WOULD YOU RESCUE ME?

43.Under the Mistletoe Glow

The soft murmur of voices and the faint clinking of glasses drifted through the thick oak door as Astra, Vanessa, and her parents stood outside the main dining room. Vanessa could feel her pulse quicken as Astra raised a hand to knock, the sound of her knuckles meeting the polished wood echoing lightly in the corridor. Her parents, standing slightly behind her, shifted subtly, their expressions polite but guarded.

Margaret O'Kelly was tall and regal, with striking silver-blonde hair styled into an elegant chignon. Her piercing green eyes softened with warmth as she greeted them, and her dark green velvet dress complemented her stately presence. Beside her stood Thomas O'Kelly, a broad-shouldered man with neatly combed salt-and-pepper hair and a calm, measured expression. His tailored charcoal suit and dark tie exuded understated wealth, but his open smile was undeniably welcoming.

"Welcome, welcome!" Margaret said warmly, clasping her hands together as her gaze swept over the group. "You must be the Morosos."

Elena stepped forward, her posture poised yet friendly. "Yes, I'm Elena Moroso, and this is my husband, Franco." She extended a hand, which Margaret took with a graceful nod.

"It's lovely to meet you," Margaret said sincerely before turning to Franco, who had already extended his hand toward Thomas.

"A pleasure to meet you," Thomas said as their grips met firmly. "I'm Thomas, and this is my wife, Margaret."

Franco offered a polite smile. "Thank you for the invitation," he said, his Italian accent thick but melodic.

"Oh, it's our pleasure entirely," Margaret replied smoothly, her voice tinged with delight. She turned to Vanessa next, her smile broadening. "And you must be Vanessa."

Vanessa nodded, shaking Margaret's hand before Thomas extended his own. "It's wonderful to finally meet you," Thomas said warmly. "Astra's told us so much about you. And I must say, we haven't seen her smile this brightly in a long time."

Margaret chuckled, glancing affectionately at her daughter. "Indeed. You've clearly had quite the effect on her."

Vanessa felt her cheeks flush under their kind gazes. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice steady but laced with a hint of shyness.

Astra slipped her hand into Vanessa's, squeezing gently as she beamed at her parents. "She's the best," Astra said lightly, her tone teasing but filled with pride.

At that moment, Elena stepped forward with the gifts they'd brought. She handed the poinsettia in its golden pot to Margaret, who gasped softly. "Oh, how beautiful," Margaret said, taking the plant and admiring it. "It's perfect, thank you."

Franco presented the bottles of wine and Limoncello to Thomas, who inspected them with a discerning but approving eye. "Ah, excellent choices," he remarked with a knowing smile. "This will make a fine addition to the evening."

"We thought it might add a little touch of home," Franco said, nodding slightly.

"And it does," Thomas agreed. "Thank you for such thoughtful gifts."

"Please, come inside," Margaret said, stepping back and motioning them in. "Let's get you settled before the rest of the introductions."

Astra took Vanessa's hand again, leading her parents and her girlfriend inside. The grand dining hall stretched before them, its high ceilings adorned with elegant chandeliers casting a soft, golden glow over the space. A towering Christmas tree stood in one corner, its lights twinkling as guests mingled nearby. The long dining table was set with crystal glasses, silver cutlery, and fine china, exuding sophistication.

Margaret and Thomas led the group to a small side room where coats could be stored. Astra stayed close to Vanessa, her green eyes darting to Vanessa while she slid off her navy suit jacket, revealing the sleeveless design of her one-piece, a bit too reveling for astra's eyes not to notice. As she handed it to Astra, she caught the subtle gleam in Astra's eyes.