Sammy's notes: Well we've been planning this moment for a long time and it's finally here. Christmas at Nonna's! Mari and Ilna—you are both such a source of joy and positivity in my life that I am out of adjectives to describe just how amazing you both are. Smart, funny, insightful, supportive and so much more. Definitely the awesomest awesome that ever awesomed—and then some.

Sandy—Every time I think we've been through it all something new happens. Thanks for being there and being equally willing to share the smiles and the tears.

REAL Worlders—you guys are AMAZING! I hope you enjoy Christmas at Nonna's.

Mari's Notes: This was a labor of love in so many ways. I love Sammy & Ilna like family and am honored to call them my friends. Ilna, your hard work on this story was invaluable and our Skype sessions are such a source of fun and joy. You are such a good friend and are so often a source of light that you brighten my days with every email. You are a very special person, thank you for your friendship, and thank you for sharing your wonderful family with us.

Sammy, one of the first things we said to each other when we decided to move forward with the undertaking of the REAL World was, "We can send them to Nonna's for Christmas!" Followed shortly by, "We can give them a dog!" Well, mission accomplished, Bravo Zulu! And it's only just begun. You are so much a part of my life that this year has simply flown by. It was last December when we first got in touch, and I feel as though we've been friends forever. You never fail to be a source of friendship, support and laughter. So, so much laughter. Thank you for that, always!

REAL McRollers, readers, guests, your support, kindness and love of the REAL world is a gift to all three of us every single day. Knowing you enjoy our work and love and respect Steve and Catherine as much as we do brings us such joy, so thank you! Happy Holidays to those who celebrate and Happy Healthy New Year to all! Xo Mari

And now, McRoll in the REAL World proudly presents …

The Twelve Days of Nonna Christmas
Family Traditions Old & New (Chapter 1)

Nonna's House

Tuesday December 23rd
1:15 P.M.

Considering the number of people filling every corner of Newark airport, passengers arriving, travelers departing and airport personnel trying their best to keep everything moving as smoothly as possible, Steve, Danny, Catherine and Grace managed to collect their luggage, secure a rental car and make it out of the airport and to Nonna's in near record time.

As the rental car pulled into the driveway Nonna was waiting at the front door wearing a huge smile. "Bambina," she said excitedly as she opened the storm door.

Grace jumped out of the car and bounded up the stairs to meet her great grandmother.

"Nonna," she squealed as she wrapped the older woman in a fierce hug. "We're here!"

"I see that," Nonna laughed joyfully. "And I'm so glad. I've been counting the days."

"Me too!" Grace replied.

Catherine grabbed her carry on and Grace's and headed for the house while Steve and Danny retrieved the rest of the luggage from the trunk.

"There's my gorgeous girl," Nonna said as Catherine reached the door and was immediately enveloped in a hug. "You must be exhausted after such a long flight."

"Thanks again for inviting us," Catherine said as she gratefully accepted the hug. "We definitely didn't sleep much on the plane. We were all too excited about the trip."

"And I am excited to have you," Nonna said sincerely as Catherine stepped into the foyer and dropped the carry-ons.

"And there are my handsome boys," Nonna threw her arms open as Steve and Danny entered the house with the luggage. "Put those suitcases down and give me a hug."

Both men did as they were told with huge smiles.

"I wasn't sure whether you'd be more tired or hungry when you arrived," Nonna fussed as she closed the front door and turned to the weary travelers. "So I made a little food but it can all wait and be warmed up later if you'd like to take a quick nap first."

"But we just got here," Grace said with a slight whine.

"I know, Angel." Nonna ran her hand affectionately over Grace's hair. "But I also know that you, my little one, don't sleep on planes. So between the all night flight and the time change I want to make sure we get this vacation off on the right foot. So maybe … just for Nonna … you can grab a short nap?"

"That actually doesn't sound like a bad idea," Danny yawned. "I think I could use one myself."

"It's settled then. Everyone is in the same room they were in last time," Nonna smiled. "Take your things, freshen up, take a quick nap and I'll finish up getting some food together. I'll meet you in the kitchen when you wake up."

/

3:45 P.M.

