Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin) novel Chapter 286

Suzanne took the gift bag from Yasmine and smiled sincerely. "Thank you."

Yasmine chuckled. "Save my gift for when you're home."

Suzanne's hand paused for a moment before her lips curled into a light smile. With a nod, she uttered, "Alright."

Her gaze lingered on the bag, her curiosity stirring. She wondered what could be inside. Just then, Emma clambered into Yasmine's lap, her little lips pursed in a pout.

"Mommy, I want a gift too."

Yasmine playfully pinched her nose and pointed at the Barbie dolls already unwrapped on the floor.

"Weren't the gifts from Aunt Suzanne enough?" she asked.

Emma giggled, snuggling into Yasmine's arms with a spoiled little whine. "The more gifts, the better!"

Her bell-like laughter was so infectious that everyone in the room found themselves smiling.

Slipping out of Yasmine's embrace, little Emma ran over to Austin and tugged at his sleeve.

"Uncle Austin, where's my gift?" She held out her tiny hands expectantly, waiting for her present.

Austin turned to Emma and nodded. "I'll have Gabriel send over a full set of classic literature. Just make sure to write a thousand-word review afterward."

Emma's face instantly fell. With a huff, she shuffled over to Suzanne, pressed herself against her side, and mumbled, "Uncle Austin, you're so mean. Aunt Suzanne's the best."

Her remark drew a round of chuckles from the adults.

Undeterred, Emma huffed. "Fine! I'll just go back to building my Barbie dream house!"

As she busied herself again, Yasmine turned to Suzanne with a smile.

"Suzanne, my legs have been feeling a little sore lately. Could you take a look?"

Though it wasn't anything alarming, months of bed rest had left Yasmine with a lingering unease. With Suzanne right here today, there was no reason to hesitate.

Suzanne furrowed her brows slightly at Yasmine's mention of sore legs.