"Whatever happens, always respect her."

To love her means to respect her.

That's how James understood love.

Stewart gazed at James, his eyes unwavering. For the first time, he found himself feeling genuine respect and even admiration for James.

From the moment James met Briony, he'd stayed by her side-as a friend, as family, in every way that mattered.

He'd done so well, in fact, that Stewart felt a sting of inadequacy by comparison.

The room was empty except for the distant, joyful squeals of the children playing in the dining room and the gentle voice of a woman guiding them.

Lowering his voice, Stewart asked, "Are you leaving soon?"

James dropped his gaze, a bitter smile flickering across his lips. "Yeah. I'm the only son left in the Delaney family, and I'm at the age where people expect me to settle down. My grandfather's health isn't great, and he wants to see me get married, maybe have kids."

Stewart fell silent at that. As someone with a failed marriage behind him, he didn't feel he had much right to comment on the subject.

"Does Bryn know?"

James tried to sound casual. "I'll wait a few days. I'm heading back after

Stewart nodded. "Alright."

the decorations were finished, Stewart and James headed to the kitchen to help

every task. Stewart, on the other hand, struggled. When it came time to knead the dough, the stiffness in his left and right pinky

at her father's unmoving

face froze for a

expected their

hide the truth but softening it so she wouldn't be scared.

"Why is your finger fake,

"I got hurt, so they had to make me a

"Daddy hurt his finger when

her gaze full of sympathy

"Not anymore, sweetheart. You don't have to

he saved Mario!" Nina declared, her

smile deepened. "Thank

her eyes lingering on that artificial finger. She pressed her

lunch, Stewart got a call-he needed to

been busy lately, more

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