"What did you get, Cass?" Aurora turns to where Cass has torn open an envelope and is holding up a sheet of paper.
"It's a one-week all-expenses-paid vacation to a hot springs spa," Cass murmurs.
"Not just any spa; the best spa in all of Europe." Nonna sniffs. "You didn't think I'd let you go anywhere else, did you?"
"Thank you, Nonna." Cass beams. "I am going to enjoy myself."
"You bet you will." Nonna turns to us. "Boys, you haven't opened your gifts yet."
I open the wrapping paper and find a pair of cufflinks. The design is the Sovrano crest, the metal slightly worn with age. I glance around to find each of my brothers have received a similar pair.
"Some of them belonged to your grandfather and others to his father." Nonna's voice softens. "Your grandfather loved wearing them and had them created at different times in his life. I know that, other than Michael and Massimo, the rest of you don't often wear cufflinks, but I hope this will inspire you to remember your family's legacy."
"You didn't give these to our father?" I ask.
Nonna's features shutter. "It didn’t seem right." She firms her lips. "Oh, I tried to bring myself to give them to him, but somehow..." She shakes her head. "Somehow I couldn't." She glances around the table. "Now I know why that was so; I was saving them for my grandsons. I know you will all make me proud."
"And now, it's our turn." Michael rises from his seat and walks over to Nonna. He pulls out a package from the inside of his coat pocket and holds it out to her.
"What is this?" Nonna glances up at him.
"This is from all of us."
"Hmph." Nonna frowns. "I did say, no gifts."
"You didn't think we were going to let you gift us all and not get something in return."
"At my age, I do all the giving." She laughs. "But if you insist—"
"I do." Michael's lips curve.
"So do I." I thump the table with my palm.
"And I!" Seb pipes up.
"And I," the others echo our words.
A blush steals over Nonna's face. "You children…" Her throat moves as she swallows. "You shouldn't have." She accepts the package from Michael.
"Go on," I urge her, "open it."
"Yes, open it," Aurora adds. We glance at each other, and once more, our gazes catch and hold. How is it that she fits so easily into my life and with my family? How is it that she seems so right where she is... Well, it would help if she were seated closer, but there's something to be said about being able to look across the table and see her. It puts her just out of reach, and that makes it so much more exciting. As if she's caught the train of my thoughts, Aurora flushes; she looks over to where Nonna unwraps the package.
"Oh," she folds her palms together, "it's beautiful." She laughs. "I can't believe you got this for me."
"Wear it, wear it." Theresa literally jumps up and down on the chair in excitement.
"Should I?" Nonna glances around the table? "Should I really wear it?"
"Yes!" Karma claps her hands together. "You should."
"You absolutely should," Aurora agrees.
Nonna picks the tiara from out of its box and holds it up. The light shines through the gaps between the delicate filigree work. "It's gorgeous," she whispers.
"May I?" Michael takes it from Nonna and places it on her head. "Every queen should have one." He bends and kisses her cheek. "You look magnificent."
Nonna's chin wobbles. "You children are going to make me cry."