"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."

the decorations were finished, Stewart and James headed to the kitchen to

Stewart, on the other hand, struggled. When it came time to knead

her father's unmoving finger. “Daddy, why doesn't this

face froze

expected their

isn't real," Stewart said lightly, not trying to hide the

scared. "Isn't

Nina blinked. "Why is your

gentle smile. "I got hurt, so they had

at his father's hand, then explained to his sister, "Daddy hurt

save it,

her gaze full of sympathy as she looked

smiled softly. "Not anymore, sweetheart. You

like this because he saved Mario!" Nina

deepened.

that artificial finger. She pressed her lips together, sighing

Stewart got a call-he needed to step

been busy lately, more

their afternoon nap. Her body still hadn't fully recovered,

the city, the first pops

alive with celebration,

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