Okay.


    Dulcie nodded absently, her thoughts elsewhere.


    Without waiting for Kyson, she headed straight for thebs entrance.


    Behind her, Sally nudged Kyson, her subtle push urging him not to let this chance slip by.


    He sighed, ncing down at the gifts he was carrying for the children.


    He followed Dulcie quietly, watching her back as_ they entered theb ward together.


    Inside, the room was peaceful.


    Colby and Destinee were curled up on the bed, fast asleep, their breaths slow and steady.


    Sonny sat beside them, and seeing Dulcie and Kyson enter, he put his finger to his lips, motioning for silence.


    It had taken him ages to get the kids to sleep, and thest thing he needed was them waking up too soon. Kyson nodded and sat down beside Dulcie, settling into the stillness.


    He didnt n to leave yet.


    He felt a strange boldness in Dulcies presence, like an anchor keeping him grounded.


    Time passed slowly.


    Outside, snowkes began to drift from the sky, nketing the world in a soft, white hush.


    An hourter, the children stirred.


    Destinee was the first to wake, her small body shifting under the nket.


    Her sleepy eyes blinked open, confusion flickering in them as she tried to make sense of her surroundings.


    She looked adorable, like a kitten just waking from a nap.


    When she noticed the room had filled with people, she blinked in confusion, her little face scrunched as if trying to piece together how they had all appeared so suddenly.


    Noticing Dulcie, she smiled and crawled over, her tiny hand slipping into hers. Dulcie, are you feeling better? Destinee had been deeply worried about Dulcies injury, and now, seeing her in front of her, a wave of relief and happiness washed over her.


    Dulcie lifted the little girl onto herp, smoothing down her tousled hair with a soft smile.


    Im all better now, sweetheart.


    Dont worry.


    She pressed her lips to Destinees forehead, her voice gentle.


    When Colby wakes up, Ill take you both out to y in the snow.


    How does that sound? Destinees eyes lit up like stars.


    Really? We can make a snowman? Of course.


    Its up to you, Dulcie teased, yfully tapping the girls nose.


    Just as she promised, the excitement spread, and Sally joined in, herughter filling the air as she chatted with Destinee. Kyson watched, quiet but thoughtful, as if weighing the right moment to speak.


    But as usual, the words never came.


    It wasnt the timenot yet.


    Half an hourter, Colby began to stir.


    The moment Destinee noticed him wake up, she practically bounced on him.


    Colby! Wake up! Dulcies going to take us out to y in the snow! I didnt have enough funst time it snowed.


    Still groggy, Colby blinked slowly, his head bobbing in sleepy acknowledgment.


    Destinee, not one to wait, scrambled to get dressed but promptly tripped over a scarf.


    Before she could hit the floor, Kysons hands were there, steadying her.


    Thank you, Kyson! she beamed up at him.


    Help me get dressed! I want to y in the snow!