“That’s so sweet,” Cassie cooed.

  My eyes widened. Sweet or a nightmare? Bringing his family here both surprised and confused me. A nervous laugh escaped as I tried to process what this meant.

  “You knew.” I looked pointedly at my mother.

  She nodded and lifted her chin. “He asked if it would be all right if his family joined us. It was thoughtful of him to ask. Of course, I said yes.”

  His parents were coming to town. I mulled this over in my brain and couldn’t find a way to make it work. Panic seeped into my psyche.

  “Amore, I hope this eases your stress.” He kissed the top of my head. “When they heard about your Christmas traditions and about your Grams, they insisted on coming here. They wouldn’t take no for an answer,” he explained as he stole another cookie.

  “Those aren’t for you.” Cassie swatted his hand. “Aren’t you leaving?”

  My pulse skyrocketed. “When you said you had to borrow the car for a few hours to do last minute errands, you intended to pick up your folks. You’ll be gone for a long time.”

  We hadn’t been apart for more than a few minutes since we’d met. Even then, he was always within walking distance if I needed him. At some point, Stefano had become my rock. My anxiety had a little to do with acknowledging that, but more to do with meeting his family.

  Why would he bring them here and how would we explain our fake relationship? They could ruin everything.

  He winked. “I’ll miss you too.”

  “We need to talk.” I took his hand and led him out of the kitchen.

  “Fine, you can take a five-minute break,” Cassie yelled as we left the room.

  I dragged him into the bedroom and closed the door. “What the hell are you thinking? Your parents will blow our fake relationship out of the water. They’ll tell everyone we just met.” I let go of his hand and flopped down on the bed. The springs and metal whined. I buried my hot face in my hands.

  “Relax.” He knelt and took my hands. “My family doesn’t know when I left Italy. They are aware my relationship ended with Martina earlier this month, but nothing more.”

  “This month? As in less than three weeks ago?”

  He’d never told me when they ended their relationship but mentioned they dated off and on over the years. I’d assumed it had been months. No wonder his family figured they’d be back together soon.

  “Noelle, it will be fine.” He kissed my knuckles. “They will love you and my brothers will most likely try to steal you from me.”

  “Your parents and your brothers?” I squeaked. The pressure mounted.

  He laughed. “My entire family is coming to Golden for Christmas. Once they heard my girlfriend’s grandmother was ill, they dropped everything to be with us. It’s what they do. I hope this is not a problem.”

  I wanted to scream yes. The word teetered on the tip of my tongue. For selfish reasons, I wanted to live in our bubble for a few more days. Instead of projecting my dismay, I grinned. I couldn’t be mad. Not when his sexy smile brightened his face and the entire room.

  This was his family, and he loved them dearly. He’d done so much for me. He deserved to be with his loved ones over the holidays.

  “It’s not a problem. No big deal. I’m just surprised,” I admitted. We’d spent so many hours with my family that I almost forgot about his and the sacrifices he made to help me.

  He looked at me quizzically, as though my reaction wasn’t what he’d expected. “You mentioned being sad for me since I couldn’t be with them. I don’t want you unhappy, so I figured this would be good. You’ll see.” He dropped my hands, cupped the back of my head and kissed me.

  His beard caressed the corners of my mouth. I kissed him back with fervor. Our tongues twisted, and I moaned for more. I always wanted more with him. My fingers dove into his hair, tugging him closer.

  Knuckles rapped at my door. “Stefano, you better get moving or you’ll be late,” my mother called out.

  I tore my mouth from his and pushed against his chest. He fell backwards, landing on his butt. We laughed. The tension lifted from my shoulders when our eyes met. Whatever happened, we’d deal with it.

  “Drive safe,” I said.

  He stood and adjusted the crotch of his pants. “We’ll pick up where we left off soon enough.”

  “Promise?”

  He winked. “Don’t miss me too much.” He blew me a kiss and left.

  I flopped backwards on the bed and stared at the ceiling. “It’s fine. Their presence changes nothing. Not a big deal,” I mumbled.

