Daniel wrapped his fingers a little tighter around his mug, letting the heat sink into his palms as he allowed himself, just for a second, to believe it would all work out.
Chapter Four – Holly
Teddy’s marshmallow mustache dissolved into giggles as he sipped the last of his hot chocolate. It was such an infectious sound thatHolly chuckled despite everything. The simple joy of this moment was such a stark contrast to the elaborate wedding reception she should have been attending, but she knew which she’d prefer to attend. And it did not have a four-tier cake!
“Bedtime, munchkins,” Daniel announced, gathering the empty mugs. “It’s getting late.”
“But Holly just got here,” Teddy protested, his lower lip jutting out.
“And Holly will still be here in the morning,” Daniel replied, his voice gentle but firm. “The storm isn’t going anywhere tonight. So neither is Holly.”
“Yes!” Teddy punched his small fist in the air.
Holly’s chest tightened at his certainty that she belonged here, even if just for the night. “I can help,” she offered, rising from the sofa. “With bedtime, I mean. If that’s okay.”
Something flickered across Daniel’s face…surprise and maybe gratitude. A softening at the corners of his eyes, like she’d stepped over some invisible line from guest to…something else. And she liked the idea of beingsomething else. She liked it a lot. “That would be great.”
Upstairs, Holly found herself drawn into the familiar rhythm of a routine she’d never experienced but always dreamed of being a part of. Teddy insisted on showing her his dinosaur pajamas, each prehistoric creature named and described indetail. Maisie, more reserved but no less welcoming, asked if Holly would help braid her hair “the way princesses do it.”
Holly’s fingers worked through Maisie’s soft brown hair; the repetitive motion soothing. “My mom used to braid my hair every night before bed,” she said, the memory surfacing unexpectedly.
“Does she still?” Maisie asked with innocent curiosity in her voice.
“No,” Holly croaked, and then cleared her throat before securing the end of the braid with an elastic that Maisie handed her. “Not for a long time now.”
“My mom used to braid my hair too,” Maisie murmured. “But not for a long time.”
So many questions filled Holly’s head. But she kept them to herself. Not wanting to pry.
“Story time,” Daniel announced from the doorway, holding up a well-worn book. The cover was soft at the edges, the spine creased from a hundred bedtimes.
Holly started to excuse herself, to give them privacy for their family ritual, but Teddy burst into the room, grabbed her hand and led her toward Maisie’s bed. “You have to stay for the story,” he insisted as he jumped into the bed and snuggled under the covers with Maisie. “Dad doesallthe voices.”
So she stayed, perched on one side of Maisie’s bed while Daniel sat on the other. His deep voice filled the room, bringing to life a tale of winter magic and brave children.
Holly found herself leaning forward, as captivated as the kids by his storytelling. The rise and fall of his voice smoothed over the jagged edges of her thoughts, tugging her along with the story whether she wanted to go or not.
But she did want to go. Wherever he led.
Then the story was over. As Daniel closed the book, both children sighed with satisfaction.
“Goodnight hugs,” Maisie announced, arms already outstretched toward her father.
Daniel leaned forward and hugged his daughter, murmuring good nights that made her smile. It was such a simple, ordinary intimacy, and it made something deep inside Holly ache with longing.
“Come on, bud.” Daniel scooped his son up in his arms and carried him to his bed.
“Night,” Holly said to Maisie.
“Night,” Maisie replied as she snuggled down.
“Come and say goodnight to me!” Teddy beckoned from his father’s arms.
Holly dutifully followed behind, for how could she refuse?
“Night, night, Dad.” Teddy hugged Daniel tight.
“Night, son.” Daniel kissed his son on the top of the head and tucked him under the covers.
