“I know, but finding one even remotely similar would be a start toward rebuilding the relationship, don’t you think?” He didn’t seem convinced. “Perhaps.”

“Could you find out the style and type?”

Thom shook his head doubtfully. “I could try.”

“Please, Thom. And see if there are any photos.”

They hugged again and Noelle closed her eyes, savoring the feel of his strong arms around her, inhaling his clean, outdoorsy scent.

Everything had changed for her. The thought of returning to Texas and her life there held little appeal. For years, she’d stayed away from her hometown because it represented a past that had brought her grief, and now—now she knew this was where her future lay.

There was a knock on Carley’s door.

Noelle and Thom flew apart and a look of panic came into Carley’s eyes.

“The closet,” Noelle whispered, quickly ushering Thom inside. No sooner had she shut the door than her little sister admitted their mother into the room.

Noelle figured they must look about as guilty as any two people could. Carley stared up at the bedroom ceiling and Noelle was tempted to hum a catchy Yuletide tune.

“I thought I’d turn in for the night,” her mother said. She obviously hadn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary.

“Good idea,” Carley told her mother.

“You don’t want to wear yourself out,” Noelle added, letting her arms swing at her sides. “With Christmas and all…”

Her mother gave them a soft smile. “It does my heart good to see the two of you together. You were like a second mother to Carley when she was a baby.”

“Mom!” her little sister wailed.

“I always thought you’d have a house full of your own children one day,” she said nostalgically. “Don’t you remember how you used to play with all your dolls?”

Noelle wanted to groan, knowing that Thom was listening in on the conversation.

“You’d make a wonderful mother.”

“Thank you, Mom,” she said. “’Night now. See you in the morning.”

“’Night.” She stepped out the door.

Noelle sighed with relief and so did Carley. She was about to open the closet when her mother stuck her head back inside the room. “Noelle, do you have plans for the morning?”

“No, why?” she asked, her voice higher than normal.

“I might need some help.”

“I’ll be glad to do what I can.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.” And with that she was gone. For good this time.

After a moment, Thom opened the closet door and peered out. “Is it safe?”

“I think so.”

“Do you want me to keep watch?” Carley asked. “You know, so you guys can have some privacy.” She smiled at Thom. “He’s been wanting to kiss you ever since you got here.” She lowered her voice. “I think he’s kinda cute.”

“So do I,” Noelle confessed. “And yes, some privacy would be greatly appreciated.”