After sleeping for about two hours Steve and Catherine got up feeling fully refreshed and joined Nonna in the kitchen where she was laying out what she called 'a little food' but was actually enough to feed the neighborhood. Danny joined them soon after and they dug into the spread Nonna had prepared. There were hearty chunks of provolone and Romano cheese, mozzarella balls, several kinds of olives and assorted freshly baked bread served alongside Pancetta and prosciutto cold cuts, roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts. Thirty minutes later Grace entered the kitchen and announced she was rested and ready to go.

They ate their fill, with Nonna encouraging them to eat just a little more, and then Steve and Danny cleaned up the dishes and discussed the best place to acquire one last gift Steve wanted to buy while Nonna, Catherine and Grace stepped into the living room to finalize their plans for the evening.

As Steve put the last of the dishes away Danny read a text with a frown, "So, according to my brother-in-law, the Army/Navy Store in Belleville is out of business," he told Steve while Grace and Catherine headed upstairs to change for baking with Nonna. "That means our best shot is Kaufman's in the city. Biggest store around." He looked at his best friend sincerely. "We had an ten hour flight today, Steve. You guys got her other gifts, probably too many if I know the two of you, and I know my sister left a coat here that'll fit Grace …"

"No." Steve stopped his partner with a headshake and a look of determination Danny was well acquainted with. "I'm getting Gracie a Navy pea coat. Give me the address for Kaufman's, I'll go now."

Danny smiled at the man who he'd once busted for not having a 'way with kids'. Steve was the best uncle Grace could ever hope for. "Okay, okay, grab your stuff. I'll drive."

"Danny, I can …"

"You can let me drive you in. It's across from Port Authority, where I picked you and Catherine up last summer. I'll drop you off and look for a lot." Steve followed Danny to the closet in the front hall where Danny began pulling out their winter gear.

"But you should stay and visit with Nonna," Steve glanced up as Nonna approached.

"Where are my boys off to?"

"I want to get another gift for Gracie, I was just telling Danny he should stay and visit …" Steve explained.

"And I was telling Steve it's in the city," Danny countered, "so it's faster if I drive him in. There may be no parking this close to Christmas and even if I badge 'em there may literally be nowhere to leave the car."

Nonna smiled at her 'boys'. "So adorable, you two are. Steven, Daniel's right. We have plenty of time to visit when you get back. I'll be baking with Catherine and the bambina, anyway."

As if her words summoned them, Catherine and Grace came down the stairs. "Where ya goin'?" Catherine saw Steve and Danny donning gloves and scarves.

"We need to make a quick run. Grace, help Nonna get ready to bake in the kitchen, okay?" Danny kissed his daughter.

"Okay. I was just telling Auntie Cath how we cool the knot cookies out on the back porch …" Grace kissed her dad and turned to kiss Steve. "See you later!"

She literally bounced off towards the kitchen.

Catherine waited until Grace was out of sight before she whispered, "Operation Pea Coat?"

Both men nodded and Catherine turned to Nonna, "Grace really liked the Navy issue pea coats she saw in a picture of me and Steve from our Academy days."

"And I want her to have one," Steve confirmed.

"And it has to be regulation Navy because he's a crazy person." Danny added with a smile.

"Ah. Then go." Nonna grinned. "We'll be ready for dinner when you get back." She motioned to each man in turn to bend so she could give them a kiss.

"Dinner?" Steve asked with a smile. "What was that we just ate?"

"That was just a little something to hold you over," Nonna patted his cheek. "After your flight. We'll eat a proper dinner later after you get back. With cookies for dessert."

"If there's any left ..." Catherine teased.

"You save me some cookies, Rollins!" Steve pointed at his grinning girlfriend.

"We'll see …" she winked at Nonna. Steve bent to kiss her goodbye and she smiled into the quick peck.

Steve said, "Love you. We won't be too long."

Nonna's delighted gasp was lost in Catherine's "Love you. Don't be gone past the cookies cooling or I can't guarantee saving you any …"

Nonna exchanged a look of pure delight with her grandson and Danny grinned at her as he followed Steve outside.

