Page 61 of Christmas Treasures

“I need a favor,” Charlie said, throat tight.

“Anything. You okay?”

“I want to decorate for Christmas. Tonight. I want to make it warm and joyful. Can you help? This is an emergency.”

Nina paused for only a heartbeat. “I’ll be right over.”

Charlie closed her eyes, relief washing through her.

Maybe she couldn’t erase the past. But she could step forward, toward joy, toward Max—on her own terms this time.

And this Christmas, she would finally reclaim what had been lost.

Charlie welcomed Nina inside,taking note of the copious bags hanging from her arms. Behind Nina came Ivy, clipboard in hand. Following her marched a parade of helpers, each laden with decorations and hauling two massive Fraser firs.

“Two trees?” Charlie asked.

“Absolutely two,” Nina said, directing traffic like a runway controller. “You have some making up to do, so we have to go all out.”

Charlie fought anxiety as she watched more packages appear, filled with ribbons, garlands, lights, and ornaments. There were stacks of Christmas throw pillows, stockings, napkins, special Christmas dishes and glasses andtablecloths. Nina had even found the cutest elf salt and pepper shakers.

“Nina, this might be a little over-the-top,” Charlie said.

“No way. Go big or go home, baby,” Nina said. She gestured dramatically around the room. “This is going to look amazing. Just think of Bianca’s face when she sees it.”

“Yeah, okay, that helps.” Charlie smiled back at her enthusiastic friend.

Ivy appeared, looking ready for battle. “Let’s do this.”

Hours later, Charlie’s house looked as if Christmas had exploded. She stood in the middle of her living room, taking it all in, amazed by what Ivy and her helpers had created. A grand evergreen wreath adorned the white-paneled wall above the fireplace, its lush foliage studded with bright red berries. Below, red-and-cream stockings hung from the pale wooden mantel waiting to be filled. The mantel itself overflowed with greenery, miniature pine trees, and candles of varying heights—some red, some white, all casting a gentle flickering light that danced across the room.

Christmas trees stood tall on either side of the fireplace, branches adorned with twinkling lights and crimson ornaments that matched the theme throughout the room.

Now all it needed were some wrapped presents for Bianca and Max to open on Christmas Day. God willing, they would accept her invitation. She knew she had work to do to get them to trust her again, but she had to win them back. Whatever it took. Even a houseful of Christmas decorations.

She picked up her phone to text Max.

If you and Bianca aren’t busy tonight, I’d love to show you something. Dinner at 6? I’ll leave the porch light on.

Her heart thudded in her chest as she waited for a response. Then, almost immediately, a reply appeared.

We’ll be there.

Charlie let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding and smiled. Her fingertips trembled against the screen as she composed her reply:

Perfect. I can’t wait to see you both.

Right at six,a sweep of headlights across the window told her they’d arrived. She’d almost believed they might not come after all. But here they were. Ready for her to apologize and make everything right.

When she pulled open the door, Max stood framed in darkness, snowflakes melting in his dark hair, his gaze meeting hers. She detected no malice or even trepidation. He was simply Max. Forgiving, generous, supportive. Beside him, Bianca looked up, her small hand clasped in his, her expression transforming into one of awe as she peered beyond Charlie into the glowing interior.

“Come inside, I have a surprise.” Charlie beckoned them into the foyer and then led them to the living room. “Nina and Ivy helped me to make it special. What do you think?”

Bianca twirled in a circle, clearly taking everything in. “Charlie, Christmas is here. È bellissimo.” She moved from decoration to decoration, exclaiming over each one.

Max’s expression was equally awestruck. “You didn’t have to do all this.”

“I wanted to.” Charlie patted the sofa, asking Bianca to come sit by her. The child did as she asked, folding her hands in her lap like the little angel she was. Charlie spoke in English. “I’m sorry for how I acted. It was a terrible way to be when you and Max have done nothing but show me kindness.” The child looked confused, so she repeated it in Italian.

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