They’re a ticking time bomb, sure, but their connection is something rare.
“I’m not crying. I just got dust in my eye,” Sam grumbles.
Maggie chuckles, sliding his sunglasses off her head and handing them to him. He puts them on right away.
“You’ve been whining since we arrived! Even Nova’s not acting like you,” she teases, pulling him into her arms. He buries his face in the crook of her neck, and Will burst out laughing.
“Hm? What?” Nova asks, lifting her head from my chest. Her face is streaked with tears, her eyes red, her nose running.
“Never mind,” Maggie replies with a small smile.
We all burst into laughter, and I hold Nova tighter, scooping her up in my arms. She wraps her legs around my waist, and I press a kiss to the tip of her nose.
“Hey,” I whisper, holding her close. “Don’t cry, baby.”
“I... I can’t help it. I miss you already,” she breathes, covering my face with kisses.
“Nova...”
“Now I get why Steve chose not to come,” she mutters as I set her back down.
She’s right. Steven chose not to come say goodbye. He said it didn’t make sense to treat it like a farewell— because it isn’t. It’s only a see-you-soon. And honestly, I’m grateful. Saying goodbye to Nova alone already feels like being stabbed a thousand times in the back.
Aurora stayed behind to keep Steven company, and Max stayed too—partly for solidarity with Aurora, partly to take a step toward reconciling with Steven. They should all be at the bakery right now.
Nova cups my face in her hands. “You’re crying, baby,” she whispers, brushing her lips against mine.
“Because I love you. I don’t want to leave. Not on Christmas Eve. You love Christmas.”
“I love you more. Knowing you’re leaving to take care of yourself—that’s the best gift in the world. Do you know what I wish for every Christmas?”
I shake my head. “What?” I pull her closer by the waist, my hands brushing under her white sweater.
“Your happiness.”
“Nova...”
She smiles, her hands caressing my cheeks, wiping away my tears. “Go. Take all the time you need, baby. Every minute you need. Come back only when you’re happy. Come back when you finally understand why we love you so much. And I’ll be here, waiting. I promise.”
I let out a shaky breath. “What will you do this Christmas?”
My parents exchange a smile.
“We thought of hosting a lunch at home with all your friends,” Daniel says warmly, running a hand through Nova’s hair. “Your sunshine is in good hands, honey-bee. We’re making vegetarian turkey, spinach lasagna, mashed potatoes, veggies, and last but not least, strawberry cheesecake and red velvet cake.”
Chris nods. “We’ll take you to the clinic and then head back tomorrow in time for Christmas lunch. Does that work for you, kiddo? None of your friends will be alone.”
I glance quickly at Will, Maggie and Sam. Nova follows my gaze.
She hugs me. “Sam will bring Jade, I’ll sit next to Maggie, Max and Steve promised they’ll behave, Max convinced Rora, Will’s going to make video and I’ll take the pictures. You don’t have to worry, okay? I’ve got everything under control, baby.” She whispers in my ear.
I nod and pull her as close as I can. “I know. You’re the most brilliant person in the world for a reason.”
CHAPTER SEVENTY
Nova Marshall
PRESENT (2024)