Catherine closed the door against the cold and was locking it when she turned to see Nonna's beaming smile and knowing look. "Nonna?"

"That's wonderful."

"The pea coat idea? That was all Steve's; Grace said she wished it was cold enough for a coat like that because she'd love one and …"

"No, Bella …" Nonna shook her head and motioned at Catherine and then out through the window at Steve, who was gesturing in the driveway while Danny was adamantly pointing to the passenger side of the rental car.

"Oh!" Catherine broke into a smile of her own as she realized what Nonna was reacting to. Her eyes lit. "Yeah."

"You stayed here for days and I was in Hawaii, and while anyone could see how much in love you two are, that …" Nonna pointed at her, "was the very first time I've heard it said out loud. Sooo?"

"I …. Steve just …" Catherine shrugged with a delighted look on her face. "He just … said it." While Catherine was always beautiful, the light in her eyes at the recollection made her more so. "We were training Cammie on the beach and he just said, 'Cath? I love you.' Just like that." She still felt almost giddy at the memory.

Nonna clapped with glee. "And?"

"And I told him I knew. I'd always known." She looked in Nonna's eyes. "We've never been the types for flowery words, but that doesn't mean I didn't know," she explained. "But when I said I loved him, that I always have, Steve actually looked … relieved … and so happy. As happy as I've ever seen him." Her eyes sparkled. "Then five or six times that night, he'd just look up from whatever he was doing and say, 'I love you, Catherine,' like once the dam burst he kinda liked saying it."

Nonna clapped with unbridled joy. "Aha! And it's just that simple, Bella. How very much like Steven. Like you both. Just … no false, put-on airs, just love." She reached up to place a hand on Catherine's cheek. "I knew it. From the minute I saw you, I knew it. I would have, even if Daniel hadn't told me from the start. But hearing you two just now," Nonna took Catherine's hand in both of hers. "Makes the start of the holidays even more perfect."

Seeing Nonna's genuine joy for her and Steve, Catherine wrapped her in a hug. "Thanks for that … just thank you."

"I love you both, Sweetheart, and I want you to be happy. I know you and Steven are happy so I'm happy, too."

Just then, Grace's voice called out, "Nonna? Auntie Cath? I have all the ingredients lined up in order and I got the cookie sheets out, but I can't lift the Kitchen Aid."

Both women laughed.

"Coming, mio bambina!" "We'll be right there; don't try to lift it, I'll get it." They answered in unison as Nonna wrapped an arm around Catherine's waist and they walked into the kitchen.

/

West 42nd Street, NY, NY

Danny grinned as he pulled the car into a spot a block from where he'd let Steve out. He'd finally convinced his grumbling partner he should drive because if he couldn't get a parking spot he'd just circle until Steve called him, but he'd actually found one fairly quickly.

He hit speed dial for Steve.

"On my way in. Remember do not tell anyone in that store you're a Navy SEAL. We wanna get back to Nonna's before New Year's Eve."

"Yeah, okay, Danny. I'm in the back of the store." Steve ended the call as a salesperson move toward him.

When Danny entered and strode past the array of customers in varying degrees of military garb, he spotted a grinning Steve McGarrett holding up a black wool coat.

"Danny!" Steve hoisted the garment up a few inches as his best friend got closer. "Will this fit Gracie?"

Danny took the coat and held it out. "It's a little big, which is perfect. She can use it for a year or more if it's got growing room. And she'll pile sweaters under it. She's going to London with Rachel for five days in February and they have a trip to Michigan coming up to see Rachel's' college roommate who moved to the States. She needs a warm coat for both trips."

A bearded man headed right for them until he was distracted by a young man asking about gas masks and Sarin gas. Danny nodded. "Lenny's been here since I was in high school. Really nice guy but a little … interesting. Tends to go on."

"And you'd know nothing about going on …" Steve raised an eyebrow.

"Bite me, Steven. I meant if you ask him about an Army item you're getting a dissertation."

"I repeat …" Steve started as the man approached.

"So? What do you think?" Lenny regarded Danny and Steve.

"Where'd you get a coat this small?" Danny asked.

