Page 124 of DeLucas After Dark

"Sounds like a wonderful idea," I said, my heart swelling at the thought of helping others.

"Indeed," Vito agreed, his gaze lingering on Marcello for a moment before returning to his food. "I'm sure you'll do great things."

Marcello clarified, “I’ll still be capo, but I’m going to spread my wings a bit.”

“Our grandfather would approve,” Vito assured him.

The conversation transitioned between lighthearted and profound topics, woven together in our own unique fashion. Antonio babbled in his high chair as we shared stories and memories from our pasts. The laughter that rang through the room felt like a balm to my soul, easing the emptiness of not having my mother for another Christmas. We momentarily forgot about the ills that plagued our lives and highlighted the good times we shared.

"Here's to new beginnings," Marcello proposed, raising his glass in toast.

"To new beginnings," we echoed, letting the clink of our glasses serve as a reminder of the hope that still remained, even in the face of the unknown.

The warmth of our laughter still lingered in the air as we moved from the dining room to the living room. The Christmas tree stood tall and proud. It’s lights casted an array of colors on the walls. Ornaments glinted like precious jewels.

"Wow," Marcello breathed, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the floor to ceiling tree. "You two really went all out, huh?"

"Anything for mia bella," Vito replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "It took us a week to get all of the ornaments on there. A couple times I second-guessed trying to do it ourselves, but we finished it."

Safia's eyes sparkled as she approached the tree, reaching out to touch a delicate glass ornament. "It's beautiful, Nicole," she said, her voice filled with awe.

"Thank you," I said, feeling a surge of affection for this woman who had become so important to my brother-in-law. "We wanted everything to be perfect for your visit."

“It’s perfect,” Safia assured. “We have to put up a tree like this next year.”

Marcello wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "Whatever you want, babe," he replied, smiling down at her.

"Here, Nicole," Safia said, passing me one of the beautifully wrapped presents she had placed under the tree when they arrived.

"Thank you, Safia," I murmured, carefully unwrapping the gift. Inside was a stunning hand-painted silk scarf, the colors swirling together like a sunset over the ocean. "It's absolutely gorgeous."

"Marcello told me you like sunsets," she replied, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

Marcello beamed. “I got that intel from Vito.”

I glanced over at Vito, who was handing Marcello a small box. "For you, brother," he said, his voice steady and sincere.

"Thanks, Vito," Marcello replied, opening the box to reveal an exquisite silver pocket watch. He looked up at his brother, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's perfect."

We continued exchanging gifts. Marcello gave Vito a platinum tie clip and I gave Safia a crystal bowl.

"Here's to us," Vito said, raising a glass in toast. "May we always find light in the darkness."

"Salute!" Marcello said, echoed by me and Safia.

Moments later, we were sitting in the living room when Vito suggested, "Alright, how about we play some holiday games?" His eyes twinkled with mischievousness, making me wonder what he had up his sleeve.

"Sounds fun," Marcello agreed, leaning back in his chair with a grin. "What do you have in mind?"

"Let's start with something simple – a Christmas-themed charade," Vito proposed, his voice confident and lighthearted. I could tell he was trying to keep the mood light, for all our sakes.

"Great idea!" Safia chimed in, her enthusiasm contagious. I couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled at Marcello.

We divided into teams, with Marcello and Safia on one side and Vito and me on the other. As the game began, we took turns acting out various holiday-themed words and phrases, each more ridiculous than the last.

"Come on, Nicole! You can do it!" Vito encouraged me as I flailed my arms, attempting to portray a snowflake. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks as laughter spilled from my lips.

"Uh... a reindeer caught in a snowstorm!" Marcello guessed, his own laughter joining mine.

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