Page 18 of One Naughty Christmas Night

“…and a partridge in a pear tree!”

Victoria, Heath, and Samantha dissolved into laughter as they stepped into the castle, coming to the end of their song.

“Let me take your coat,” Heath said, leaning down to help Samantha with hers.

Victoria waited, watching the little girl whisper something to Heath. His eyes widened, and he whispered something back, their brief interlude turning into a conversation.

“Is there something I should know?” she asked, interrupting them. They both looked at her, Samantha’s dark curls bouncing as she shook her head.

“She was curious about something, and I think I answered her question. Right?” He tugged her jacket from her, handing it to the maid who appeared.

“Thank you,” Victoria said, undoing the clasps on her coat. Heath pulled it from her shoulders, handing it to the maid.

“The families are waiting in the parlor for all of you, miss,” the maid said, dipping into a curtsy before she disappeared.

“Let’s go, Samantha,” Victoria said, nudging her forward with a hand at her back.

“Wait,” she said, halting in the middle of the hall. “I have a question.”

Victoria’s brows shot high. “Do you?”

More bouncing curls, this time with her nod.

Victoria bent at the knees, taking her small hands in hers. “Anything for you, darling.”

“Do you love Uncle Heath?” she asked, looking at Heath, then back at her.

“Of course I do, dear. He’s my best friend.”

“And that’s why you spend so much time together,” she stated, flouncing off down the hall.

Victoria straightened and crossed her arms, looking at Heath. “That was very odd.”

Heath held his arm to her. “It was, indeed.”

They met Sammy at the parlor door, the little girl positively brimming with excitement.

“Do you think they have hot chocolate?” Victoria asked, Sammy’s eyes going as round as saucers.

“Go on,” Heath encouraged.

She pushed open the parlor door to reveal the party, gathered around a set of chocolate cups.

“Oh look, they knew we were coming!” Victoria exclaimed as Sammy ran into the room. Quinn scooped her onto his lap to assist her with a cup.

“Heath darling, sit here,” Willie said, motioning to him to join her.

Victoria joined her mother on the sofa, taking the cup of chocolate she handed her.

Contentment welled up, her shoulders relaxing against the soft silk sofa behind her. Soft chatter filled the room, the families enjoying each other’s company.

“I’m happy you’re back, dear,” her mother said, setting her hand on Victoria’s.

“I’m happy to be back,” she replied with a small squeeze of her mother’s hand. “It was dreadfully cold outside, so I’m glad to be back inside where it’s nice and warm.”

“Are you excited about Christmas?” her mother asked. “I heard Heath got you something fantastic this year.”

She leaned close to Victoria, her breath against her ear. “Willie said nothing else compares to it. Even our gift for you.”