Deadly Holiday (Southern California Violent Crimes Taskforce #6.5)(17)
“That’s a great idea, Aunt Charo.” Celina nodded excitedly, motioning for Emma, Mitch, and Jett to come up. “If Ronni doesn’t mind, that is?”
Ronni slowly nodded, her cell phone in hand. “I got this. Just a second,” she murmured, scrolling. “Yes! We can do that.”
They rearranged the arbor to fit Celina, Cooper, and Princess Via on one side, and Mitch, Emma, and Jett on the other. Aunt Charo took Owen and they disappeared inside.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Ronni said in her loudest voice to get everyone’s attention. The group settled. “Tonight we’re also going to bless babies Novia and Jett in baptism.”
Aunt Charo and Owen returned, Aunt Charo carrying two small bowls of water. She handed one to Owen, saying gently, “It is your job to protect Novia, Owen. Make certain you always lead by example and keep her safe.”
The young boy nodded, holding the bowl tightly in his little hands.
Ronni held her phone up so she would be able to read from the screen. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here not only to celebrate the union of Celina and Cooper, but to christen and baptize Novia Harris and Jett Holden.”
She motioned Owen forward, dipping her fingers in the water. “Lord, sanctify this water, and grant that this child may receive the fullness of thy grace.” Ronni then placed her hand over Novia’s head, sprinkling a few drops on her. “I baptize Novia Harris in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
While Ronni moved on to Jett, Celina noticed Aunt Charo dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. Her heart swelled. She was so thankful her family was here, which wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing man standing next to her.
Celina found Cooper’s gaze over the top of Novia’s head and she mouthed, “I love you,” blowing him a kiss. He smiled, mouthing back, “I love you too,” waggling his eyebrows. She swallowed a laugh, not wanting to interrupt Jett’s baptismal moment.
“And now I pronounce you…uh, baptized babies?” Ronni guessed, and everyone laughed.
“I’ll drink to that.” Nelson lifted a wine flute and the party guests moved indoors for drinks. Bottles of wine, juice, and sparkling water had been laid out in the kitchen on the breakfast bar with an assortment of cakes and cookies.
Cooper and Celina were given a special cake that Thomas had nabbed just before the bakery closed. Holding the knife, they cut it and gave each other a taste, sealing the sample with a few heated, sugary kisses that sent everyone away.
Celina noted Sophie sitting near the bar, a glass of sparkling water in her wine flute. She hadn’t had a chance to get to talk with her much, and she was making her way over to her when Nelson stepped forward, tapping a knife on the side of his own to get everyone’s attention.
“Everyone, Sophie and I have an announcement to make.” He paused, flashing Sophie an adoring look. “This time next year we’ll have two additions to our group.”
Confusion crossed the faces all around.
“What?”
“Are you kidding?”
“What are you talking about, Nels?”
The comments came in a flood.
Sophie shook her head, seemingly exasperated with Nelson.
He bounced on the balls of his feet, his smile a mile wide. “Sophie and I are expecting. We just had the ultrasound yesterday. It’s twins. Our due date is in June. And by then…our adoption of Lexie should be complete too.”
There was shocked silence, than a burst of cheers as more hugs were passed around. Alexa Morales, the blind sister of a cartel leader who had bonded to Sophie strongly during an undercover operation, had been living with an aunt. Sophie, however, had been on a quest for the past year plus to adopt the girl, because she, too, wanted Lexie to be part of her and Nels’ family. Nels had been by Sophie’s side every step of the way, and Celina chuckled at the fact that the FBI agent—Miss I Work Alone—was about to find herself in charge of three children.
“Jeez, remind me not to drink the water around here,” Olivia joked, and everyone laughed. Even Victor, standing next to her, cracked a smile.
With her arm wrapped around Cooper’s waist, Celina stood back to soak in the happiness as everyone took turns congratulating Sophie and Nelson. The expectant parents beamed.
A little while later, Celina noticed Ronni and Thomas were necking down the hallway, Emma and Mitch were snuggling with baby Jett in the living room, and Victor and Olivia were looking at one another at the breakfast bar like they wished they could be alone. Celina had a feeling about those two and looked forward to seeing what happened between them.
With so many celebrations in one night, Celina couldn’t even remember a time when she felt so completely happy and at peace. Even Princess Via was being loved on by Aunt Charo and all the cousins, the lullabies coming from the other room sending Celina back to her own happy childhood. She loved this, loved all of them. If only she could bottle this night up and replay it forever.
“Come with me.” Cooper’s lips brushed the lobe of her ear, sending delighted shivers over her skin. Slipping her hand into his, she followed him out the back door and to the patio.
“I love you so much, Celina.” His arms slipped around her waist, and he nuzzled her head as he drew her into the circle of his arms. “Are you happy?”
“I love you too,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to his strong jaw, “and I think it’s safe to say I’m deliriously so.”