry sleeping at the moment. We took him for a long walk today,” Dad says, clearing his throat. I eye him suspiciously.

“Smells amazing, Adriana,” Blaze mentions as he stands from placing the gifts by the tree.

I felt a little sad when I saw the gifts in the back seat of his truck because there wasn’t one for me. But as we sit down to eat, I realize the only thing I need is this right here.

Being surrounded by loved ones.

***

Later, when we’re overly stuffed with delicious food, we move to the living area for gift giving. Adriana sits by the gifts to hand them out. She seems to be slotting right into this little family comfortably.

That’s suspicious.

“Do yours first,” Dad says to Adriana. She looks at all the labels before finding a thin rectangular-shaped gift—it’s totally jewelry. As she starts unwrapping, Dad turns to Blaze and me abruptly.

“Bella, Adriana and I are seeing each other,” he rushes out, but his eyes are already back on her, gazing at her in adoration.

She smiles up at me warmly, and I return the smile. I can see how much happier he has been with her around.

“I’m happy for you both.” I stand to hug Adriana, and she asks for help putting on her necklace.

Settling back beneath the tree, she hands the next one toBlaze from Dad. It’s a small box. When he opens it, I instantly understand what it is. He holds up the filigree-adorned piece of metal quizzically.

“A key to the city,” I whisper-gasp.

Blaze snaps his head to Dad, eyes wide.

Dad nods and chuckles gently. “Yes. I want you to take over for me, Blaze. It’s been playing on my mind since I actually made you my underboss. And now with this…” He raises his elbow, and his speech is cut off with a wince because it still hurts.

“Enzo. I’m speechless. I mean… it’s… it would be an honor to try to fill your shoes,” he finally says, sounding flabbergasted.

“I wouldn’t want anyone else.” Dad smiles.

At those words, Blaze jumps up and starts for the hallway like he’s forgotten something or really needs to go to the toilet.

“I’ll only be a minute,” he calls.

Dad opens his gifts from us and then Adriana. Cologne and a fancy wallet, respectively.

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