"Whatever happens, always respect her."

To love her means to respect her.

That's how James understood love.

Stewart gazed at James, his eyes unwavering. For the first time, he found himself feeling genuine respect and even admiration for James.

From the moment James met Briony, he'd stayed by her side-as a friend, as family, in every way that mattered.

He'd done so well, in fact, that Stewart felt a sting of inadequacy by comparison.

The room was empty except for the distant, joyful squeals of the children playing in the dining room and the gentle voice of a woman guiding them.

Lowering his voice, Stewart asked, "Are you leaving soon?"

James dropped his gaze, a bitter smile flickering across his lips. "Yeah. I'm the only son left in the Delaney family, and I'm at the age where people expect me to settle down. My grandfather's health isn't great, and he wants to see me get married, maybe have kids."

Stewart fell silent at that. As someone with a failed marriage behind him, he didn't feel he had much right to comment on the subject.

"Does Bryn know?"

"Haven't told her yet." James tried to sound casual. "I'll wait a few days. I'm heading back after the holidays."

Stewart nodded. "Alright."

Stewart and James headed to the kitchen to help with

on the other hand, struggled. When it came time to knead the dough, the stiffness in his left and right pinky fingers became

unmoving finger. “Daddy,

face froze for

their daughter

lightly, not trying to

scared.

Nina blinked. "Why is your

her a gentle smile. "I got hurt,

father's hand, then explained to his sister, "Daddy hurt his finger when he

they couldn't save it, so now it's

full of sympathy

"Not anymore, sweetheart. You don't have

this because he saved Mario!" Nina declared, her voice bright. "Daddy's

deepened. "Thank

lingering on that artificial finger. She pressed her lips

call-he needed to step out

been busy lately,

kids upstairs for their afternoon nap. Her body still hadn't fully recovered, so she needed

Out in the

with celebration, the

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