When Her "Death" Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel)

Magnus had once spoken bravely of going back to borrow money from Cecilia, but even that idea carried a brush with death.

Denise fell quiet for a heartbeat, then offered softly, "Why don't you spend New Year's with us instead?"

After all, she couldn't imagine anyone greeting the year alone.

Hope lit Magnus' eyes like a struck match.

"I'd love that, but would your mom and dad be all right with it?"

“I'm renting a cottage for a week,” she explained, voice brightening. “I'll arrange a short discharge so they can leave the hospital and stay there with us."

She had already combed the listings. Quaint houses edging the countryside, each with quiet rooms and wide windows that framed endless fields.

"When the time comes, just tell my parents that's where I've been living all along."

She could not bear for them to discover the cramped, peeling apartment she actually called home.

"All right," Magnus said quickly. "Do you have a place picked out? If not, let me handle the search."

He had managed to save a decent sum and preferred not to let Denise shoulder every expense.

already. Deposit paid," she reassured him. "Just celebrate with

gifts, new clothes, and all the bright trimmings of the

to her careful plans, Magnus felt a curious flutter-part excitement, part nerves ripple

and Mrs. Laney

not be pleased to be in his company as they celebrated the New Year. A shadow crossed his face, so quick it almost went unnoticed. He shifted in his

the doubt flickering behind his glasses. She reached across the table and gave his shoulder a light, reassuring tap. "Relax," she told him, her voice bright as wind chimes. “My parents are wonderful. Honestly, they keep pushing me to hurry up

word ricocheted through Magnus' chest like a plucked guitar string, leaving the muscles in his back

then?" he managed, heartbeat drumming in his

hoping you could pretend to be that boyfriend, just for the

flush on his skin, only to surge back as

edge of

you won't have to worry about a thing" She

Embarrassed by

pretend for one night? Consider

you,” she whispered, genuine gratitude

need for thanks." Magnus raised his fork in a small salute. "Come on. Let's

his tongue minutes ago suddenly bloomed-spicy fragrant, alive, He shoveled another bite, and for

impatience. School had let out, and Jonathan and not bounced through their first

waiting for

s