Chapter Thirty-One

“Thalia?” Amari rubbed Thalia’s shoulder. “Brianna’s up.”

Thalia frowned at Amari. “Is it still dark?”

“It’s better than last year. She was up at four.” Amari held out Thalia’s robe. “Here. I’ll go start the coffee.”

★

In the kitchen, Amari poured herself a cup of coffee. In the spotlight over the garage, a fine shower of snow fell, adding to the three inches that had fallen overnight. Brianna padded into the kitchen with Lucy on her heels. “I called Grammy. She’s on her way.”

Amari placed a platter of home-baked breakfast bars on the table. “Have one and some milk before we start.”

“Merry Christmas!” Cora strode into the kitchen and then nabbed a breakfast bar off the platter. “Please tell me there’s coffee.”

Amari poured a cup of coffee and passed it to her mom. “At least we made it to five.”

“Ms. Thalia!” Brianna scooted out of her chair and took Thalia by the hand. “You have to have a breakfast bar before we open presents.”

Brianna led Thalia to a chair. Amari placed a cup of coffee on the table in front of Thalia.

“Bless you.” Thalia picked up the cup with both hands and sipped it.

“Here.” Brianna pushed the plate of breakfast bars toward her.

“Thank you.” Thalia placed her cup on the table.

“Brianna, honey, sit down. Let Ms. Thalia eat in peace.”

“It’s fine.” Thalia finished her bar in two bites. “I’m ready.”

Amari lifted the pot and refilled Thalia’s cup. “Let’s go.”

Brianna raced from the kitchen with Lucy chasing after her. Cora followed. Amari moved to follow them as Thalia stood and pushed her chair under the table.

“Wait.” Thalia caught Amari’s hand and pulled her into a kiss. “Thank you.”

Amari clasped her arms around Thalia’s waist. “For breakfast?”

“For everything.” Thalia peered into Amari’s eyes. “Would you ever get married again?”

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“On who’s asking.”

“I’m asking.” Thalia reached into her pocket and pulled a small box from her robe pocket. She opened the box. On a silver chain, centered on the velvet, was a small locket shaped like a book. “Would you think about it?”

Amari traced her fingertips over the chain. “Are you asking me to marry you?”

“I’m asking you to be exclusive. I know it’s too soon to ask you to make that kind of decision.”

“Mama! Ms. Thalia! Come on!” Brianna shouted.

“We should go.” Thalia snapped the box closed and shoved it into Amari’s hands.

Amari hauled her back and kissed her. “Nope. You don’t get to semi-propose to me and then run off without a kiss.”

Thalia linked their hands together. “You sure?”

“I’m sure.”

Cora entered the kitchen. “Good. Now that’s settled, get in here, you two, and let this child open her presents.”

Amari turned to her mother. “Mom, were you eavesdropping?”

“Only long enough to know you better say yes when she asks you for real. Now come on. Lucy’s already opened her present.” Cora turned and walked toward the living room.

Amari burst into laughter. “All right, Mom.” She clasped Thalia’s hand and lifted it, and then pressed a kiss over her knuckles. “Yes. Yes, now and forever.”