CHAPTER 23

  Alec's POV

  The smell of cinnamon and melted butter fills my nostrils as I made my way down the corridor towards the large family kitchen. As I turn into the open archway, the sound of laughter fills my ears. When I single out one particular voice, a warmth swells in the pit of my stomach and my heart rate automatically picks up.

  My eyes land on the four women huddled together around a large metal bowl, elbows deep in what looked like some kind of dough.

  "This smells like heaven. I feel like I can eat this raw," Christina says as she pinches piece of the dough and attempted to lob it straight into her mouth.

  "You'll upset my grandchild. Behave yourself." My mother intoned but the smile on her face contradicted the tone of her words.

  "Have a chocolate chip instead, Chris," Elena offered as she grabbed a few of the dark chunks from a small bowl and proceeded to feed Christina, who opened her mouth and devoured them with glee.