Kiara hummed softly to herself as she perused the shelves lined with as many toy cars and superheroes as a little boy could want. Christmas was her favorite time of year! She was determined to find the perfect gift for all of the Falcone children, but she had to hurry. Serafina and Gemma could only preoccupy them for so long. "Hurry up and pick something, I'm starving and want to go home." Savio huffed impatiently beside her. "All right, I'm choosing, I'm choosing! Calm down," Kiara waved him off. She settled on a Paw Patrol racetrack for Nevio, who was 4 years old, an educational light up phone for baby Massimo, and a rhythm kit for Alessio; Savio grimaced and she would probably regret that later, but the small 2-year-old already had a knack for music and she wanted to encourage him, even at the expense of everyone's ears.

As she was walking around the toy aisle trying to find something for her nieces, a scarlet red tutu caught her eye, barely visible from where it was tucked away behind a stack of barbies thrown haphazardly on a random shelf. It glittered like thousands of tiny rubies as it reflected the fluorescent lights. A shiver quickly went down her spine at the thought of Nino seeing her in a small red tutu and heat flooded her cheeks. "I should buy that for Nino, he would definitely thank me for it." Kiara thought to herself as she moved the Barbies to the side and picked it up. She held the skirt in front of her hips. "Oh nevermind, this would never fit me!" She giggled. "You don't need a garter for your wedding, you're already married." Savio sarcastically replied. "It would be funny to bring this home for Nino anyway," She sighed as she put it back on the shelf, "But I don't want him to get the wrong idea and think I'm pregnant. Shame, though, it really is pretty." As she started to walk away, Savio piped up, "You could always get it for Greta. That little girl is always twirling around like a ballerina." "Savio, that's a great idea! But I don't think she'd wear it. She only wears pink. Remember that tantrum she threw when Fina tried to get her to wear that purple dress to Aurora's birthday party?" They both made a face at the memory as they walked away.

As Kiara resumed her shopping, the tutu stayed in the back of her mind. She was tempted to go to one of those 'adult' stores and buy one for herself, she quite liked the idea of Nino seeing her with it on, but she would rather die than take Savio to one of those places, and she wasn't allowed to wander alone after Fina married Remo. After finally settling on a soft violet stuffed unicorn for Aurora and a ballerina Barbie for Greta, they made their way to the check-out aisle. "Are you sure you have everything you need? It's only two more days until Christmas and I don't care that you're my sister-in-law, I refuse to shop with those crowds." Savio huffed as he placed her items on the conveyor belt for her. "Well, I think there's just one more thing I need after all. Stay here, I'll be right back." Kiara trotted off before Savio could protest. She walked as fast as she could back to the Barbie aisle praying that the little red tutu was still there. It was just too cute to ignore! Luck was with her as she rounded the corner and saw the small red dots dancing along the Barbie's faces. She grabbed the tutu with a happy nod and made her way back to where Savio was finishing up. He rolled his eyes playfully at her, "I knew you couldn't let it go." He laughed.

Walking through the front door to the Falcone mansion, Kiara got bombarded with little hands asking for many hugs. Her heart was so full of joy as she looked into the faces of the youngest members of her family. Her whole life she wanted nothing more than a big happy family. She held the shopping bags high above their little heads, "No hugs until I put the presents down!" She said with a false stern edge to her voice. Serafina came into the room holding baby Massimo. "Sorry Kiara, I was just finishing changing his diaper and they escaped! How was the shopping?" She asked and she pulled Nevio away from trying to reach the thin plastic bag. He was trying to take a peek. "It went great! I'm going to wrap these before I forget and then I'll be right back to get the boys ready for dinner. Thank you so much for watching them for me!"

Kiara ran up the stairs two at a time and practically flew into her bedroom, bubbling over with excitement. "What are you all in a rush for, love?" Nino looked up from the book he was reading. "I got Christmas presents for all the kids today, they're going to love them!" She threw the bags onto the bed and went to go fetch the wrapping paper she bought a month ago from the back of her closet. "Let me help you, I want to see what you got." Nino got out of bed, stretching his arms. Kiara slowed to watch the muscles on his back flex. Biting her lip, she slowed her pace a bit more, hoping he wouldn't turn around any time soon. Alas, he put his arms down and turned to grab the bags. He spotted the little red tutu and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Kiara," He practically growled, "I thought you said you got the kids presents, not me." He moved to pick it up, but Kiara playfully batted his hand away. "It's not for you Nino, I already got your present." Kiara teased and she leaned in to kiss him. "I hope it's red." He wrapped an arm around her waist and dipped her, kissing her passionately. "We have a few hours before dinner," Kiara whispered breathlessly. Nino gave her a wicked smile in return before he kissed her again.

