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.

"Just celebrate with us and stop

money for gifts, new clothes, and all the

felt a curious flutter-part

and Mrs.

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

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.

Magnus' chest like a plucked guitar string,

he managed, heartbeat

was hoping you could pretend to be that boyfriend,

the flush on his skin,

the edge of a napkin. "What if your mom and dad see right

gentle mischief. "If you agree and stick to the plan, you won't have to worry about a thing" She softened her tone. "But you'r uncomfortable,

"I'll do it—absolutely!" Embarrassed by his own

pretend for one night?

whispered, genuine

for thanks." Magnus raised his fork in a

fragrant, alive, He shoveled

let out, and Jonathan and not bounced through their

waiting for a

s