Presents. Again, could be good, could be bad.
Sending up a little prayer that it’s more good than bad, I slowly push to my feet and make my way over to stand in front of them. It isn’t until I do that I notice the large white box in Uncle Jasper’s hands. There’s a pretty pink ribbon tied around it, and it’s stamped with the logo for a store called Little Treasures Boutique.
“Welcome to the family, Alexis,” he says with an indulgent smile, holding the box out for me to take.
I look up at Mommy for permission, which she grants with a slight nod of her head, before taking the box and tugging at the silky ribbon.
What I find inside knocks the air clear from my lungs. A tiara, with deep green emeralds wrapped in shining silver. Or maybe it’s white gold, I’m not sure. Either way, it is the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen and it matches my dress so perfectly I have to assume he asked Mommy what I’d be wearing tonight.
“Oh, Uncle Jasper. It’sbeautiful.”
“A crown fit for a princess. Here.” Reaching into the box, he carefully extracts the tiara from the tissue paper and places it on my head. “Your Mommy will know how to make it stay in your curls.”
“I do, indeed. Come here, little imp.”
It’s all I can do not to dance in place as Mommy fixes the tiara snuggly in my curls. Uncle Gideon holds up a mirror, and I can’t stop the excited squeal that escapes when I see my reflection.
I reallydolook like a princess.
“Thank you, Uncle Jasper, thank you, thank you, thank you!” Racing forward, I throw my arms around his neck and he wraps me in a tight hug as his shoulders shake with laughter.
“You are very welcome, pretty little Alexis. Your Mommy said the green would be best with your hair, and I think she was right on the money.”
“It’sperfect.I’m never taking it off.”
Now his whole body shakes as he lets out a loud laugh. “I think your Mommy might have something to say about that.”
“But I’m the princess. That means I’m in charge and I can do whatever I want.”
Behind me, someone snorts, and I turn to see Juju rolling her eyes. “Someone tell that to my butt,” she mutters, rubbing at her diaper.
All of the uncles and my Mommy laugh at that, even as Uncle Jasper tries to look stern. “Even princesses have to follow the rules.”
“Yes, Uncle Jasper,” I say sweetly, though I’m pretty sure I can sweet-talk Mommy into letting me keep the tiara on.
“All right, it’s our turn now.” Uncle Evander steps forward with a smaller box in hand. “This is from me and your Uncle Gideon,” he explains as he holds the velvet box out for me to take.
Inside is the most beautiful locket I’ve ever seen. The burnished gold gives it a more antique feel that I adore, and in the middle of it is my initial in a swirling, intricate font.
“It’s so pretty,” I whisper, running a finger over the etched “A” and looking up at my Mommy. “Can I put it on? Please, Mommy?”
“Of course, little one.” Taking the necklace from the box, she undoes the clasp and gently drapes it around my neck. “In fact, you can and will wear this necklace every day. If you take it offwithout Mommy’s permission, you will get a spanking from me and your Uncle Evan. Am I understood, little girl?”
“Why?” Curious now, I lift the locket from my skin and press the mechanism to pop it open. But there’s nothing inside, not even a picture, and I’m even more confused than before. “What’s so important about it?”
“This necklace will help Mommy find you if you ever get lost. And while we don’t live on a very big island, it’s more than large enough for sweet Little girls like yourself to get lost on, as Juliet and Victoria can both attest to.”
I glance over to find them both nodding vigorously, and I make a mental note to ask about it later. For now, Mommy wants me to wear my locket, so I’ll wear my locket. It’s not really a hardship, given how pretty it is, so there’s not really any point in arguing.
“Can we eat now?” Nelly asks, her voice pitching up to a whine. “I’mstarving.”
“Just a moment.” Mommy’s eyes sparkle with excitement. “I have one last gift for all my girls. Gavin?”
We all turn as one to the parlor entrance as Gavin wheels a cart inside, a row of dolls seated on top.
But not just any dolls. My mouth falls open with surprise as I realize the doll at the front, with her red curls and bright-green eyes looks just likeme.
“It’s me!” Tori squeals, echoing my own thoughts as she races forward to pluck a doll from the cart. “Look, Daddy! She looks exactly like me!”
