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happened with that banker you were seeing?”
     
    Becca’s smile twisted into a grimace. “He wasn’t for me.”
     
    Sophia patted her arm. “I don’t know what’s wrong with these young men.”
     
    Becca shrugged. Maybe it wasn’t them… No, it was just that she hadn’t met the right man yet. She used to think it was her, and her ex-fiancé had agreed, telling her she was too fat, her hair too curly, she was too nice, too sweet. She gripped her mug. One thing Becca could say for her sister Shaina, she’d helped her see how wrong that all was. Shaina’d breezed in on one of her visits, sized up the relationship, and had a long talk with Becca. After that, Becca gathered the courage to break up with her fiancé. And she’d never regretted it. But it was lonely sometimes, especially with all the holiday parties coming up.
     
    “You know, Becca, maybe you and Joey should…”
     
    Becca laughed and set down her cup. “Sophia, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I know we’ve both told you it just won’t ever happen.”
     
    “Never say never. Miracles happen every day—”
     
    “If you believe.” Becca laughed again. It was an old saying in the D’Angelo-DeGrazia clan. And they’d seen their share of miracles. Becca believed, but it hadn’t been her time yet, not for that miracle. She gulped some tea. “So, what are we baking?”
     
    Sophia shook her head with a smile. Sophia wouldn’t be deterred that easily, but she’d taken the hint. “Rolls. And some biscotti for dessert. Doughs are made, but I’d love your help shaping the rolls. You make such pretty twists.”
     
    “Grandma taught me.” Grandma’d taught her a lot, not just domestic skills, but about life, and love. Becca’s parents hadn’t had much time for those lessons.
     
    “She’s a great lady. I was blessed to be raised with so many wonderful women. And I’m blessed still.” Sophia’s smile included Becca.
     
    “Me too. So, full house tonight?”
     
    “Not really. Joey, Vincente, Gina, Grandpop, and Pete.”
     
    Becca crossed her legs. Last time she’d seen Pete, he’d looked at her…strangely. He was a quiet guy, with kind eyes, but that evening, he’d stared at her with something different in his expression, something more than his usual friendly glances.
     
    “That’s like a regular night.” Becca stood and took the mugs to the sink.
     
    “True. There’ll be plenty of us at the party at my dad’s next weekend. And for Christmas.” Sophia joined Becca at the island. “Let’s bake.”
     
    Sophia scooped some biscotti dough and Becca followed suit. She shaped it into a loaf. Biscotti were Pete’s favorite. Her stomach tingled. Becca patted the cookie dough. She didn’t feel anything special for Pete. It was Christmas. A time for warm fuzzy feelings, excitement, joy. Nothing to do with Pete.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
    “Pete, glad you could join us.” Uncle Carlo clapped him on the shoulder. “Everyone’s in the living room.”
     
    Pete nodded and followed Uncle Carlo down the hall. Aunt Sophia’d decorated the place to within an inch of its life, as usual. Pete smiled. It was nice, cheerful.
     
    “Want something to drink?” Uncle Carlo asked as they approached the doorway.
     
    Pete shook his head. They walked in. Joey and Vincente stood by the fireplace and both nodded him a hello. Grandpop sat in an armchair by the couch, where Sophia sat with Gina and Becca. They smiled at him. Becca’s smile made Pete swallow. God, she was sweet, the way her plump lips curved up, her dark, tight curls haloed around her peachy skin.
     
    Uncle Carlo stepped forward.
     
    “I think I’ll grab a beer,” Pete said. His voice sounded like he had a cold. He turned and strode into the kitchen. He wiped his hands on his chinos. No worries—it was just a family dinner. Becca was just Becca. He’d known her for years. Not well, since he, Gianni and his mom had