"It was cut down from a regulation coat for an Admiral's kid. When he grew out of it, it ended up passed down and eventually here. It's in great shape. You won't find another one that size for your kid. Usually goes for a hundred and thirty, you can have it for a hundred."

"Steve …" Danny started, and before his partner could suggest it was too expensive a gift, Steve said, "I'll take it."

"Steve …" He repeated.

"Danny …"

Danny opened his mouth about to protest, but he when saw the look of joy finding that coat for his daughter put on his best friend's face, he closed it without speaking. He knew how happy Grace's emulating Steve and Catherine made them. He shrugged, "Thank you, she'll love it."

"Great! I was gonna just buy the smallest one I could find and we'd cut it down to fit her, but this one will fit as is." Steve happily tucked the coat under his arm as they followed Lenny to the front of the crowded, very merchandise-heavy store. He'd had every intention of sitting up that night and altering the coat, now he wouldn't have to.

As they got to the counter, Lenny bagged the coat while saying, "One Regulation Naval Issue US Navy Wool Pea Coat. Need anything else? We specialize in new and used military surplus uniforms, equipment and insignia from the United States Armed Forces and foreign countries." He eyed Steve's jacket approvingly. "SEAL synthetic cold-weather gear. Where'd you buy that?"

"I didn't buy …"

Danny cleared his throat as Steve counted out a hundred dollars and handed it over.

"Thought you were Navy. Another fifteen percent off the jacket if you've got your I.D." Lenny said.

Steve flipped open his wallet.

"Commander?" Lenny grinned. "SEALs, right?"

Danny groaned as Steve nodded.

"I knew it; I can always spot the real deal." He offered his hand. "Thanks for your service."

"Thank you." Steve acknowledged.

"You know, we get lots of regulars, if you want to open an account …"

"Ah, thanks, but we're just visiting …"

Two teenage boys came up beside Steve. "Dude! You're a SEAL? Like for real?"

"I'm in the reserves now."

"Holy crap! I never met a real SEAL, do you know the guys who got Bin Laden?"

Steve looked immediately uncomfortable. "I was in the reserves by the time …"

Danny smiled at the kids. "I'm sorry, guys, but we're due back in Jersey for a family thing …"

"Oh, yeah. Sure. Have a good Christmas." "Yeah, Happy New Year." The boys said as Steve and Danny reciprocated.

Lenny grinned. "We're on the web, Commander. Check us out." He handed Steve a receipt. "And I hope your niece likes the coat."

Forty five minutes later
Nonna's Kitchen

"They have to be completely cool before we ice them, or the icing will run," Nonna explained as she took tray after tray of knot cookies from the porch table and handed them, assembly line style, to Catherine and Grace. "Putting them on the back porch does the trick. When you make them at home, just leave them to cool in the fridge. Of course you probably won't be making ten batches!" She laughed.

Once all three ladies were seated around the kitchen table, Nonna said, "Ready?" She smiled at Grace's enthusiastic nod and held out a tablespoon for Catherine. "Stir the icing and spoon it on. Use a lot, don't be stingy," she chuckled. "Before they dry, we add the nonpareils. That's your job, Grace. Then we'll switch …"

About four batches and 140 cookies in, Grace opened yet another bottle of nonpareils and when she went to tip it over the cookies, the top popped off.

"Oh! Oh no!" She made a grab for the flying colored balls of sugar and starch that scattered around the kitchen. Her hands flew to her face. "I'm sorry, Nonna, I …"

She stopped when Nonna and Catherine burst out laughing. "I'll get the paper towels, and …" Grace started to say, "clean them up," but the sight of her great grandmother and aunt laughing until tears rolled down their cheeks threw her into a fit of giggles.

"What's so funn …" Danny and Steve came in from their trip to the Army/Navy store and took in the sight. Danny smiled at his daughter's face. She was glowing with happiness, laughing with Catherine and his beloved grandmother. "Wow …" He indicated the tiny candied balls crunching beneath his feet.

"Little equipment malfunction?" Steve's grin when he looked at his three favorite women was nothing short of teasing.

