Page 72 of Chocolate Cherry Cabin

From what Louis had heard while picking up a coffee at the Longhorn Diner after working on the piano, nobody would be in France next Christmas. He’d heard Daisy-Mae and Mrs. Fisher saying that Hannah had put her foot down, but then Ryan had also mentioned something about Calvin not being impressed with the agency that was recruiting him. Louis didn’t much care which story was true as long as Hannah stayed in Sweetheart Creek, but he secretly hoped it was the former reason.

The next performer was ready and Hannah began working that musical magic that always enthralled him and had brought him to music as well. Her fingers began to dance, the song so familiar that she kept her eyes on the child singing rather than the keys.

Hannah’s boys performed the last song a half hour later, decked out in fake Santa beards as they sang “Up on the Housetop.” When she played “Here Comes Santa Claus,” the entire audience joined in, eyes toward the doors where Santa was due to come through. Which he did with a loud “Ho, ho, ho.”

Santa settled himself on the stage and began distributing gifts from his sack. Louis planned to leave, but got distracted by Hannah’s genuine happiness as she helped Santa and the kids.

Then the concert was over and adults and kids alike swarmed the snack table, scrambling to get their hands on Hannah’s chocolate cherry cookies. Louis could see Calvin watching him with an assessing gaze that he figured could go either way, good or bad.

By now Calvin had likely heard how he’d convinced her to apply to school as well as to say no to France—he’d take credit for that. Top that off with how he’d given her the VIP hockey treatment in what the press were speculating was an official date, as well as carrying Calvin’s son last night and, well, Louis figured the man might need a little space.

* * *

Hannah scanned the community barn for familiar faces. Specifically, Louis’s. She wanted to thank him for the effort he’d put into the old piano. He’d brought out the beauty in the instrument’s wood grains, transforming its battered old appearance and flaws into something to admire. Even the silent key had rung true tonight, having found its voice in a gentle repair.

Louis had seen this piano’s potential, just like he’d seen her own.

But she couldn’t find him. Earlier he’d been standing against the wall, but now he was gone, and Calvin was approaching, along with her parents. Hannah’s mom and dad gave her hugs and well wishes before heading out into the dark night, with promises of seeing her tomorrow for Christmas dinner.

Thomas launched into her, and she ruffled his hair, wishing it was her night to have him. It felt as though Calvin had had the boys for so long with the trip, and now a bonus day of jet lag recovery. And while she knew it would all even out in the long run, she still felt as though she was losing out.

“You played well,” Calvin said. His posture was slightly awkward as they stepped to the side to let people flow past the cookie table. “Did he get you a new piano?”

“Who?” she asked innocently.

“You know.”

“Louis?”

He gave a small nod, glancing cautiously in the boys’ direction as though fearing they might burst into happy song at hearing the man’s name.

“He just brought out the best in this one.” Hannah snagged a gingerbread man from the table, breaking its head off before realizing she wasn’t actually hungry.

Calvin ran his fingers through his hair, his gaze on Hannah’s boots. When he looked up, he let out the breath he’d been holding. “I think he’s also brought out the best in some other things, too.”

Hannah’s breath froze in her chest and she tried to stop her eyes from opening so wide.“What do you mean?” she asked, feigning casualness.

Calvin took her by the elbow and steered her farther from the snack table so they’d have more privacy. The boys had found the hot chocolate and Wade was patiently helping Thomas in a way he wouldn’t have a week ago. The trip had been good for them, and it was so nice to see them exhibiting independence, as well as how their relationship as brothers had grown.

Maybe change wasn’t something to be afraid of on their behalf. Maybe it was something they all needed.

“You seem different,” Calvin said.

“I’m not.”

“A few weeks ago you wouldn’t have decided to go back to school.” Hannah inhaled sharply, and Calvin added quickly, “It’s good. I like it. And you’re right to want more for yourself. I’ll help you in any way I can, and I’m sorry I wasn’t more supportive about it earlier.”

“I should have brought it forward for discussion first.”

“No, I have no business. This is your decision.”

“It’ll impact all of us.”

“That still doesn’t make it my business or my decision to make for you. I trust that you didn’t make this choice lightly, and I know you’ve considered all the angles. I hope you’ll ask for the help you need, when you need it. I know you want more independence, and I admire and respect that. But that doesn’t mean I get to renege on my obligations.”

Obligations. Somehow, somewhere along the line that was what she’d become to him. It was an unfortunate word choice, but she understood the intended sentiment. He was here and had her back, just like she’d had his during their school years. It wasn’t his fault—or hers—that their love hadn’t been enough to keep their marriage intact. But they were still in this together, as parents.

“You’re a good man,” she whispered, barely trusting her voice.

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