I nodded, unable to speak around the lump in my throat.

Simon grabbed my hand, wrapping his much larger one around my fingers. He bent enough to grasp his guitar case and led me out into the late evening. Snow drifted in large, lacey flakes.

“A Christmas snow,” I said with a smile.

Simon tightened his grip. “Excellent. Miah and I can have a sledding rematch.”

Simon opened my car door. I glanced around, shocked Simon’s was one of the only vehicles in the lot.

Angelica popped up from a nice SUV nearby. “Jeremiah went home with your parents about an hour ago,” she said. “If you’re heading back with Ella for the night, I can pick up your luggage and deliver it to you tomorrow.”

Angelica looked between the two of us, shivering slightly as the snow blew down the neck of her cashmere sweater.

Simon looked down at me, letting me know without words it was my choice.

“Yes, that’s lovely,” I said. “Thanks.”

“Angelica?” Simon said. “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

Angelica shrugged. “I told you—I don’t really have anyone to celebrate with.”

“You most certainly do,” I said. “You’ll have the day with us.”

“I don’t want to impose,” Angelica said, rubbing her hands up and down her arms.

“That’s no trouble a’tall,” I said. “My mum loves to cook. There’ll be plenty.”

Angelica’s smile lit up her face and the air between us, causing me to gasp in delight.

“I’d really like that,” she said in a soft voice.

“Tomorrow, then,” Simon said. “Thank you for all the help.” He turned toward me, ready to assist me into my seat.

“It’s my job,” Angelica said in that gratingly cheerful voice.

Simon closed his eyes for a moment before he met mine. “She’s probably not joking.”

I choked back a laugh and settled into my seat with a sigh.

My body ached with exhaustion, but my mind drifted, at peace for the first time in months.

I turned my head to look at my husband when he slid into his seat, shivering a little at the dropped temperature.

“I’ve missed you,” I said.

He picked up my hand and pressed a kiss to my glove-covered palm, closing my fingers over the promise he’d made there.

“I’ve been desperate for you.”

I smiled as I closed my eyes.

The car stopped, and I blinked with groggy intent.

“Where are we?”

“Your parents’ house.”

“I fell asleep.”

“Just ten minutes.”

I made a movement to open the car door, but Simon placed his hand on my thigh. I shivered.

“Shh,” Simon whispered. “I’ll get you.”

He pulled me from the car, and I snuggled tight against his chest. “Promise you won’t leave me,” I murmured.

He kissed the top of my head. “I promise.”