"Little bit." Catherine laughed. "Stop walking on them!" She pointed to the floor. "You're in time to help clean them up."

"Just let me …" Steve indicated the large bag in his arms.

"Here, I'll take that upstairs; you'll track nonpareils all over Nonna's rugs." Catherine wiped her tears of laughter with a sleeve and relieved Steve of the bag. "Mission a success, Commander?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Absolutely, Lieutenant." Steve's smile was glowing as he removed his coat and grabbed a roll of paper towels, tore off a handful, and tossed the rest to Danny.

"Bravo, Zulu." Catherine's smile matched Steve's. "I'll be back in a minute; Grace, show Uncle Steve how to ice the next batch."

/

8:00 p.m.

The baking was cleaned up, a quick dinner of spaghetti and meatballs had been eaten, and the family was sitting contentedly in the living room. Steve and Catherine shared the love seat and Grace was sprawled on the sofa next to Danny, when Nonna leaned to the side of her recliner to pick up a gift bag with a smile.

"Catherine, come here, darling." Nonna held out a small package. "A little early gift."

"For me?" Catherine glanced at Steve and moved to take the package.

"For you. Open it, Sweetheart," Nonna indicated and Catherine kneeled next to her chair.

The others watched as Catherine unwrapped and held up a Wire-O bound, laminated book. "Nonna, what …?" The cover had an imprint of New Jersey and photos of various Italian dishes. The title, which made Catherine's eyes widen, read, Twelve Days of Cooking with Nonna.

"Where did …?"

"I had it made, with my niece Kimberly's help, of course. She helped me get it all together and have it bound. I wanted to give you some more of my best recipes to make in that brand new kitchen."

"You made this … for … for me?" Catherine's hand flew to her mouth. She was tearing up. "Oh, Nonna, thank you." She turned to Steve "It's …" she took in a deep, shaky breath "Nonna's recipes."

"That's wonderful." His smile reflected how thrilled he was at Catherine's delight. He moved to her side to slide an arm around her and kissed her temple. "And Nonna, I thought you didn't share ..."

"She doesn't," Danny grinned, glancing between his grandmother and friend. "You rate, Hon. Rachel couldn't get as much as a meatball recipe even after we were married for a couple of years." Danny chuckled.

"Rachel didn't like to cook, Daniel. Catherine should have these." Nonna turned to Catherine, smiling broadly. "Because you did such a perfect job with my eggplant parm and you cook with love." She placed a gentle hand on Catherine's arm. "Just a couple of things, okay?"

Catherine regarded Nonna. "Anything."

"I'd like for you and Steven to try them first, which I know you'll do. And these recipes stay in our family, until one day you decide, carefully, to whom you pass them on."

Catherine kneeled up to wrap Nonna in a hug. "I promise. Whatever you say. This means so much to me, Nonna." She stood when Nonna let her go after returning the heart-felt hug. "Thank you, again. Oh! Wait till I tell Grandma Ang!"

Nonna beamed at Catherine's excitement. "Well, then call her! Go. Tell her your 'New Jersey Nonna' said 'hello.'"

"I can do better than that!" Catherine said excitedly. "I'll get her on Skype. You two can meet!" She was out of the room and taking the stairs to the guest room in a flash.

"I think she may be a little excited." Steve's smile was beaming. "Seriously, Nonna, thank you," he said sincerely, bending to catch her in a hug. "You know how she adores you; I don't think I can even express in words what you gifting her with those recipes means."

Nonna hugged her adopted grandson tightly, and looked up into hazel eyes that were literally sparkling with happiness at Catherine's joy. "You're family, nipote, but that's not the only reason. Catherine deserves them because she's so happy to have them. Happy to share my food with your family back home. Some of those recipes have been in the family for five, six generations. She'll do them justice."

"I have no doubt she will." Steve nodded. "You know, when you gave her the eggplant recipe and she decided to make it for your visit?" Steve's voice took on a conspiratorial tone.

Nonna nodded. "It was perfect."

"She practiced for a whole day." Nonna's smile was so much like his partner's Steve couldn't help glancing between her and Danny.