  My words sounded hollow. I didn’t believe them. This had to mean something. I wanted it to mean something. If this was a normal relationship, meeting the parents would be a huge step. I wanted to make a good impression.

  As soon as the front door closed, I raced into the kitchen. My mother sat at the table, sipping eggnog. “Meeting the parents is a big step,” she said. “A step in the right direction, if you ask me.”

  Cassie squeezed her arm. “I think it’s so romantic. He’s flying in his entire extended family to help you through this difficult time. Hot damn, that’s love. I’m so happy for you, Noelle.”

  I’d been so scared about this impromptu visit blowing our cover, I never considered it romantic. Fake relationships wouldn’t involve real romantic gestures. Would they? I shuffled my feet and sank into the seat next to my sister.

  “It is very nice of them to fly here for Christmas.” I tugged on the collar of my red and green checkered button-down shirt before placing my hands on the table. “He has a big family. This must have taken a lot of work to coordinate. Do you know where they’re staying?”

  “His parents and brothers will stay next door at Millie’s. She offered her place and prefers our couch, anyhow. Says it’s good for her back or some such nonsense. His sisters and their husbands opted for the hotel,” my mother answered.

  My hand covered my heart. It was beating frantically. “When did he plan all this?”

  “The day after you arrived, he asked for permission.” She reached across the table and patted my hand. Her eyes glazed over with tears. “I’m happy for you guys. Stefano is a good man with a good heart. He’ll make your happiness a priority, like your father did for me and Darren does for Cassie.”

  “His family really liked his ex,” I blurted out. I needed them to like me more. “What if they don’t like me?”

  “Impossible,” Cassie chirped. “You’re beautiful on the outside and in. You’re a talented writer. Come on, Noelle.”

  Hearing her sing my praises helped. “Thanks.” But I needed more. My fear of rejection suddenly wasn’t reserved solely for the men I desired. It included their entourage.

  I turned to my mother. “What do you think, mom? I know nothing I do is right, but I’d appreciate any suggestions,” I said then held my breath.

  She hissed as though I’d physically struck her. “You have never disappointed me. Your actions may have left something to be desired. Only living a half-life and… we all have flaws.” She shook her head. “My sweet Noelle, I love you. If I’ve been hard on you, it’s because you deserve so much more than you’ve settled for. I want the best for you and I think we’re on the same page. Right?”

  This revelation stunned me more than Stefano inviting his family over. “I think so,” I agreed with a trembling lip.

  “Good. You’ll impress them by loving their son.” My mother stood. “Show them how much you care for him. Love him and the rest of the pieces will fall into place. Don’t sweat it. Now, you two will clean this mess while I take a nap. After I wake up, I’ll head to Millie’s to freshen the linens. It’ll be late when they get here.”

  “I’ll do it,” I offered. “Thanks for the advice. I love you.” We hugged.

  Proving I loved their son wouldn’t be hard because I’d fallen head over heels for the man. I loved everything about Stefano, from his accent and intelligence to his trimmed beard and ugly Christmas sweaters.

  The hard part would be convincing him to stop faking it this Christmas. I wanted something real. I was ready to let love and happiness into my life.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  N ear midnight, Stefano returned with his family. He’d called in the early evening and told me his eldest brother’s flight had been delayed. He told me not to wait up; as if I’d be able to catch a moment of shut-eye with my nerves twisted in knots.

  Fake love and truly loving someone were different.

  The part of me that believed in Christmas miracles was ready to declare my love. Risk the potential fall and leap into his strong arms. Brave the danger and ask him to stay with me after the holidays, and never leave. Odds were unlikely any of that would happen. The more practical side of my subconscious built a wall around my heart, preventing me from handing it over.

  I waited by the window in Grams’ apartment and watched the headlights turn off. The thundering in my chest drowned out the light hum of carols playing on the radio in the kitchen. The living room was too quiet. I released my death grip on the plaid drapes and walked to the door.

