Sweet Cinderella (A Christmas Novella) (The Klaus Brothers Book 4) by Penny Watson

appearance and shot her a sheepish look. “So I am. Next time I go home, I’ll be able to stun Oskar with my Nerf skills.” He turned to the boys. “How about a story now? Your mom looks tired.”
    Matteo nodded. “Let’s read this.” He passed him a copy of
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
.
    “How appropriate.” Gregor arched a brow at Hannah.
    She laughed softly.
    They read the book together. The boys offered non-stop commentary on each page. Gregor was patient and accommodating. He answered their questions and laughed at their silly observations.
    “What did you think about the Grinch?” Gregor closed the book and placed it on the night stand.
    Hannah perched on the end of the bed.
    “I liked it when he sang with the Whos. We like singing in our family. It’s the best way to celebrate Christmas.” Matteo nodded sagely.
    “My favorite part is when the Grinch rides the sleigh down the hill. That looks super fun. And fast.” Anthony made a whizzing sound.
    Gregor got a peculiar look on his face. “Maybe someday I’ll take you for a ride on a . . . super fun sleigh.”
    “Really? That would be great!”
    Gregor leaned over and picked up a photo from the dresser. “Is this your family?”
    Hannah tensed.
    “Yes.” Matteo snuggled next to Gregor and pointed out each person in the photo. “This is my dad. He died last year. He was sick.” Matteo’s face fell.
    “I’m so sorry to hear that. You boys must miss him.” Gregor turned his gaze to Hannah. She swallowed painfully at his sympathetic expression.
    “We do,” Anthony replied. “We look at his pictures a lot and talk about him with Mom. She says that’s the best way to remember.”
    “And this is Uncle Dominic. He can’t look you in the eye, but he’s really good at playing the flute.” Matteo tapped the photo.
    Anthony nudged his brother out of the way. “This is Auntie Andi. She’s a writer. And she lets us watch horror movies when she babysits.”
    Matteo nodded. “Yeah. And there’s Granny and Grandpa. Granny is blind. We listen to books on tape with her, and it’s really fun. And Grandpa takes us for rides on his wheelchair.”
    “Where was this photo taken?” Gregor asked.
    Hannah answered. “Our old brownstone. Before . . . David died. We had some problems with the insurance company . . .” She waved her hand in the air. “So now we’re here. In our cozy spot, right boys? It’s closer to my parents.”
    Gregor frowned at her but she ignored it.
    “Gregor? What do you do?” Matteo asked.
    “I help to run Klaus Enterprises. My family makes toys.”
    Anthony yelped. “Klaus Toys! We have an airplane from you! Matteo . . . remember the airplane!”
    “Wowwwwwwwwww. You own Klaus Toys? You must be loaded.” Matteo gazed at Gregor with newfound admiration.
    Gregor laughed. “Our company is successful. But we like to give money back to those people who need it. My father is very particular about that.”
    “Do you have a fancy car?” Matteo asked.
    “I have a nice car, yes.”
    Anthony bounced on the bed. “Do you live in a high-rise penthouse?
    Gregor looked uncomfortable. “I do.”
    “Do you have tea with the Queen of England?”
    Hannah covered her face with her hands. “Oh, dear Lord. Boys—”
    “I have never met the queen. But I do get to travel a lot. That’s one of my favorite things.” Gregor tried to hide his grin.
    “What’s the coolest place you’ve ever visited?” Matteo’s eyes were shining with excitement.
    “Last month I visited Hawaii. We’re negotiating a chain of toy stores there. I got to fly over a real volcano in a helicopter. Lava was exploding and flowing down the mountain. It was spectacular.”
    “Awesome!” Anthony yelled and ran to get his books on volcanoes. After ten more minutes of the twins pestering Gregor, Hannah finally convinced them to settle down for the night. She and Gregor tucked them back into bed and turned out the lights.
    “Sorry about that.”