Page 35 of Christmas Treasures

“There they are,” Max said.

Camilla had silver-streaked dark hair, neatly pinned back, and wore an elegant wool coat, travel-worn but dignified. Her face softened immediately upon seeing Max, offeringhim a quiet, reassuring smile. A dark-eyed child, her long hair in a braid, clung to her hand.

Max stepped forward to greet her, but Bianca slipped behind Camilla. Instead, he gave Camilla’s arm a gentle squeeze. “Camilla, it’s so good to see you. How was the flight?”

Camilla touched his arm warmly, eyes softening. “Long, but smooth. Bianca slept a little. Thank you for coming to meet us.”

Charlie watched as Max gave her a reassuring smile. “Of course. Welcome to America. You must be exhausted.”

Camilla’s gaze shifted to Charlie, clearly curious.

Max gestured toward Charlie, stepping aside slightly. “Camilla, this is my good friend Charlie Keene. Charlie, this is Camilla Ferraro.”

Charlie extended her hand warmly. “Piacere, Camilla. Welcome.”

Camilla shook her hand, gentle and firm. “Grazie.”

The small figure stepped out from behind Camilla. Eyes wide and watchful, she clutched a small backpack tightly. Her yellow floral dress peeked out from beneath a pale winter coat. She gazed anxiously around the crowded waiting area, clearly overwhelmed.

She was absolutely darling.

Charlie heard Max’s breath catch. He knelt, bringing himself to Bianca’s eye level.

“Ciao, Bianca,” Max said softly. His voice trembled only slightly as he revealed the plush tuxedo cat from behind his back, offering it gently. “Ti ricordi di me?”

Bianca stared at him for a moment, then nodded. “Sei Max. Sì, mi ricordo di te. Mangiavi gli spaghetti in modo buffo, cantavi troppo forte in chiesa, e facevi ridere la mamma."Yes, I remember you. You ate spaghetti funny, sang too loud in church, and made my mom laugh.

Max nodded, relief flooding his expression. “Sì, sono Max.”

Bianca reached out carefully, accepting the stuffed cat and hugging it tightly. Her voice grew even softer, but clear enough that Charlie could hear every word. “Grazie per i soldi che hai mandato così potevo andare a scuola.”Thank you for sending money so I could go to school.She hesitated, looking carefully into his eyes. “Ti manca la mamma?”Do you miss my mom?

Max visibly swallowed, struggling briefly for words. He reached out gently, smoothing Bianca’s hair from her forehead with a tenderness that made Charlie’s throat tighten.

“Tantissimo,” he said.Very much.

Camilla placed a gentle hand on Bianca’s shoulder. “She kept a photo of you and her mother by her bed.”

Bianca’s gaze wandered toward Charlie, who’d stayed slightly apart to give them time. Noticing the flicker of curiosity in Bianca’s eyes, Charlie slowly knelt beside Max, offering a gentle smile.

“Ciao, Bianca. Mi chiamo Charlie. Sono un'amica di Max. Sono molto felice di conoscerti.”Hi, Bianca. My name is Charlie. I’m a friend of Max. I’m very happy to meet you.

The little girl’s eyes widened slightly at Charlie’s easy Italian, and something in her posture relaxed. “Parli italiano?”Do you speak Italian?

“Sì,” Charlie said warmly. “Se vuoi, possiamo parlare insieme.”Yes. If you want, we can talk together.

Bianca studied Charlie, her small face serious as she hugged the stuffed cat tighter. After a quiet moment, she whispered, “Mi piacerebbe.”I would like that.

Charlie glanced sideways at Max, whose eyes were suspiciously bright.

Max stood, clearly regaining his composure as he turnedback toward Camilla. “Are you hungry? We can stop and get something to eat if you’d like.”

Camilla nodded, before glancing down at Bianca. “Maybe just something small. Bianca didn’t eat much on the plane.”

Max picked up Bianca’s suitcase, taking a breath as if gathering strength for what came next. “All right, then. Let’s get you both home.”

Charlie’s chest felt inexplicably tight as she watched Max lead the way out of the airport, Bianca close by his side, clutching the cat.

Camilla fell into step beside Charlie. “Thank you for being here. I can see why Max asked you to come.”

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