Novel & Cerita Elin Hilderbrand Christmas Series

“You don’t know when to quit, do you?” Fred shook his head, his grin widening. “Nope, sir. I believe that Christmas brings miracles, and you, sir, are in desperate need of one. I just know it.” I shook my head in disbelief, unable to decide if his optimism was endearing or downright maddening. “You’re impossible, Fred.” He shrugged, clearly unfazed. “It’s part of my charm, sir.” For a moment, there was silence as I weighed my options. Then, almost hesitantly, I spoke. “Anyway... uh, do you still... have the... number of... the second lady I went on a date with?”

Mother reached for me again, but I sidestepped her and headed for the front, where Claire was standing near the altar. “Savannah,” she said, catching my hands. Her palms were damp. “You made Hilda fly all the way over here? She’s an old lady!” I hissed. “It’s a twenty-hour flight! At least!” “She insisted,” Claire said quietly. “We keep in touch, you know. Her grandson helps her with the internet.” Before I could reply, a small, bird-like hand touched my arm. I turned, and Hilda was there. I hugged her, feeling her shoulder blades sharp under my hands. This close she smelled like vanilla and cinnamon, the same as she had all those years ago.

The drive back from the marina was conducted in a heavy, strained silence. Cami sat in the back of the SUV with Ariana, her hand tightly gripping Ariana’s as if she were afraid her friend might vanish if she let go. Mateo drove, his eyes fixed on the road, his reflection in the rearview mirror a constant, watchful presence. When they finally entered the foyer of the mansion, the festive Christmas decorations—the towering tree, the garlands, the flickering candles—seemed mocking. The "perfect family Christmas" Cami had envisioned was a fractured mess.

Hilda was a sweet girl Christine had met at the company branch in the small town and she was down to earth and very welcoming. "Hilda—" Christine started with a sigh but Hilda snatched the envelope from the table and glared at her. "If you don't open if, I will and you won't like it! Come on Christine," she whined like a child. Christine laughed at her antics and she raised her hands in surrounder. "Fine, bring it here," she motioned for Hilda to pass the envelope back to her and she happily passed it. Christine took the envelope and tore it open. It was a letter as usual and she groaned at the long paragraphs.

Ace and Chloe beamed at their mother and hugged her waist. "We love you, mom!" They simultaneously uttered causing everyone in the room to smile at the heartfelt moment. The moment was halted, however, when there was a knock on the door. Victoria came in and congratulated the bride. Hilda thanked her and Victoria insisted that she opened the gifts of boxes and wear the accessories on her special day. Hilda opened the rectangular box and found a silver necklace on it with a red gem in the middle. She opened the squared box and found matching earrings that went along with it. "These look absolutely wonderful." She said in adoration.

And Noah, in front of everyone, let go of my hand to pass a gift box to Heidi. "Heidi, your Christmas present." Heidi excitedly tore it open. When she pulled out the worn pocket watch inside, she pouted. "Noah, you're so rich. Why are you giving me something this old?" Noah smiled without answering. But I froze completely. I'd seen that pocket watch before, in the portrait of Noah's late father.

“Emilia.” My heart melted immediately. “Emilia,” I repeated, totally love the names. Aldrich nodded warmly. “Beautiful.” Lilith looked unbelievably proud like she had just accomplished the greatest achievement in history. I gasped when I do not seem to have any recollection of how long I had passed out. “Oh my God. Did I miss Christmas?!” Aldrich looked serious. “Well… We're already in the new year.” My face instantly dropped. “What?!”

Laila froze. Her eyes went wide, shoulders tensing as if someone had reached inside her chest and squeezed. For a split second, the room felt too small, the air too tight. "What?" she asked, voice sharp with disbelief. Mariah shrugged from her spot on the bed, propped against a pile of pillows like she had all the time in the world. Her expression was far too amused for Laila's liking. "I'm just saying," she drawled. "You're stressed about Christmas Eve, you're stressed about being alone with Jordan, and every time that wannabe Barbie comes up, you look like you're two seconds from committing a felony."

Julia I stand back and watch Riley and Nina put the final touches on the Christmas tree, and then he pulls out a Christmas angel to sit on the top. "Would you like to put this on the top of the tree, Princess?" Nina is still bouncing on her toes. I swear the girl hasn’t stopped since she found out that we had the tree.