Some transplant patients experience darker skin for a while, but it's only temporary.

"Oh!" Little Nina didn't understand the medical talk, but she said earnestly, "As long as Mom is healthy and doesn't get sick, it doesn't matter if she has a few dark spots! In my heart, Mom will always be the most beautiful."

Briony was moved. She reached out to gently touch her daughter's round, cherubic cheek. "You're such a sweet girl, Nina."

"Mom." Little Mario tugged on Briony's finger.

Briony looked down at her son, ruffling his hair. "Mario, Mommy's home."

Mario's brows knitted in worry. "Mom, does it hurt?"

Briony smiled, her eyes growing misty. "It doesn't hurt, sweetheart. When I think of you and Nina, nothing hurts at all."

Little Mario stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. "I love you, Mom."

He wasn't one for words; just those three simple little words were enough to bring tears to Briony's eyes.

Stewart set Mario down.

Nina rushed over too, throwing her arms around Briony.

Briony gathered both children into her embrace, pressing kisses to the tops of their heads.

grow up with her own

but her

was alive. That

the family reunion from the doorway, feeling

was finally well enough to leave the hospital, he knew it would be time for him to quietly step out of

20th. Ten days since Briony left

came to the cottage to check Briony's pulse, his

At this rate, you'll be able to leave the hospital

heart soared at

discharged," Dr. Ellsworth cautioned, "you'll still need to rest at home for a few

been snatched back from the

carefully to his

around. "Where's

weeks, everyone had seen how much Stewart had done for Briony and the kids. It felt natural now to think of him as part

never left Briony's side through her illness. Whatever had happened ween them in the past, it was time

improved, Stewart

Ellsworth hadn't seen much of him

a new business, I think," Briony

she'd overheard Stewart on the phone,

asked. That was

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