Nikki’s smile brightens when she hears me call her Mom. She wraps an arm around my shoulders. “I’m so excited to have you as part of our family, Harper.”
Ten
Nova
I hurry down the stairs Christmas Day, excited that Ashton will be joining us for the holiday.
“What’s got you up so early?” Luca asks, sipping a mug of piping hot coffee.
“You’re here already!” Excitement overwhelms me as I rush over to give my brother a hug. “Merry Christmas! Did you come by yourself?”
I’m glancing around, hoping Ashton is somewhere in this house, but trying my best to be inconspicuous.
Discreet isn’t my middle name.
“Just me and Ashton right now. He’s helping Dante by moving some furniture around upstairs. I’m going to swing by Harper’s parents’ and pick her and Zeke up in about an hour.”
“They’re not all coming over?” I ask. I know Mom and Dad invited them, along with Luca’s parents, but after what I heard happened the last time they visited, I guess I shouldn’t be all that surprised.
Luca frowns. “I’m not even sure they’ll be at the wedding.”
“Don’t worry,” I say and grab myself a cup of coffee but pour tons of flavored creamer into it to kill the bitterness. “I’m sure they’ll come around. It’s their grandson they’ll miss out on if they don’t.”
“Yeah,” Luca says and sips from the mug. “I hope you’re right.”
He leans against the kitchen counter, watching me prepare my coffee.
“How’s the packing going?” Luca asks.
Next week, we move into the new house that we’re renting. “Good. I’m mostly done. I heard Dad on the phone, trying to convince the current tenants to move out by Christmas.”
Luca laughs. “I can only imagine how well that’s going.”
“He was cursing and storming into Dante’s office, still on the phone.” I shrug. “I didn’t get to hear the rest.”
He takes another sip from the mug. “Doesn’t matter. What’s the difference in one more week? Less than, since we move in on the first of the month.”
“Twenty-eighth,” Dad says, coming up from behind.
The man is pure stealth when he wants to be. “We managed to get you a few extra days before classes resume. You move on the twenty-eighth of December.”
“You really wanted me out this year.” I glare at Dad, but I’m not angry with him. He and Dante were trying to be helpful. They’re always looking after family, putting us first.
“Dante and I wanted to make sure there was ample time to get everyone settled before your first day. Especially with Zeke, for whom we’ve handled all the nursery arrangements.”
“What?” Luca turns and faces my father, Moreno.
“It was supposed to be a surprise for Harper, but your father and I ordered a toddler bed and some things for Zeke.”
I can’t read Luca’s features. He’s masking his emotions right now.
“I’m sure Harper and Luca appreciate your help,” I offer, trying to smooth things over. That was nice of Dante and Dad.
“Don’t put words in my mouth,” Luca snaps at me.
I step out of the kitchen, giving Luca his space and leaving him to deal with my father.
“What’s wrong, son?”
