Page 50 of Nico
Nico watched the scene unfold, his heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. The quiet joy of the morning was palpable, woven into each laugh and every delighted squeal Gracie made as she discovered another surprise. The flicker of the fire cast a warm glow across Nadine's face, her gaze soft and content as she met Nico's eyes from across the room. For a fleeting moment, he wondered if time could simply stand still, preserving the peace and happiness that filled the manor this Christmas morning.
The only thing marring the perfect day was her absence. He felt the hole inside his chest as he thought about her. She shouldnot be alone. She should be right here with him, by his side and he was sick and tired of being without her. Of being torn in two because he needed to spend time with both the women in his life. They should be living under one roof, and he was impatient to make that happen.
Shaking off the sudden onslaught of depression, he smiled as his daughter raced over to show him her magical talking doll, one of Grams' many gifts to her.
*****
She had cleared the mess from the living room and carefully put away the clothing, folding the sweaters inside her closet and hanging up the jacket after trying it on and modeling it in front of the mirror.
She had also braced herself to call her mother and suffered through her complaints with a headache that completely left her drained.
Everything was wrong in Sylvia's life. The villa was too small, the place too damn cold and she did not speak a word of Italian. So, how was she to understand what the caretaker and his wife, the couple she had inherited along with the place, were saying? Perhaps they were plotting against her, hating her in secret and talking about her. She would have no way of knowing.
Sadie had interrupted enough to suggest she learn the language. Which had started another long argument about her only daughter not having any sympathy for her "plight." When she could not take it anymore, Sadie had calmly suggested she learn to count her blessings as well as learning a new language.
"The first might be very difficult, but the second is doable." She had hung up then, deciding that her peace of mind was more important than a cold freeze from her mother. She had then proceeded to take two painkillers to get rid of the headache. And was determined to spend the rest of the day, just thinking positive thoughts.
She was just coming downstairs when the camera alerted her that someone was pulling in the driveway. She did not have many friends and the ones closest to her had gone away for the holidays.
Hurrying the rest of the way, she glanced at the camera and saw to her surprise that it was Nico's vehicle. Pulling open the door, she stood there and watched as he alighted and went to open the back door. Her hand flew to her chest as he hoisted his daughter into his arms and slammed the door shut. As soon as they ascended the steps, the little girl wriggled free and came running towards her.
"Sadie!"
Lifting the little angel dressed in pink leggings with sparkles on the material and an adorable pink Barbie sweater, she hugged her tight, inhaling the scent of baby powder and cookies.
"Look who has come to visit." Lifting her head, she sent him a wide smile before stepping inside. "Let me get your jacket," she told the little girl as she put her down.
That started a round of conversation with some of the words sailing over her head. She caught lots of gifts from Santa Claus, her daddy, Grams and Grandpa as well as aunt Nads.
"I have nothing left to say," Nico shrugged out of his jacket and flashed her a smile.
"What are you doing here?"
"Gracie wanted to come and personally express her thanks." He caught her around the waist and stole a kiss. "And I grabbed at the excuse to come and see you."
"I was just wishing you were here," she whispered.
"Who said wishes didn't come true?" Taking the little girl's hand, he led the way into the kitchen.
"How about some hot chocolate?" Sadie asked the little girl who was busy clutching her pink elephant.
"Yay!"
"Good. I have a special recipe." She rubbed her hand up over Nico's arm before going to the fridge to grab the ingredients.
And spent a very lovely afternoon being entertained by Gracie. She fell asleep after an hour of running around and admiring the tree and playing with some toys Sadie had dug up in the basement.
"She'll sleep for a long time. Come over by the fire." Making sure Gracie was warm enough, he took a blanket and spread it before the hearth. Piling on cushions, he reached for her hand and pulled her down next to him.
"This is nice," she murmured, staring into the mesmerizing flames. "I thought you would not have a chance to come back today."
He trailed a hand up and down her back. "I had to find a way to get to you. All the time I was there with the family, my mind was on you. I enjoyed the excitement and seeing the holidays through a child's eyes, but I needed you with me." He shifted so he could see her face. "It's not the same without you."
She smiled softly, her heart warmed by his words and the crackling fire. Leaning into him, she let herself relax, feeling the comfort of his presence and the quiet joy that came from being together after a lonely day. The gentle glow of the flames danced across their faces, and for a moment, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them and the peaceful hush of a winter evening.
"I'm happy you came." Her eyes drifted to the sleeping child. Blonde curls spilled over the red cushions, a startling contrast. She slept with her hands piled under her rosy cheeks, with her long lashes making shadows on her skin. "She's so beautiful."
"My heart hurts just looking at her. And amazed that something so wonderful came from me."
