"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

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

Nina stared, puzzled, at her father's unmoving finger. “Daddy,

froze for a

expected their daughter to

Stewart said lightly, not trying to hide

scared. "Isn't that kind

"Why is

smile. "I got hurt, so they

his sister, "Daddy hurt his finger

couldn't save it,

widened, her gaze full of sympathy as she looked at Stewart.

softly. "Not anymore, sweetheart. You

Nina declared, her voice

smile deepened.

artificial finger. She

needed to step

lately, more than

the kids upstairs for their afternoon nap. Her body still hadn't fully

up, dusk had already fallen. Out in the city, the first pops of fireworks echoed through

was alive with celebration, the sounds

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