Christmas morning broke clear and still, the kind of winter light that made everything outside look like glass.
Lucas was the first to wake. His laughter filled the house as he ran into her room, flinging himself onto the bed with a cry of, “Merry Christmas, Mommy!” His joy was bright and boundless, and for a fleeting second, Brianna forgot the dread that had haunted her through the night.
She smiled, pulled him close, and kissed his forehead. “Merry Christmas, my love.”
The day began the way Christmas mornings always did. Laurel made breakfast while Luke took photos, Lucas tore open his presents with gasps of delight, and the house filled with the warmth of family. The scent of coffee and cinnamon rolls mingled with the sound of carols playing softly in the background.
It should have
