The music had softened, the carols fading into gentle instrumentals as the Christmas party wound down. Couples lingered on the dance floor, their laughter quieter now, their movements slower, savoring the last notes of the evening.
Mitchell stood at the edge of the room, his gaze sweeping across the hall. He had watched his sons all night—Lee steady and protective, Max confident yet humble, Millie glowing at his side. For the first time, Mitchell saw what everyone else had been trying to tell him: strength wasn’t about control, it was about trust.
He drew a deep breath, then crossed the floor toward Tracy. She was gathering her shawl, ready to leave, when he extended his hand.
“Dance with me,” he said, his voice low but steady.
Surprised, Tracy hesitated, then placed her hand in his. T
