New Year’s Eve arrived quietly, the entire household and a few guests gathering in the second-floor game room to watch the ball-drop on huge flatscreen. Lev, in a suit and tie for once, hopped up and down with excitement, Hermann kissed Amelia under the mistletoe, Dimitri and Bella hugged each other for a long while, motionless and wrapped in their own private world. Sarah gave Gessel a resounding peck on the cheek, after which he blushed scarlet and shook everyone’s hand. McKenna, of course, attempted to kiss Jolie, but she turned at the last moment so he only managed a likewise cheek-peck.
Zoe tried not to laugh. Her father hugged her fiercely, then Jack did, his breath a warm spot against her hair. “Happy New Year,” her brother murmured, and there was no reason for her to flush so hotl
