Sweet Cinderella (A Christmas Novella) (The Klaus Brothers Book 4) by Penny Watson Page B

myself. I only have a few nicks for my efforts.” He splayed out his hands, which were covered with band-aids.
    He was trying so hard.
    “Mommy. Here’s a train for Daddy. Look.”
    Anthony held up a red caboose. David’s name had been carved into the side. It said
Loving Father and Husband.
    A tear slid down her cheek. “Thank you, Gregor.”
    He kissed her tenderly on the forehead. “Of course.” He cleared his throat. “I have something for you, too. Would you like to see it?”
    She nodded, afraid that if she spoke a thousand tears would spill from her eyes.
    Icy cold Gregor Klaus was melting her into a puddle.
    He handed her a small box. “Merry Christmas.” His fingers trembled as he passed her the gift. His face was etched with that desperate, needy look. The one she remembered from the gala. Hannah wanted nothing more than to replace that bleakness with a moment of joy.
    She touched his beard lightly. “I’m sure I’ll love it, no matter what it is.”
    “Open it.” His dark eyes flashed with heat and emotion.
    She opened the box. Hidden in a nest of tissue paper was a bracelet filled with silver charms. Ice skates. Hot chocolate mug. Christmas tree. An angel. An elf. Holly and berries. A tiara. And the final charm was a sparkling candy cane.
    He pulled the bracelet from the box and clasped it around her wrist. “Do you like it?”
    She didn’t even try to hide the tears that were flowing. “I love it. It’s perfect.” It was simple and sweet and symbolized all the important things in their courtship.
    “It means a lot to me. You wearing this bracelet.” Gregor raked his gaze over her face.
    “What—what does it mean?”
    “It means you believe we have a future together. Do you believe that, Hannah? I hope you do.”
    Matteo interrupted the moment. He jumped in front of Gregor with a box. “Here, Gregor. Mom and Anthony and I made this for you.”
    “I—I hope it’s enough . . .” Hannah bit her lip.
    Gregor opened the box and remained silent. Hannah wanted to hide behind the sofa. After he’d presented her with that beautiful bracelet, he must be horribly disappointed with their hand-made gift. Gregor lifted up the framed photo—a picture that a stranger had taken the day they were skating together at Rockefeller Plaza—and cleared his throat. The four of them were red-cheeked and laughing as they struggled to stay upright on the ice. The frame had been decorated with glitter and beads and bits of holiday ribbon. The boys were so proud of it.
    “Do you like it, Gregor?” Anthony asked nervously.
    She was about to step in and smooth over ruffled feathers, when Gregor spoke.
    “I love it. This is the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received.” He opened his arms, and the twins flew into his embrace. He glanced at Hannah with shining eyes. “Thank you.”
    She struggled to speak over the lump in her throat. “You’re welcome.”
    Hannah’s dad clapped his hands. “Enough with the gifts. I’m starving. Who’s ready to eat? Gregor and Sven, I hope you two like a good old-fashioned Christmas dinner.”
    “Can’t wait. I’m starved, too.” Sven fist-bumped Hannah’s dad, and Hannah laughed at the sight.
    “I’m looking forward to everything.”
    Gregor’s words warmed her heart. She knew he meant much more than the dinner.
    Andi found her place at the table. “I get first dibs on the mashed potatoes!” She snagged Hannah by the arm and whispered into her ear, “I like him. Why do you look so nervous?”
    Hannah whispered back. “I’m scared, Andi.”
    “Don’t be afraid to fall in love again. You deserve some happiness in your life.”
    “You’re one to talk. You’ve been avoiding real relationships for years.”
    “Yes, well maybe I was wrong about that.” She kissed Hannah on the cheek.
    “What are you girls whispering about? That’s rude. We have guests.” Hannah’s mom chastised them both.
    “Yeah, let’s eat. We’re hungry!” Matteo agreed.
    The