ls filling the air. Claire's small living room had never felt so alive. The tree sparkled with ornaments the children had made, t

handmade bracelet from Lily and slipped it onto her wrist with delight, while Lily squealed with joy at the painted snow globe Emma had chose

the room, arranging plates of cookies, laughing with the children, her eyes glowing in the firelight. For years, Jack had fe

aire stepped into the kitchen for a moment of quiet. Jack followed, the soft hum of the mov

said softly. "For helping make i

ed, his voice low but steady. "You bring warm

ween them for weeks now pressed at the surface. She looked

pered, her voice t

stmas wishing for something I already know I need. I need you. I need Emma's laughter, your light, the way you make thi

of relief and joy. "I was afraid to hope for this,"

ises made without words. Jack cupped her cheek gently, and in the glow of Christmas E

into his embrace, her voice barely abo

sure. "Merry Christmas, Claire. Christmas in

ckle of the fire. Two families had become one, bound not by chance but by lo