“Ooh, looks like the good stuff too,” Jasmine approved as they filtered in through the inn and made their way back where the kitchen was.
Belle greeted Remy with a hug and Mia lightened her load by taking two bottles from her arms.
“Mama, you remember Belle,” Remy said.
The dark-skinned woman turned her kind brown eyes on Belle.
“Mrs. Stone, merry Christmas.”
“Call me Tilda, or Mama T, please. And my husband goes by Mathew. No need for formalities here. You’re family now.” Tilda held out her arms.
Belle set down the bottle of pinot on the counter and walked into the tall woman’s embrace. She was still so overwhelmed with gratitude. Everything was so much better than she’d ever imagined it could be. It was hard to believe this was her life now.
Tilda released her with a squeeze. She spoke low enough for only Belle to hear. “I’m so glad Bently found his happiness finally. That boy is like a son to me. I knew it would take a special woman to reach his guarded heart. Take care of him.”
“I will,” Belle promised.
“You will what?” Bently asked, sweeping his arms around her and pulling her back firmly against the front of his chest as he kissed her cheek. “Hey, Mama T.”
Tilda’s eyes shone with joy. “How are you doing, son?”
“Better than ever. How are you?”
“You look like a man who’s finally content.” She smiled. “I’m good.”
“Uncle Bently is here! Gramma, can we do gifts now?” Lyra ran into the kitchen.
The adults chuckled.
“Yes, sweetheart. Let’s go.”
Belle sat between Bently and TJ as the family gathered around the large tree in the sitting room. They exchanged gifts. Lyra tore her presents open with glee and excited cries. Mikel held Phoenix and helped him slowly tear at the paper, taking care not to let him eat it. Jasmine held Zoey close, letting her gifts pile up.
Belle nudged Bently, nodding towards his sister. He took her cue and reached over to grab his niece. “Open your gifts, Jaz.”
Jasmine looked towards them before she nodded. Some unnamed emotion flitted through her features. The girl seemed to keep so much inside.
Jasmine got to her feet. “I’m just going to get a drink.”
“I’m worried about her,” Bently said quietly after she passed by.
“It seems like something is troubling her.”
“I just wish she’d talk to me.” Bently sighed.
“Let me try?”
Bently leaned in. “I’d appreciate that.” He kissed her cheek.
Belle stood and walked into the kitchen. Jasmine poured the remnants of a bottle of wine into an empty glass as she approached.
Jasmine grabbed another glass and motioned to it.
“Yes, please,” Belle answered the unasked question.
Jasmine filled the glass halfway with wine before sliding it towards her.
“Are you okay?” Belle took a sip.
Jasmine swallowed, turning towards her and nodding. “Of course. It’s Christmas. I’m surrounded by family and people who love me. I have a healthy baby girl. What else could I ask for?”
Despite her words, sadness flickered in her green eyes.
“I don’t want to overstep. But I just wanted to let you know that it’s okay if you feel sad even though you have everything you listed. It’s okay to want more.”
Jasmine looked down and nodded. “I’m so happy you and Bently found each other, as well as Mikel and Remy. I’m happy my brothers and my friends are blissfully in love. Some days it’s just harder than others to go it alone. I feel like maybe I’m depriving Zoey of what she could have. Of what she needs.”
“You mean a father?”
“Yes. I want to give her everything I never had. Maybe it’s stupid, but I hate that I won’t even be able to tell her his name when she asks someday.” Jasmine took a long chug of the wine.
“I don’t know my father’s name either. I like to think I turned out okay, despite . . . everything.” Belle searched for any words of encouragement to lighten the heaviness in Jasmine’s eyes.
Jasmine glanced at her, drawing in a deep breath. “I’m sorry to dump this on you.”
“It’s really not a problem at all. We all need someone to listen to us . . . someone who can understand. Someone who knows from experience how overwhelming and hopeless things can feel.”
“Thank you.” Jasmine’s voice was just above a whisper.
“I’m here if you ever want to talk, or just to sit in the silence with you so you don’t have to be so alone.”
“I appreciate it.” Jasmine forced a smile, hiding her scars with false cheer.
A peal of laughter erupted from the other room, drawing both of their attention.
“We better get back in there,” Jasmine said, leading the way.
After the gifts were opened, they all sat around a long table sharing a festive meal. There was so much food and all made with love. The dessert table was filled with every cookie known to man, several pies, and tins of homemade fudge.
“I think if I eat another bite, I’ll burst.” TJ patted his stomach and pulled out his phone.
“Well, you certainly ate your weight in ham,” Bently teased.
“Hey now, he’s a growing boy. Don’t let this guy fool you.” Tilda pointed towards Bently. “He used to be the same way.”
Bently shrugged and TJ beamed.
“Are you all set for classes to start in a few weeks?” Mathew Stone asked TJ.
“Yes, sir. I got my books and the welcome packet. Bently and Belle took me to tour the campus already so I know where my classes will be.”
“Good. Make sure you stop by my office to say hi every now and then,” Mathew said.
“Yes, and you come to us if you need anything.” Tilda smiled.
Belle’s heart was about to burst. Truly, she could not handle any more happiness.
“Sure thing, Mrs. and Mr. Stone. I appreciate all the help.” TJ smiled.
“Oh, call us Gramma and Papa Stone. You’re a part of this family now,” Tilda said.
“Okay.” TJ’s phone pinged. He tipped the screen before he looked up. “Cam is here to get me. You okay if I go?” he asked Belle.
She nodded. “Sure.”
“Text when you’re on