"She's adorable, and do you see what I mean? She respects the food, the meaning behind it. But a whole day, Steven?" Nonna thought he was exaggerating.

"It's true. We ate eggplant parm every couple of days for two weeks."

Nonna laughed. "Oh, you poor boy, you must be sick of it!"

"Never!" Steve said honestly, holding a hand to his heart. "We've both eaten a lot of mess hall food and MREs. Any recipe of yours is like gold … what do you call it, Danny? Food of the Gods?"

Danny agreed. "He's right, Nonna. I've seen this animal eat some scary sh … stuff over the years. And Catherine is a great cook." He shook his head. "Lucky again."

Catherine re-entered the living room, tablet in hand, inquiring, "About what?" She looked at Steve with a head tilt.

He moved to wrap an arm around her. "You. Your cooking more specifically."

She looked at him quizzically. "Thank you. What were you telling Nonna about my eggplant parm?"

He smirked. "That it was so good I didn't mind eating it again." He kissed her cheek. "And again ..." His smile was contagious. "… and again." He laughed at the look Nonna gave him.

"Stop teasing my bella ragazza, Steven, or you may be eating those MREs again."

A few minutes later, as Catherine dialed into Skype on her tablet, she explained, "My parents and Gram are in Chicago for Christmas. Everyone is at my Uncle Greg's this year or they'd have arranged to visit while we were here."

The sound of the call connecting made her grin widen as she saw her beloved grandmother appear on the screen.

"Catherine! Hello, darling. Your parents are out with Uncle Greg and Aunt Jean."

"That's fine, Gram," she said excitedly, "I'll call Mom and Dad tomorrow, but I'm calling now because I have to tell you what Nonna just gave me…"

After Catherine gushed over the recipe book and everyone greeted Grandma Ang, Catherine moved to Nonna's side and announced, "Nonna, meet Grandma Ang!"

As she passed her tablet to Nonna, she heard her grandmother's voice say, "It's so nice to meet you, even on Skype. Our Catherine talks so highly of you, I've been looking forward to it! It's Mrs. Longo, right? Catherine only ever refers to you as Nonna."

"Lovely to meet you. And you call me Nonna, too, okay? Is it Angela? That's my granddaughter's name."

"It's actually Angeline, but no one calls me that." Grandma Ang said with a laugh. "Ang is who I am."

"Well okay then, Ang it is. I can't tell you how excited Catherine is that we're talking. Her beautiful face is all lit up." Nonna winked at Catherine's blush. "She just adores you, as I'm sure you well know. And you did a great job teaching this one to cook. She's very good. Catherine's told me about some of your traditions and how much fun everyone had at Thanksgiving this year."

"We had a wonderful time. Your grandson Danny is a delight, and that Grace, what a special girl," Ang said sincerely.

Danny beamed at the mention of Grace and mouthed, 'I'm a delight,' at Steve who rolled his eyes at his partner as Grace laughed at her Uncle's reaction.

"You must be so proud of them," Grandma Ang continued.

"I am. Daniel's a good boy and he's doing such a wonderful job with Grace. I'm very glad they're settled in their house. That he has family he can count on in Catherine and Steven and the members of their team. She's a treasure, your granddaughter." Nonna patted Catherine's cheek.

Grandma Ang said with pride, "We're all very proud of her, you know. She's always been such a sweet girl and so kind, even as a toddler."

"Brilliant, too, and she's just wonderful with …" Nonna looked pointedly at Steve and smiled "… my bambina, Grace." She stood and started for the kitchen, tablet in-hand.

Danny snickered. "Oh my God, Babe, you're gonna be the topic of THAT little conversation in ... 3 … 2 ... 1 …"

Steve looked a little stricken and Danny snorted in triumph when they heard, "Oh yes, he's right here. Such a good boy, and so handsome ...

Later that evening

Grace was on the sofa, leaning against Danny and starting to doze. In spite of the time difference, she was sleepy. "Hey, Monkey, what say you get ready for bed? You don't want to be tired when Grandma and Grandpa get here tomorrow. And if you're going to midnight mass with Nonna, it's gonna be a long day."

Grace stretched. "'kay."

"Go on, I'll be up to say goodnight," Danny said.