Kiara awoke to a small pressure in the small of her back. She shrugged it off and tried to go back to sleep. Her room was still dark and she could tell it was well before sunrise based on how tired she still was. She felt the pressure again, stronger this time. Groaning, she rolled over to push her husband off of her but when she reached out her hands, they came in contact with something much softer and squishier than Nino's strong stomach. Before she could open her eyes to see what was poking her she heard, "IT'S CHRISTMAS WAKE UP! PRESENTS!" And before she knew it, the breath was knocked out of her as Nevio cannonballed into her chest. The little devil wearing just a Pull-Up started jumping on their bed chanting "It's Christmas!" Over and over again. "Nevio!" Greta's small voice came from the shadows. "I was trying to wake her up nicely like Mommy said to." Kiara didn't have to open her eyes to know that her niece had her hands on her hips as she scolded her brother. "Roar!" Nino growled as he sat up and scooped Nevio into his arms. "The Christmas monster is going to eat you!" He yelled as he tickled Nevio's exposed stomach. She swore that boy owned clothes somewhere. She and Greta joined in on the early morning tickle fight, laughing wildly as they played. "Hey kids, go wake up Uncle Adamo now, ok? We need to get dressed for presents!" The two little kids squealed as they ran out of the room.

Kiara sighed in content and she leaned against Nino's chest. The glowing red numbers on her alarm clock read 4:07 A.M. "You know Nino, fatherhood has softened you up. When our boys are that age, they're never going to be bored." Nino wrapped an arm around her and kisses the top of her head. "I never thought I would ever feel this much love for anything, much less a child. And even less, children that aren't even my own," Nino said, then he was silent for a minute before he continued, "I may be a 'made man' but you are the one who truly made me a man Kiara. You gave me the gift of so much love I don't know how to handle it at times. I wouldn't be who I am today without you. I love you so much." He traced little shapes on her shoulder as he spoke. "I love you too Nino, and I love the life we share."

A sharp gasp cut through the air as Greta opened the lid to the small box she unwrapped. She squealed in delight and happily shuffled to her mom. "It's a pretty skirt that matches my Barbie!" She proudly held up the glittery tutu for her mom to see. Serefina smiled and told her, "It's from Aunt Kiara and Uncle Nino, go say thank you!" Greta spun around and shuffled over to the couch they were sitting at. "Tank you!" She clutched the tutu to her chest and spun around. Kiara bent down to help her pull it up over her legs. "You know," She began, "This isn't just any skirt. This is a special ballerina skirt called a tutu." Kiara informed the little girl, making her gasp again. This was why Christmas was Kiara's favorite. It was magical for her little niece. As soon as it was securely on, Greta ran out of the room. "Where are you going princess?" Remo, her dad, called after her. She didn't reply.

A few minutes later Greta came back into the room and whispered something in Remo's ear. He chuckled and took her small hand and followed her out of the room again. Everyone was perplexed at Greta's odd behavior but too preoccupied with their own presents to think much of it until all of the sudden Remo's deep booming voice called out from the doorway, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the Camorra Capo is proud to present the Prima Donna with highest of honors, sparkliest of dresses, and tiniest of toes Miss Greta Falcone!" He pushed a button on his phone as he bowed and held his arm out towards the door. Swan Lake filled the air and Greta came twirling in from the other room with a pink crown and small matching magic wand in hand. The boys quickly lost interest in her little "dance" and went back to their toys, but the adults "oohed" and "ahhed" for every little jump and spin she made. When the song was over they gave her a standing ovation as she tried her best to curtsey without losing balance. "I feel just like Aunt Kiara in my dark pink tutu!" She ran to Kiara and gave her a big hug. "Yes you do, sweetheart," Nino said as he picked her up to kiss her on her little round cheek. "This is the best Christmas EVER!" She squealed!