Claire had stopped by Jack's house earlier to drop Emma off for a quick playdate with Lily, but as the hours p

uealed with delight at the thought of a sleepover. They helped set the table, carr

dded her apple pie she had brought along. Around the table, laughter rose easily. Emma and Lily made jokes only child

the night, Jack and Claire found themselves alone in the living room. Snow tapped gently ag

is house feel alive," Jack s

d at him, su

too. It has been quiet here for so long, but w

tion. For a moment, she wanted to tell him how much his steadiness had meant to

d unguarded. "Claire..." he began, but then s

ment stretched, fragile and full of possibility. Yet before either could sa

small nod, his lips curving into a smil

had shifted. The storm had bound them together, and in th