Grace hugged everyone, and finally went to Nonna's chair. "Good night, Nonna, love you." She wrapped her great grandmother in a hug and held on for a few moments.

"Sleep well, bambina." Nonna kissed her cheek. "I love you."

Catherine stood. "I'll walk up with you, Grace. You wanted to pick out sweaters for tomorrow, right?"

Grace nodded happily and Catherine turned to Danny. "'Night, Danny." She leaned down to hug Nonna. "Love you, Nonna, thank you so much for having us." She stood and said, "See you upstairs," to Steve, who nodded.

"I love you, Bella, and I'm so happy you're here. I'll just visit with the boys for a little while and then I'm going to sleep, myself." She winked and nodded toward Steve. "I won't keep him from you for long."

Catherine smiled and followed Grace upstairs.

Guest Room
30 minutes later

When Steve entered the room, Catherine was sitting on the bed leafing through the recipe book. She was so intent, she barely looked up at his greeting.

He was about to tease her, to say, "You're not going to go downstairs and cook something now are you?" but when she glanced up, her full eyes and soft expression made the comment die on his lips. Of course Steve knew she was very touched by the book, but she was close to tears.

"Catherine?" He immediately joined her, kissing her temple and sliding an arm around her.

She leaned into Steve, brown eyes glistening as she said, "Nonna made notes on almost every page."

He followed her eyes to the book and immediately realized why Catherine was so emotional. The pages contained personal notes explaining why Nonna thought Catherine, Steve and even their family back home would enjoy each particular dish.

"And look at the dedication." Catherine took a shaky breath, "She wrote a dedication for me, Steve."

She was sitting cross legged on top of the covers, and she snuggled even closer to Steve.

Flipping to the beginning of the book, she began to read out loud, while Steve ran a gentle hand over the knee that was pressing against his hip.

"'My dearest Catherine,'" she read softly, "'As soon as I saw what a perfect job you did with my eggplant parm recipe during my visit to your home, I came up with this idea. You cook with such love, bella regazza, that you make Nonna proud. You and Steven are our family, Daniel's, Grace's and mine. Family should have good food that can be shared over laughter and love with each other and friends.

I love you, bella, and my nipote, Steven, so very much. I wish you many happy years and many happy meals throughout your lives. And very special people to share them with.

Love always, Nonna'"

Catherine's breath caught and when she looked at Steve, there were tears on her cheeks. He took the book and began to read some of the notes aloud.

"Look at this, Cath, she wants us to have Danny and Gracie over for this one," he grinned. "Spaghetti Carbonara." He read Nonna's note, "'The boys all love this one! Daniel and his father used to ask for it all the time. Grace, mio bambina, loves it too. Maybe you could make it and invite them over so Daniel gets a day off from cooking?' Grace will love that; she can help you with it."

Catherine nodded, unable to speak just yet, and when Steve read the note for Broccoli Rabe she chuckled through her tears. "She knows you."

That note said, 'Rabes are an acquired taste but I was happy to see Steven will eat just about anything with gusto, the dear boy! You two can make these and put them on sandwiches if you want to bring lunch to Head Quarters.'

The one for Lentils made Steve grin. "She remembered about the perps," he said. "'More good protein! You and Steven need lots of protein, darling, with all the hard work you do catching those perps! (See, I remembered my new word, ha ha). I don't think you eat often enough some days when you're busy being heroes.'"

When he read the one for the Knot cookies, Steve's hazel eyes darkened with emotion at the last line. "'These are my sister Teresa's specialty! I'm so happy to make them with you and Grace this Christmas, Bella. These are one of Daniel's favorites. I made these for the party when Grace was Baptized. Catherine, darling, maybe you could make them for her High School Graduation?'"

Catherine intertwined their fingers. "She … knows we'll be there. When Grace graduates."

Steve smiled and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "Of course we will. We're family; no one knows that better than Nonna." Steve's eyes lit, "except for Gracie."

END CHAPTER 1

Join us tomorrow for Chapter 2!

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Details on how you can win TWELVE DAYS OF COOKING WITH NONNA tomorrow!

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