  “You can do this,” I whispered under my breath and shook out my hands. The mini pep talk made me giggle.

  As I opened the door to greet everyone, I had no idea what to say. For hours, I’d agonized over my next move and came up blank. When I saw him, the puzzle pieces fell into place. His bright green sweater with flashing Christmas tree lights was likely visible from space and left no doubt it was him. He made those ugly holiday sweaters look good.

  After he helped his mother out of the passenger seat, he looked towards me and smiled. My internal turmoil settled. I exhaled, letting go of my stress. It was Christmas Eve and everything I needed was headed my way.

  Propping the door open, I waved. “Hello and thanks for coming. Welcome to Golden.”

  His two brothers were taller, clean-shaven versions of Stefano. Calling them attractive was an understatement. They dwarfed the thin, raven-haired woman walking between them. All three brothers resembled their father in stature. Mr. Ricci had a broad build, olive skin tone and a thick head of silver and brown hair. He beat the crew to the door and his dark eyes twinkled at me like freshly fallen snow. There was no judgment or assessment in his gaze, which surprised me.

  “Buon Natale,” he said and hugged me. Then he kissed each of my cheeks and smiled broadly.

  “Merry Christmas,” I replied, waving him into the apartment. “Please make yourself at home.”

  His brothers hugged me at the same time. They lifted me off the ground and I chuckled. This was not the greeting I expected.

  “Let go of her now,” Stefano snapped and pulled me from their embrace. He wrapped his arm possessively over my shoulder. “Go inside and put the bags away.” He glared at them, and they listened.

  “Ciao. I’m happy to be here,” Mrs. Ricci said, taking both of my hands and squeezing them. Stefano had her eyes. Expressive and full of life. She cupped my cheek. “You’re more beautiful than my son described. I can see why he is so smitten.”

  I felt the blush spread across my body. “Thank you. It’s great to meet you.”

  “Wait until you taste her baking,” he added as we stepped inside.

  I raised an eyebrow since he’d never complimented my culinary skills before. “Cookies aren’t even my specialty. You haven’t tasted anything yet,” I teased.

  “Mamma, give us a moment.” He took her long, wool jacket and added it to the coat rack. “We’ll join you shortly.”

  She winked. “Noelle, thank you for bringing us together. Take your time.”

  As soon as she walked away, our lips joined. He lifted me into his arms and I wrapped my legs around his waist. Pressing me against the door, his tongue invaded my mouth and pillaged every corner. His fingers gripped my ass. The kiss was rough and demanding, exactly what I craved.

  I tugged on his hair, making a mess of his locks. “I missed you,” I admitted when we came up for air. It wasn’t the sentiment I wanted to say, but it was a start. “You told me not to, but I couldn’t help it.”

  He inhaled and rubbed his nose against mine. “I didn’t think you’d be awake. I fantasized about all sorts of naughty ways to wake you.” He set me on my feet and threaded our fingers together. “It’s late and my family is tired. After proper introductions, we’re leaving. I need to feel you. I need to make love to you. Say yes.”

  My smile spread from ear to ear. “Yes. I want that, too.”

  We joined his family in the living room. He introduced each person with a story then they provided one of their own. They told tales of Stefano as a boy and all the mischief he’d caused. I laughed a lot. His mother insisted I call her Mamma. When she yawned, I showed them to their bedroom.

  The apartment was a replica of my mother’s, only with more antiques and brighter walls. Grams loved yellow and went overboard with the paint. Even though she lived alone and had no children, she had a two-bedroom unit. When we were kids, we’d escape to her guest room and have sleepovers.

  We said goodnight, and I looked forward to seeing them in the morning. I had expected them to be loyal to his ex and give me the cold shoulder. I had not anticipated them being every bit as loving and amazing as Stefano. In less than twenty minutes, I was in love with his entire family.

  “Your family is wonderful,” I said as we raced to my mother’s apartment. The snow crunched under our feet and the freezing temperature nipped at our heels.

