chapter2071

Magnus had once spoken bravely of going back to borrow money from Cecilia, but even that idea carried a brush with death.

Denise fell quiet for a heartbeat, then offered softly, "Why don't you spend New Year's with us instead?"

After all, she couldn't imagine anyone greeting the year alone.

Hope lit Magnus' eyes like a struck match.

"I'd love that, but would your mom and dad be all right with it?"

“I'm renting a cottage for a week,” she explained, voice brightening. “I'll arrange a short discharge so they can leave the hospital and stay there with us."

She had already combed the listings. Quaint houses edging the countryside, each with quiet rooms and wide windows that framed endless fields.

"When the time comes, just tell my parents that's where I've been living all along."

She could not bear for them to discover the cramped, peeling apartment she actually called home.

"All right," Magnus said quickly. "Do you have a place picked out? If not, let me handle the search."

He had managed to save a decent sum and preferred not to let Denise shoulder every expense.

"It's booked already. Deposit paid," she reassured him. "Just celebrate with us and stop worrying about the rest."

She had even set aside money for gifts, new clothes, and all the bright trimmings of the season.

Listening to her careful plans, Magnus felt a curious flutter-part excitement, part nerves ripple through his chest.

"Okay,” he agreed softly. "Let Mr. and Mrs. Laney know in advance, then."

Magnus was slightly worried that Denise's parents would not be pleased to be in his company as they celebrated the New Year. A shadow crossed his face, so quick it almost went unnoticed. He shifted in his seat, suddenly unable to taste his food.

Denise read the doubt flickering behind his glasses. She reached across the table and gave his shoulder a light, reassuring tap. "Relax," she told him, her voice bright as wind chimes. “My parents are wonderful. Honestly, they keep pushing me to hurry up and find a boyfriend."

A boyfriend? The single word ricocheted through Magnus' chest like a plucked guitar string, leaving the muscles in his back pulled tight.

"And then?" he managed, heartbeat drumming in his ears.

Color warmed Denise's cheeks. "Well, I was hoping you could pretend to be that boyfriend, just for the holiday, so you can join us."

Relief washed over Magnus, cooling the flush on his skin, only to surge back as panic seconds later.

"I've never played fake boyfriend," he confessed, fingers worrying the edge of a napkin. "What if your mom and dad see right through me?"

Denise leaned closer, eyes shining with gentle mischief. "If you agree and stick to the plan, you won't have to worry about a thing" She softened her tone. "But you'r uncomfortable, we can keep it simple. You'd just be my friend meeting my parents." s

Magnus blurted, "I'll do it—absolutely!" Embarrassed by his own eagerness, he

cleared his throat. "Playing pretend for one night? Consider it done."

"Thank you,” she whispered, genuine gratitude threading every syllable.

"No need for thanks." Magnus raised his fork in a small salute. "Come on. Let's finish dinner."

The flavors that landed dull on his tongue minutes ago suddenly bloomed-spicy fragrant, alive, He shoveled another bite, and for the first time all evening, the food tasted like a promise. s

Elsewhere the city was already humming with holiday impatience. School had let out, and Jonathan and not bounced through their first afternoon of winter break like

firecrackers waiting for a match.

s

After clocking out, Cecilia and Nathaniel bundled the two boys into the back seat, then steered downtown in search of new holiday outfits.

Gabe and Luke were far too small for crowded stores, so they stayed home under a nanny's watchful eye.

"Jon, is Ms. Kennedy's baby coming any day now?" Elliot piped up, eyes bright with curiosity.

He kicked his heels against the leather seat, the question floating across the car's warm interior.

Jonathan shook his head, dark hair brushing his collar. "Not that fast. She's got a few months left," he answered, calm and certain.

Elliot sighed theatrically, cheek pressed to his fist. "Hmm. I wonder if it'll be a boy or a girl."

Cecilia glanced back from the passenger seat with a gentle smile. "Eli, which one would you like, a baby boy or girl?"

"Girl, for sure. Sisters are adorable," he replied without a moment's doubt.

Cecilia couldn't help a soft laugh, the sound filling the car like sunlight.

Elliot's hopeful gaze locked on her. "Mommy, can you give me a baby sister too?" Th?s chapter is updated by findnovel.net

Jonathan stopped tapping at his handheld game. Hearing the word sister, he lifted his eyes toward Cecilia, silent but equally expectant.

Nathaniel, seated beside them, met Cecilia's gaze in the rear-view mirror. "Ceci," he said, voice low and amused, "I have to admit. I like Eli's idea."