Page 33 of One Naughty Christmas Night

“I’m fine.” She patted Victoria’s hand, resting on the couch.

I don’t believe that for a minute.

“I do have to say, though, that Sammy said something very interesting at breakfast this morning,” she said. “I have no idea where it’s coming from either.”

“Did she?” Victoria asked, her dark brow arching.

“She did,” Valentina replied, shifting. “However, it was more of a question as opposed to a statement.”

“How interesting. Sammy has been full of interesting questions the last few days. I wonder why that is.”

Victoria’s curiosity rose, getting the better of her when she asked, “Has Quinn been putting ideas into her head lately?”

Valentina’s eyebrows scrunched together, her lips turning down. “If he has, I’ll be upset with him. I’ve told him many a time not to do that.”

Silence fell between them, Victoria breaking it with a question of her own.

“What did she ask, if I may?”

“She asked if Heath loved you like Quinn and I love one another.”

Victoria sucked in a breath, her heart in her stomach. “What did Heath say?”

“He said he loved you, but not in the same way that Quinn and I do.”

A mixture of relief and sadness filled Victoria, and she did her best to keep the disappointment from her face.

“Are you all right, Victoria?” she asked.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry,” she replied, patting her knee.

She didn’t look totally convinced, so Victoria pasted on a smile.

“I’m completely well, I assure you. Just curious about where she might have gotten that impression from.”

“Well, children are very observant, so she is probably curious. You and Heath are often together, as Quinn and I are.”

She and Heath spent every hour they could together. He was a wonderful person to spend time with, after all. He was kind to everyone, even when he was upset with them. He was smart and much better at figures than she was and often could tell what she was thinking by the look on her face.

He was also her biggest support, especially in times of trouble.

Do I love Heath? Of course, I love him, but am I in love with him?

She waited for the dreadful feeling she got whenever marriage to a man was mentioned and was surprised when it didn’t come.

Does that mean you love him?

Willie interrupted her thoughts, calling for everyone to join her by the tree.

***

A little while later, opened gifts sat stacked next to everyone, the room filled with happy chatter.

Willie and the Duke stood next to Quinn and Valentina, her parents discussing the pocket watch Quinn got from his wife.

Sammy sat on the floor in front of the small table in front of Victoria, playing with her brand-new doll.

“Hello there,” Heath said, joining Victoria on the couch.