Gavin nced back onest time. Eleanor and Xavier stood close together, looking for all the world like a couple. With the two children''sughter ringing out, the whole scene looked picture-perfect.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Xavier caught the momentn''s silhouette disappeared. He let his hand drop from Eleanor''s shoulder and offered her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I got a little carried away just now."


    Eleanor unwound his scarf from her neck and handed it back. "It''s freezing out here. You need it more than I do I''ll go grab another one inside."


    Xavier hesitated for a second, then epted the scarf. Eleanor hurried back into the living room.


    She had no idean had just been there, nor that Xavier had purposely tried to given the wrong impression.


    That secret belonged to Xavier alone.


    He''d acted that way because he''d noticed somethingtely-his good friendn seemed to want Eleanor back.


    So Xavier used his own closeness, hoping to shield her fromn''s advances— without Eleanor ever knowing. Of course, it didn''t hurt that it gave him a chance as well.


    Xavier had never imed to be a saint. In love, everyone fights their own way.


    Eleanor grabbed another scarf from the hall closet and wrapped it around her neck before heading back outside. The kids were still ying, shrieking with delight.


    Children really are happiest when they''re together—their joy seems to multiply. At five-thirty, Xavier''s phone buzzed. Ian was calling.


    "Xavier, bring Eleanor and the kids over for dinner,"n said on the other end. "Sure, we''ll be there soon," Xavier replied.


    After hanging up, he turned to Eleanor. "Let''s go to the restaurantn''s waiting for us."


    Before Eleanor could answer, Evelyn piped up, "Mr. Vaughn, let''s hurry! I''m starving."


    "Alright, let''s go." Eleanor crouched to brush the snow off her daughter''s mittens, while Vivian watched, a little envious.


    After Eleanor finished with Evelyn, she turned and gently dusted the snow from Vivian''s gloves too, making the girl beam with happiness.


    Xavier noticed, and felt a wave of gratitude.


    Ever since Vivian''s sister had been sentenced to life in prison, she''d been withdrawn-crying quietly when she thought no one was looking. Xavier''s heart ached for her, but he never quite knew how to help.


    Now, seeing Eleanor''s gentle kindness toward Vivian, how could he not be moved?


    From the day his sister was sent away, Vivian had be his daughter in every way that mattered-he was her guardian now.


    Any goodness shown to Vivian, Xavier felt deep in his heart.


    A shuttle van pulled up and soon they were riding up to the hotel''s top floor. The restaurant was perched at the very top of the building, its floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of snow-capped mountains and the fading twilight.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn squealed, running to him.


    Eleanor sat down beside Evelyn, with Vivian on her other side. Xavier andn took seats together across the table.


    They let the children choose dinner-pan-seared cod, truffle pasta, baked sweet potatoes with cheese.


    Eleanor kept an eye on the girls, making sure everyone was happy, while the two men sipped red wine and watched over the table. The atmosphere was warm and easy.


    "The ski resort opens at nine tomorrow. I''ve already booked us the VIP passes,"n announced, then turned to Xavier. "Hey, do you remember thest time we went skiing together?"