Page 67 of Snowed In with the Bosses

They smiled at the same time, a rainbow of happiness that brought me into the center of their world.

Alexander slid the ring in place and kissed my palm before he stood and hugged me tight. Ethan and Liam closed in from the sides. This was where I belonged. I’d never expected my life to turn out like a fairytale, but it had. The only difference? I had three princes instead of one.

30

CLARA

Early November offered us the best Silverbrook had to offer. Snow covered the buildings and draped itself over the hills and mountains but left the roads clear and passable.

The promise ceremony had been perfect and now Alexander drove us all down Mom’s street, his lips spread in a delicious smile I’d come to know and love. He angled a look at me from the side. “No peeking.”

I rolled my eyes. “I never agreed to that. I can’t close my eyes or I’ll get carsick.” I patted my rounded belly. “These three always have to make things exciting.” The sapphire and diamond ring twinkled on my ring finger, today’s newest addition of a diamond-encrusted band catching light and sending it around the car in a kaleidoscope of rainbows.

Ethan and Liam nudged each other in the backseat. “When does the new car arrive?” Liam asked Alexander.

“Tomorrow.” Alexander’s look shifted to one that held the barest hint of caution. “And the car seats will be installed already.”

It was all becoming real. New cars. Car seats. The babies were almost to term. I couldn’t say that I loved being pregnant, but I would miss having them so close, so safe and protected. “I can’t believe Mom put you up to this.” I tried to cross my arms, but my baby belly prevented the motion and ended up making me look ridiculous. “You don’t have to agree to everything she says.”

“Yes, we do.” Ethan’s knuckle grazed the side of my cheek. “She wanted to see you after the ceremony.”

I huffed but released the smile I’d been hiding. “You’re all wrapped around her pinky. She could tell you she needed a boat and you’d have one in the street by the weekend.”

“She’d never ask for a boat.” Liam shook his head, complete seriousness deepening his voice. “Your mom isn’t the water type. A horse-drawn carriage, though?” He held up a hand and examined his nails. “She might ask for that.”

“Please tell me you did not buy my mother a horse and carriage.” I groaned and rested my head on the back of the seat.

“She wanted to celebrate.” Liam kissed my shoulder through my thick sweater.

Mom’s house came into view, the newly painted exterior bright blue against the piles of snow tucked beneath the windows.

Alexander pulled into the driveway beside Mom’s and turned off the car. A beat of silence wrapped me up tight before he motioned at the two-story house with a gabled roof and gingerbread scalloped trim. “Surprise.”

“What the…” I gaped at him, then swiveled toward Mom’s house. “What are you up to?”

Instead of answering me, he opened the door and stepped out into a blast of icy wind.

“Liam?” I turned as far as I could in my seat.

“Nope.” He opened his door at the same time as Ethan, the two of them leaving me alone in the car.

Alexander opened my door and held out a hand. “Careful. I had the driveway and sidewalks clear, but you’d better hold onto me.”

It wasn’t any great trouble to hold his arm and walk toward the house. “I still don’t understand.”

Mom’s side door opened, and she hurried out. Ethan ran over to offer her a hand. I stopped to wait for her, and she laughed when she caught up with us. “Welcome home, baby girl.”

“Home?” I eyed the house again. “I have a house.” A small house with no room for three babies. It had barely been big enough for me once business took off and I needed extra equipment to keep up. Snow flurried into the air thanks to another gust of wind. I smoothed my hair down and followed Alexander with slow, measured strides. “Did you buy me a house?” The question came out as an accusation.

“Yes.” Ethan laughed when I glared at him. “You kept talking about how you wished your mom would come live with you. Since you’d told us about how stubborn she was, but we also knew how much you meant to each other, we talked to her about this.” He motioned at the house. “It was built two years ago but never sold.”

“Too rich for this neighborhood.” Mom scoffed. Color dotted her cheeks and she’d gained a few pounds this month. Everything about her seemed brighter, healthier. She’d reached what her doctors called a critical point in her recovery. Things were supposed to get better from here on out. Like always, she was right about all of this. The house sat empty because it didn’t belong in this neighborhood.

“We have some ideas for that.” Liam handed me a key. “We’ll talk about that inside, out of the wind.”

Mom shivered, and that was enough to drive me forward. The door opened soundlessly, swinging inward to reveal a widefoyer covered in dark gray hardwood. Bare walls painted a pale off-white begged for a pop of color. I inched into the foyer so Mom had room to follow me inside.

“Wow.” My whisper almost echoed in the vast space. “Part of me wants to say I can’t accept.” I threw my arms around Alexander’s neck and hugged him tight. “Thank you.” I hugged each of them in turn. “This is amazing. Our kids are going to love it here. The neighborhood might be lower income, but the families are wonderful.”

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