  “I’ve never seen them like that. You had them fawning at your feet,” he said, closing the front door behind us. “Especially Mamma, and she’s a tough nut to crack. You’ve bewitched us all.”

  “I love them,” I announced. The words rolled out easily. Saying them specifically to him was not as simple. “I want to check on Grams, and then I’ll meet you in our room.”

  He nodded and headed down the hall. I entered the living room and sighed. Grams slept peacefully on the couch. I took her hand, wishing she’d wake up and give me guidance.

  “You said he’s a keeper, and I think you’re right.” I closed my eyes. “Of course, you are. I trust your instincts more than my own. No more hesitations, is what you’d tell me.”

  I paused and kissed her cheek. I pressed my hand against her forehead. A wave of relief swept through me as I realized the fever had subsided. She would survive this illness.

  “Thanks for bringing me home. If it weren’t for you, I’d be sitting in my apartment, alone and miserable. The truth is, Stefano and I met at the airport on the way here,” I confessed. Kneeling next to the couch, tears burned my eyes. I sniffled but refused to let a single drop fall. “I’ve been faking happiness for some time. But not anymore. I’m happy and I’m in love,” I whispered.

  Her eyes fluttered but never opened. I waited a few seconds, and the soothing snore resumed. She wasn’t going to wake up.

  “Thank you for being in my life and teaching me how to love. I love you so much. Merry Christmas.”

  I held her hand for a few more minutes. If it weren’t for the sleeping pills, I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to say all that. Baring my soul like that had liberated me.

  When I entered my room, Stefano was resting on our makeshift bed on the floor. His arms stretched wide to welcome me. “Do you want to talk? Tell me what you need.”

  I shook my head, stripped and joined him under the covers. “Hold me for a minute and then make love to me.”

  Wrapped in the warmth of his arms I felt safe, like nothing bad could reach me. I kissed him on the chest and felt his heartbeat against my lips. “I need you,” I said.

  He kissed me hard. He kissed me with so much passion I could hardly breathe. I gave him every piece of me. There was no holding back. He positioned himself over me and aligned our bodies. As he pushed inside me, I felt him everywhere.

  We made love and the wall around my heart crumbled. I found my Christmas miracle. I found love.

  I woke with a plan.

  Stefano filled the void I’d been pretending didn’t exist. I couldn’t let this man walk out of my life. The only time we’d said those three little words were around others. I wanted to hear them when it was only us, but I was too chicken to say them first. We made love again, but neither of us spoke. Our bodies did all the talking. I would have liked nothing more than to continue our sensual conversation, but we had Christmas traditions to follow.

  We introduced our families to each other and my mother’s apartment got extremely loud. Cassie and Darren brought an overnight omelet and enough bacon to feed an army. Grams woke up and joined the merriment. Her cough was still vicious, and she was weak, but she was awake. She thanked Stefano for the teas and other recommendations. She was convinced his Naturopathic advice had tipped the scales on her healing.

  The rest of his family joined us for breakfast. The combination of laughter and gregarious personalities made for an entertaining morning. Stefano’s sisters were gorgeous, and their husbands worshiped them. His eldest sister, Francesca, cornered me and told me about the sex they’d had on the plane. By the time our conversation ended, I was redder than Rudolph’s nose. I liked her instantly and understood why Barker found her overwhelming.

  Christmas morning flew by. There were no presents under the tree. That wasn’t our tradition, or his as it turned out. They usually exchanged gifts in January. We said goodbye to Grams and his parents and left for the hospital.

  We brought our baked goods and spent the day with the patients. Stefano and his siblings never complained. They seemed to love spreading cheer as much as my family did. We stayed until my mother’s shift ended.

  When we returned to the apartment, I was exhausted, and my cheeks hurt from smiling. While we were gone, his parents had prepared a feast. The aroma of fresh pasta and basil tickled my taste buds. My mouth watered. We ate “family style,” cross-legged on the living room floor. Even Grams had a second helping. Once my plate was empty, I looked around the room at all the smiling faces and my heart swelled.

  This was the best Christmas ever.

 

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