The Christmas before Bella Catherine’s third birthday, Charles gave me an unexpected present. It was four days before Christmas and I sat with Bella in the parlor, underneath the Christmas tree. “Mum, mummy. Muuuum.” I started, having almost fallen asleep. I looked down at the eager little face.

“Sorry darling. Mommy’s just a little sleepy. What is it?”
“It’s ‘nowing again. Wook mummy, see?” I looked out the window to see that she was right. It was indeed snowing, big fat flakes falling down.
“I see, my pretty kitty.” Bella laughed and I smiled, stretching my hands out to tickle the little girl, who squirmed away squealing. Suddenly the door bell chimed, ringing throughout the manor. I frowned, unsure of who would be here this time of night. I gathered Bella in my arms and stood up, heading out to the foyer. Charles had come down and was standing by the stairs, watching the butler hustle to answer the door. “Who could be calling at this hour?”  I asked.

“Your present.” Charles answered. I raised my eyebrows but I had no time to question this before the butler opened the door.
“Some service you have here Soph! We’re freezing our tails off!”
“Dad? Mom! Oh my god!” I quickly transferred Bella to Florence and rushed to hug them, throwing my arms around them as they stepped inside. They hugged me in return, snow dripping down and mingling with the tears. After all, I hadn’t seen my parents for nearly four years. After much hugging and laughing, she released them, allowing them to give their coats to the butler. As they did so, I realized that Bella was watching the whole thing with wide eyes, her little brow furrowed in confusion. I smiled, taking her back from Florence.

“Mummy, who are dey?”
“This is my mummy and daddy, love. Your grandma and grandpa.” I slowly approached my parents, not wanting to scare the toddler. “Mom, Dad…this is Bella Catherine.” My mother’s eyes sparkled with tears as she smiled.
“Bella…can I hold you sweetie?” Bella looked hesitant, turning her head to frown at me, and I nodded in encouragement. Bella nodded solemnly, allowing the stranger to lift her from my arms. Dad leaned over mom’s shoulder to smile at his granddaughter.

“Sophie, she looks just like you.” I quickly shook my head, not wanting for Charles to be offended and ruin this moment.
“No, not her eyes.”
“I have Daddy’s eyes!” Bella chirped proudly.
“That you do, darling.” My mother said, smiling gently. “Your grandpa has a little bit of green in his eyes, see?” Dad widened his eyes like a doe, making the little girl giggle. “But there’s brown too. Know what we call that, Bella?”
“Nuh uh.” She replied, shaking her head and making her tiny curls bounce.
“Hazel. Grandpa has hazel eyes.” Just like Sean, I thought sadly. My father would have liked Sean. Always one to jolt people back to reality, Charles cleared his throat and stepped forward, hands folded behind his back.

“You will be staying in the guest suite. Florence, show them their room.” The maid nodded, moving towards the stairs.
“Would you like to show us the room, Bella?” The little girl nodded happily, already in love with her grandparents.
“Yeth! I can show you my woom too!” I watched them disappear upstairs before I turned to Charles, arching a brow.
“Happy Christmas.” He said, with little emotion. “I’m going to bed, don’t make a ruckus.”

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