Page 32 of My Heart Before You

“And you’re still meeting with Nia. She’s been a good fit?”

Emilie sighed as she ran her hands through her hair. “Once a month like clockwork, and yes, thank you for the tenth time for setting her up for me. She’s wonderful.”

“I’m not trying to irritate you, Em.”

“I know.” She let out a careful breath. “I know.”

“I just worry.”

She reached forward to rub Analie’s leg. “I know. I’m actually doing really well here. I feel stronger than I have in a long time.”

Her twin’s worried face relaxed as a smile overtook her features. “I’m glad.”

She felt her lips mirroring her sister's expression before a memory flashed in her mind. “You should know before we meet her, I told Ash . . . everything.”

Analie’s eyes widened. “Everything, everything?”

She dipped her head in confirmation.

Silence fell between the two of them as the wind gently swayed the branches of her elm just outside the window.

“Ash took it well.”

Analie pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them. “I’m glad you two are close enough to confide that, and that you’re feeling strong enough to talk about it.”

“It was really hard. It’s always really hard, but it feels like every time I tell it, a layer lifts. I know that sounds weird.”

“It doesn’t sound weird.”

Quiet fell between them again for several long seconds.

“I’m sorry, but if we are going to keep chatting, can we move over there?” Analie pointed to her white, brick-trimmed gas fireplace, which stood as an anchor to the open concept living room. “I’m freezing by this window. What is this, single pane?”

The laugh that burst from her lips was just the one her heart needed in that moment.

“Why don’t we get ready, and I’ll text Ash and see when she can meet up with us?”

Analie beamed. “Look atyou, planning things. I’m so proud. Okay. I just need to grab a shower first.”

“Yeah, you do.” She popped up from the seat carrying her empty mug towards the sink. “Don’t think I couldn’t smell those stinky feet through those woolly socks.”

This time her sister’s tossed pillow hit her square in the back of the head.

?Chapter 14?

Colin tipped the bartender for his Manhattan before wandering to one of the many high-top tables covered with fake snowflakes and lit votive candles. Pushing back his shirt cuff and jacket sleeve, he checked the time.

“Hey, man.”

Max was behind him wearing a similar well-tailored black suit, but sporting a holly boutonniere and dancing Santa tie. Kate’s long-sleeve, dark turquoise floor-length dress only made her fiery hair more striking.

“Hey. You guys made it.”

“Yes.” She drew out the word on her exhale. “I’m so glad Allyce found a friend of hers to babysit for us after she spiked a temperature this afternoon. I mean I hope she feels better and everything, but I didn’t want to miss the party.”

Max squeezed Kate to his side. “I was ready to start knocking door to door so I could keep my date night with this hot mama.”

“It has been a while since we’ve been out.” She nuzzled her forehead into Max’s newly grown auburn beard before resting her head on his shoulder.

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