Page 57 of How to: Seduce Your Wife

She crossed the room to Mia and held out the gift. “It’s for youMammaMia.”

Everyone in the room burst out laughing except for Mia, who swept Toni into her arms. “Oh, sweetie, Ilove you so much. Thank you for calling me yourMammaMia.”

“But why is everyone laughing?” A hint of embarrassment colored her question. “Did I say it wrong?”

Mia smoothed back Toni’s hair. “Not at all. They’re laughing becauseMamma Miais also the name of a song by a group called ABBA, as well as a movie.” She smiled tenderly at her daughter. “But for me, it’s the two most special words you could ever say to me.”

“You don’t mind if I call youMamma?”

She glanced at Brand, sharing a private moment of agreement. “It’s the best present you could give me.”

“Better than my picture?”

“As good as your picture. Just different. They’re both very special.”

“Okay, but are you going to open your last present?”

“Absolutely.”

Brand gestured for her to do it. Fragile paper, covered in stars fell away, almost as though the glue on the tape had worn off. Carefully, lifting off the lid she peeked inside and gave a softgasp.

“What? What is it?” Toni demanded.

Mia lifted out a small blue rattle, covered in silver stars. Unlike the box and wrapping paper, it appeared brandnew.

Brand glanced around the room at his family. “Who gave this to us?” When no one replied, he looked at his father. “Papà?”

“Not I, Brando.”

Brand shook his head. “If I didn’t know better I’d almost think it had come from—”

“Your mother?” Mia asked, her brow wrinkling in consideration. “The paper is so old. Could it have been a gift from when you were a baby that was overlooked?”

“But how did it get under the tree this year?”

“Great question.” She ran a finger over the baby rattle, tracing the galaxy of stars. “It’s blue. Do you suppose that means we’re having a boy?”

Before they could pursue the matter any further, Soren appeared in the doorway, taking up the entire space with his massive size. “Sorry I’m late,” he announced.

From behind him peeked a woman with long, white-blonde hair and huge blueeyes.

“Who have you there?” Dom asked.

Soren stepped to one side so they all could see the petite woman concealed behind him. She barely came up to his shoulder, as delicate as he was brawny. She stared around at the huge gathering, apprehension clear in her expression and she shifted a few inches closer to Soren, entwining her fingers inhis.

“This is my wife, Poppy,” Soren announced.

Epilogue

“Don’t youwant to find out more about Poppy?” Mia questioned, tugging at Brand’s hand as he hurried her along.

“Later.”

“Why are we going into the maze?”

“Because this is where we started.”

Mia’s mouth twitched into a smile. “And where we end?”

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