with the hum of parents, teachers, and neighbors, everyone dressed in winter coats and scarves, their cheeks pink f

nts. Emma had been practicing her carols for weeks, while Lily had been nervous about her solo. Claire

ully," Claire whispe

res softening. "You always k

s she spotted Emma in the front row, her face glowing with joy. Lily followed a few songs later, stepping forward for her solo. She hesitat

small wave from the stage, Claire laughed softly, and Jack chuckled beside her. Their quiet support for one another did not go unnot

gged Claire tightly, then darted over to Jack to tell him about the performance. Lily clu

the doorway, the children busy chasing each other in the snow outside. For

uietly. "It showed me that when we stand t

, but her words seemed to dissolve in the crisp winter air. Inste

ire town had seen what her heart already knew. Whatever had begun between her and Jack was no longer hid