Page 40 of Christmas Treasures

Max held Bianca’s hand as they approached the small wooden gift shop beside the barn. He suggested they go in and pick out a few new ornaments. Camilla translated this to Bianca.

The child seemed intrigued by the idea as they stepped through the door of the shop. She held up her nose, sniffing the air that smelled of cinnamon and fresh gingerbread. Another thing he hadn’t truly noticed in years. Experiencing the world through the eyes of a child was a remarkable gift. One he’d not fully anticipated.

Shelves were lined with hand-carved reindeer, delicate glass ornaments, painted snowflakes, quilted stockings, and miniature Nativity sets. A small display near the counter offered fresh gingerbread men and women with smiling faces and dustings of sugar that sparkled under the lights.

Bianca wandered, stopping to peer at certain items. Her gloved fingers traced the edge of a snowflake carved from wood. She paused at a small table filled with ornaments.

“You may choose two,” Max said, crouching beside her.

Her gaze slid across the table before she pointed to a simple ceramic angel, hand-painted in white and gold. “This one…è come la nonna.”It’s like Grandma.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Yes, it is.”

The second ornament Bianca chose was a small glass heart with swirls of red and green encased inside, and aribbon looped at the top. “For Mamma.” This was said in English.

“We’ll hang it near the top of the tree. Where the light hits it best.” Max swiped at the corners of his eyes. This little girl was too precious for this world. He vowed right then and there to keep her safe. No matter the cost to himself.

Bianca gave a small nod, then tucked the heart against her chest for a moment.

They wandered through the rest of the shop. Bianca stopped in front of a Nativity set displayed on a small wooden table. Each figure was hand-carved with smooth, rounded features and soft, earthy tones. The stable was a pale weathered blue, its roof topped with a delicate star. Mary and Joseph gazed down at the babe in the manger. Around them, shepherds and animals gathered—a kneeling sheepdog, lambs nestled together, a curly-haired boy with a bundle of wool, and a donkey. Overhead, two angels hovered mid-flight, wire wings delicate, their hands holding trumpets or tiny gifts. One angel leaned forward, as though whispering good news to the world below.

Bianca stepped closer. "A casa, avevamo sempre un presepe."At home, we always had a Nativity set.She traced the baby’s cradle with the tip of her finger. "Posso averne uno anche qui?"Can I have one here too?

“I think that sounds like a great idea,” Max said. His mother was going to love this girl.

Bianca was all sweetness and love. How cruel that she’d lost both her mother and grandmother. But now she had him. And his family. That counted for something. He was about to suggest they head out to find the tree when movement at the front door caught his eye. He turned to see Charlie standing there, looking pale and shaky. But she was there nonetheless.

Bianca squealed and ran toward her, throwing her arms around Charlie’s knees and speaking rapidly in Italian.

Charlie squatted down to the child’s level, replying in Italian. Camilla had wandered off to look around but came back to greet Charlie with a warm smile.

“I didn’t think you could come,” Max said.

“I thought Bianca might need me,” Charlie said. “And it felt selfish to stay away.”

Max moved closer, speaking softly in her ear. “Is that the only reason?”

She met his gaze, a pretty flush on her cheeks. “It might have something to do with you too.”

“Regardless, I’m glad you’re here.” Max discreetly brushed his hand against hers. “Really glad.”

“Me too,” Charlie said.

He told all three of the ladies that he would pay for their items and meet them at the hot cider stand. They agreed, all chattering in Italian as they exited the store.

He smiled to himself as he headed toward the checkout line.

10

CHARLIE

When Max joined them, his purchases in hand, Camilla said she would sit by the bonfire instead of joining them for the tree hunt, complaining of aching feet. “I’ll watch from here.”

Bianca nodded solemnly, as if accepting a sacred mission. “Va bene. Troveremo il migliore.”Okay. We’ll find the best one.

The child took off down the first row of trees. Charlie stayed back with Max, smiling at the excited, bounding girl.

Bianca stopped at each tree. Studied them. Tipped her head thoughtfully, and then put her ear near a low-hanging branch.

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