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He still loved her. And now he was right back where he had been a dozen years ago, aching for a life he had convinced himself wasn’t meant for him.

He wondered if she could ever forgive him for the way he had hurt her back then. Part of him hoped she couldn’t, that she would keep that protective distance between them.

She would be better off if she never let him close enough to break her heart again.

As he headed back toward the elevator, he was almost relieved by the certainty that she didn’t return his feelings. Better that, he told himself grimly, than risk hurting her all over again when he did what he always did.

Leave.

Chapter 20

Hannah had never seen Riley and Carter so happy.

They lit up in their mother’s presence, practically climbing over each other as they tried to outdo one another with stories about school, their upcoming Christmas concert, their friends and what it was like living with Hannah’s two cats.

“Elise keeps trying to sleep on my head,” Riley said.

“But Ludwig likes me best,” Carter put in. “He always wants me to cuddle him.”

Morgan seemed to relish every word, soaking in the details as if they were sunshine after a long winter.

“You should open your presents,” Carter said after they had been catching up for a while.

“I will love whatever you give me,” Morgan said, brushing a lock of dark hair from Riley’s cheek, “but the best present is having you here.”

She pulled both children close, kissing them in turn. They glowed under her affection, their happiness so bright it felt like another light strung up in the already festive room.

Hannah would never be sorry for the effort it had taken to bring them here, even if it had meant forcing herself to spend hours in a vehicle—and an entire twenty-four hours yet to come—with Wes.

If she was being completely honest with herself, the ride hadn’t been nearly as torturous as she had expected. In fact, it had been surprisingly . . . pleasant. They had fallen into an easy rhythm of conversation punctuated by comfortable silences. During a few moments, it had felt almost like old times. It was dangerous territory, this feeling of enjoying his company, because it reminded her of exactly why she had fallen for him in the first place.

But watching the children now, she was reminded why none of that mattered. These children had already lost their father in a tragic accident and seemed painfully aware that if her treatments didn’t work, they might lose their mother as well.

Still, right now, they were pure joy, savoring every moment with Morgan as if nothing else in the world existed.

Morgan picked up the first wrapped package and carefully peeled away the paper. She exclaimed with delight at the soft new robe and matching slippers Riley had helped Hannah choose, hugging the plush fabric against her thin frame.

“These are perfect. I’ve been freezing lately.”

The next parcel revealed a stack of books, some romantasies and a few light, cozy mysteries that Hannah and Carter had found in the small bookstore in Shelter Springs.

“Books,” Morgan said on a happy sigh. “You know the way to this librarian’s heart.”

“We picked them together,” Carter said proudly. “I picked one with a dragon.”

“You know I love dragons.”

When Morgan opened the final gift, the one Hannah and their friends had gone in on together, her hands stilled. The digital frame flickered to life, beginning to cycle through the photos Hannah had preloaded of the children decorating the tree, playing with the cats, posing with the snowman they had created in her yard.

Between the photos, simple messages from their friend group and teachers at her elementary school appeared.

We love you, Morgan. Keep fighting. You’ve got this.

Morgan’s eyes filled again, tears spilling over before she had a chance to swipe them away.

“Oh, Hannah.” Her voice broke. “This is . . . I don’t even have words.”

“You’ll be able to see the children all the time,” Hannah said softly. “Even when they can’t be here in person.”