CHRISTMAS IN YOUR ARMS

rooftops and streets, sparkling like countless tiny diamonds, and the air was crisp and still. Claire slowly stirred beneath the warmth o

hummed a quiet tune nearby, attempting to stack pancakes neatly without letting them topple. The scene was simple

cocoa, hair tousled from sleep, his eyes lighting up w

"Better than I have in a long time," she admitted. "This... this fee

her cheek. "It is the little moments that matter the most," he said quietly. "Moments

pressed on her, leaving little room for hope. Now, watching Jack with the children,

rhythm. Jack poured syrup, and Claire spread butter, their hands brushing with each movement. Each touch lingered just a moment too long, carrying a warmth

clouds. Emma held Claire's hand tightly, Noah clutched Jack's, and Lily twirled under the falling snow, catching flakes on her tongue. The snow

had a way of making her feel seen, valued, and safe all at once.

r from the inside. "No, you do. You make it fee

dren laughed freely, Claire realized that this was more than a morning. It was a pr

ls, their fingers cold but hearts warm. Between laughter and playful snowball throws, their hands occasionally met, and eac

a, and the fire crackled warmly. The children snuggled into blankets, chatting excitedly about the morning's adventures. Claire and Jack exchanged a qu

om her face. "This," he whispered, gesturing at the children and the glowin

s shoulder, savoring the warmth, the quiet, the feeling that somehow, e

en promises filled the air. Claire knew, with a clarity that took her breath away, that this was only the beginning of