‘IT’S MY TURN for cuddles.’ Roberto Baresi took his granddaughter from Gigi’s aching arms and planted a big kiss on baby Chiara Alessia Giada Beaufort-Baresi’s chubby cheek. ‘Who’s a lovely girl, then?’
‘Who is he and what has he done with my father?’ Dom whispered once their father was out of earshot over the other side of the room. They were all crammed into the antechamber on the second floor of the palace. The noise was reaching fever pitch inside, matching the crowds down below.
Giada made a feeble attempt to hush her inside guests. ‘Thank you for coming. All of you. It’s been a very special Christmas and...er... coronation...’ Because why have one celebration when you can have two? ‘I’m so glad we got to share it all with you. Thank you for everything. Now drink!’
Gigi laughed as she looked at the smiling faces, her heart so full of love and joy and hope. Domenico had come over from Seattle with Emilia, married now and settled together. After Gigi’s announcement, the news had broken about his true identity and for a few weeks there’d been a buzz, but it had all died down. They were very happy, she could see. Still competing, still working, still very good friends.
He’d forgiven both her and Lucas for their relationship...but it had taken a few weeks for their happy equilibrium to right itself.
Dom had brought Max Granger and Ayanna Franklin over for the holidays. They’d finally admitted they were an item and Ayanna was happily planning their wedding. More fun!
Logan had come too...back to see his old boss, bringing his son, little Jamie, and his wife Kat, the nurse who’d first seen Giada after the accident. And they’d shared the happy news that they would soon be adopting. Another baby.
Gigi put down her champagne glass and smoothed her dress. ‘Right, how do I look?’
‘Very regal.’ Emilia straightened Gigi’s purple sash. ‘Oh, your crown’s a bit crooked.’
‘Story of my life.’ Gigi laughed as she put her hands onto the precious crystals and diamonds and tried to fix it.
‘Wait...let me.’ Lucas stepped in front of her and her heart leapt as it always did. He pressed a kiss to her cheek then did something to her crown and it felt straight and right. He slipped his hand into hers. ‘I love you, Queen Gigi.’
Oh, he did, she was utterly and totally convinced of that. And he couldn’t be a better father. Although the hospital work was mostly what was keeping him sane.
‘Ma’am. It’s time.’ The footman drew back the heavy velvet drapes and the sound from the crowd intensified.
‘Oh, wait... Chiara... I’d better take her. Come on, Lucas. It’s showtime.’
‘I prefer bedtime, but there it is,’ he whispered against her throat. And she felt the thrill of anticipation shiver through her. There was so much love. She was so damned lucky.
Then they stepped out onto the balcony and a roar erupted from the crowd. Giada waved with her baby-free hand and knew that happiness radiated from her. Her heart was full.
She had her family, her country, her baby. And her husband by her side. For ever.
Welcome to the Royal Christmas at Seattle General quartet!
Falling for the Secret Prince
by Alison Roberts
Neurosurgeon’s Christmas to Remember
by Traci Douglass
The Bodyguard’s Christmas Proposal
by Charlotte Hawkes
The Princess’s Christmas Baby
by Louisa George
All available now!
Keep reading for an excerpt from Christmas Under the Northern Lights by Annie O’Neil.