Daniel turned to look at Annika, who also had tears shining in her eyes, and she’d never looked more beautiful. This woman was incredible. Just being near her made him feel more whole than he had in five years.

Emma squeezed his arm and let go, a smile still on her face, though Daniel thought he may have caught a glimpse of concern in her eyes.

“Come, let’s sit by the fire. Dinner will be a bit.” Emma grabbed her glass of wine and took Michael’s hand. Daniel took Annika’s hand and led the way.

He sat next to Annika on the sofa and sipped his wine, letting the alcohol warm him, before placing the glass down and resting his arm around Annika’s shoulder. She continued her conversation with Michael but leaned back slightly into Daniel, pressing her body into his chest. It was tantalizing and reassuring and loving all at once, and it confirmed for Daniel in that moment that he was home. She was the reason he could remember Sara without breaking down. She was his home.

Daniel relaxed for what felt like the first time in years. Annika was beside him, smiling and laughing, her hand occasionally grazing his thigh or arm, and the jolt he felt from that went beyond simple desire into pure happiness. It was clear that his sister and brother-in-law were both quite taken with Annika. And with good reason.

While Annika and Michael discussed the latest movie they’d each seen, Emma rose and asked Daniel to help her in the kitchen. Daniel nearly refused as he suspected what was on her mind, but Emma’s face made it clear he was coming to the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen, Emma shut the door and checked on the homemade lasagna. Stalling.

“I know what you’re going to say, Emma.”

“Hmm. Do you? Then why do I have to say it?”

Daniel shrugged. “You don’t.”

“Don’t be a wiseass. You know you have to tell her.”

“I told her about...Sara.” He had to pause before saying her name, and the sound of it weighed on his heart.

“Did you tell her all of it? The fallout?”

“No.” He looked away from her piercing gaze.

“Don’t you look away from me, Daniel Bliant. You’re lying to that poor girl, leading her on. She clearly cares about you. I haven’t seen you look at a woman like that—ever. Not even Sheila.”

“It’s fine, Em.”

“How can you say that? Have you changed your mind? Are you willing to become a father again someday?”

“Sure.”

“Sure? That’s your answer?” Emma’s eyes grew wide and slightly dangerous. “What the hell kind of answer is that, Danny?”

“Didn’t you see how I was able to remember Sa—her—just a bit ago?” Damn it, why was it so hard to say her name?