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.

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

had even set aside money for gifts, new clothes, and all

careful plans, Magnus felt a curious flutter-part excitement, part

he agreed softly. "Let Mr. and Mrs. Laney know in advance,

was slightly worried that Denise's parents would not be pleased to be in his company as they celebrated the New Year. A shadow crossed his face,

light, reassuring tap. "Relax," she told him, her voice bright as wind chimes. “My parents are wonderful. Honestly, they keep pushing me to hurry

chest like a plucked guitar string,

he managed, heartbeat drumming

"Well, I was hoping you could pretend to be that boyfriend, just for the holiday, so you can join

cooling the flush on his skin, only

worrying the edge of a napkin. "What if your

shining with gentle mischief. "If you agree and stick to the plan, you won't have to worry about a thing"

blurted, "I'll do it—absolutely!" Embarrassed by

"Playing pretend for one night? Consider it

you,” she whispered, genuine gratitude threading every

fork in

He shoveled another bite, and for the first time all evening, the food

out, and Jonathan and not

waiting for

s