Page 135 of Before I Loved You

His arms around me tighten as he kisses the top of my head. “It’s me who’s the lucky one.”

“All right, everyone.” Deloris walks into the room with a line of children behind her, eagerly peering around at all the bags of toys. Excitement flashes in their little eyes as a buzz of anticipation floats in the air. “Who is ready to see what Santa brought for them?”

“I am!”

“Me!”

“Me! Me! Me!”

Deloris laughs. “Okay. Take a seat around the tree, and we’ll get started.”

The children quickly sit on the floor, bouncing in anticipation. A few of them find it impossible to sit still and try peeking in the bags, but they’re each secured shut with a ribbon.

Kevin sits on the closest chair and pulls one of the bags beside him. “Santa told me you were all good this year. But I don’t believe him. Is it true?”

“Yes!” the children all squeal, giggling.

“Well, I guess we’ll find out.” He reaches inside the bag, pulling out the first toy. “Do we have a Henry?”

A little boy no older than five jumps up, happiness evident all over his adorable chubby cheeks as he rushes up to Kevin, smiling brightly at the box in his hands. “Is that the train set I asked Santa for?”

Kevin hands it over to him. “Guess you’ll have to open it to find out.”

Henry starts ripping the red glossed wrapping paper in a hurry, and as his eyes catch on the blue train set, he looks up to Kevin and says, “Thank you!”

Kevin nudges the top of his head. “No problem, little man.”

My eyes wander around the room, taking in the chaotic but heartwarming scene.

There must be at least fifteen children.

Fifteen children with no families or a place to call home.

My eyes water and my throat begins to constrict, remembering being here like it was yesterday.

“Still okay?” Paul whispers beside me.

I nod, trying to rein in my emotions, but it’s becoming impossible.

I clear my throat. “I’ll be right back. I just need to use the restroom.”

“Want me to come with you?”

Shaking my head, I say, “No. I’ll be quick.”

I walk through the entryway out of view, exploring the halls, remembering every room, window, and piece of furniture. It doesn’t appear much has changed since I was last here.

My hand runs along the wall, old memories running rampant through my touch until I approach the sitting room, where another beautiful Christmas tree adorns the corner. There’s a window bench I know very well, bringing a slight smile to my face. It was where I spent many nights curled up, refusing to sleep in the room assigned to me.

I wanted to see the sky.

I wanted to feel close to my parents.

Sitting on the bench, I pick up the photo album resting beside the wall. Carefully, I flip through, seeing photos of children who lived here over the years. Children who had their whole lives turned upside down were brought here to feel any semblance of everyday life.

My eyes immediately stop on an image.

Squinting, I take the photo out of the sleeve and bring it up for a closer inspection.

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