Page 86 of Ti Amo

Eve walked over to him and he lifted her into his arms. “Your mother is special.” he chuckled.

“I heard that.”

When Giovanni and Mira arrived in the parlor everyone was gathered in anticipation. Giovanni felt both shocked and emotionally overwhelmed that the family had gathered for his daughter. Even the extended family members seemed genuinely excited for Eve’s first Christmas. As soon as Eve was placed on her feet she ran over to the red tricycle. Everyone clapped. She sat on it and moved the handlebars; her feet barely reached the pedals. Giovanni gave her a push around the floor, and some of the family cheered Eve on. It was like she had her own little private pep team.

“Let’s open presents!” Mira said. She went under the tree and started calling out names. She told him that she and Catalina had been sure to get a gift for every man on staff and every family member visiting. While she acted as Santa Clause, Giovanni helped his daughter steer and pedal around the floor a few minutes longer then sat with her by the tree helping her rip into packages. Catalina captured a picture for every doll and toy Eve uncovered. Soon Eve caught on to the custom and wouldn’t let her father open the presents. She wanted to do so. She’d rip into the package squeal and clap then reach for the next gift. When hers ran out, she wanted to open the presents for everyone else. The family chipped in breaking into boxes and packages of toys so Eve could play with them. Giovanni took a seat on the long sofa alone to let them have at it.

“For you big brother.” Catalina said, she held out a gift for Giovanni. He stared at the box in red foil wrapping paper with a silver bow. His gaze lifted up to his sister’s. She smiled sweetly down at him. “I’m so sorry for everything, Gio. I love and respect you so much. Please take it.”

He accepted the gift. After unwrapping the foil and opening the box he found a watch he hadn’t seen in years.

“It’s Papa’s.” Catalina told him. “I took it from the casket when he died. I’ve always kept it.”

“You kept this?” Giovanni stared at the watch with shock.

“I had it fixed for you. I know you loved that watch but wouldn’t take it for yourself.”

He reached for her wrist and pulled her down to the sofa. She sat next to him and immediately reached to put her arms around his neck. The embrace left her weeping with the side of her face pressed to his. Those that noticed probably guessed her pain was over her husband’s recent murder. Giovanni held her. His gaze connected with Mira and Dominic who both knew better. They looked away and encouraged Eve to play with her toys. When Catalina settled down, he let her go, wiping her tears from her cheeks. “Tia amo mia Catalina.”

“I lied to you, I’m not pregnant, Giovanni,” Catalina said shaking visibly.

“I know,” he replied.

“I love him. I know it’s a sin in your eyes, but it’s my heart, Gio. Please don’t hurt him. I’m so scared you’re going to hurt him. Please.”

“Shhh, enough talk. It’s Christmas.” He lifted her chin and forced her to look into his eyes. “Do you think me a monster?”

“No.”

“Good.” He kissed her nose. “Enjoy Christmas with ourbambina. We will talk again after the holiday.”

She nodded. After a moment of her sitting next to him with her arm fastened around his waist and her head resting on the inside of his arm, she again told him how much she loved him then rose to join the family. Alone with his thoughts Giovanni observed everyone in silent contentment. And then Dominic approached. He presented Giovanni with a gift, and Giovanni tossed it aside barely acknowledging it. Dominic bowed his head in silent respect and left. Giovanni knew Mira would be disappointed over his behavior, but it was as much as he could stomach.

Two hours into the gift exchange people started to drift out and back to bed. Zia agreed to take an exhausted Eve upstairs. Giovanni kissed his daughter and tried to wake her so they could play some more, but Eve began to cry and he reluctantly let her go.

“You’re disappointed?”

“Never!” he said grabbing her by the hips and bringing her with him on the sofa. She straddled his lap hiking her nightgown up her thighs but keeping her robe loose and open to cover her legs. Giovanni dropped his head back. He smiled up at her. With her robe open he could see how lovely the lace cupped and lifted the bodice of her gown with it’s deep v that revealed a suggestive sample of her cleavage. “It’s time for your Christmas present. Reach in my pocket Bella.”

She lifted her right knee to reach down into the pocket of his pajama pants and brought out a square shaped jewelry box.

“What is this Santa?” she shook the box and sat back on his lap.

Giovanni placed his hands behind his head. His chest swelled with pride over what he’d gotten her. “Open it.”

Mira sat back and peeled away the gift paper. “You wrapped this? All by yourself?”

“Eve helped,” he chuckled.

“I bet she did.” Mira opened the box. The bracelet’s beauty captured the breath in her lungs. It had a tiny charm of a diamond pacifier dangling from it. This was a link bracelet with diamonds connecting each golden loop. “It’s beautiful.”

“The jeweler said it’s from his motherhood series. We put a charm on a link for every milestone in Eve’s life. Or if you give me more babies?”

Mira glanced up at him and his voice faltered. He smiled shyly. “You haven’t said if you will give me more babies.”

“You want another baby?” Mira asked.

“More than anything. This time I can take care of you. Protect you. Be there for the birth of my son.”

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