Chapter 24
CHRISTMAS MORNING LOOKED LIKE the sparkling silver card Anika had kept near her since the night of the fire. She’d almost memorized the words and promised herself that she would change her life and Megan’s. During her overnight stay in the hospital, she decided that never again would she stomp through life hating Christmas.
Carlos arrived at her apartment just in time for breakfast. Anika’s heart fluttered when she opened the door and saw the three white roses he held toward her. “Merry Christmas, Anika.”
She pulled Carlos inside and touched his cheek. “Merry Christmas to you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Carlos kissed her, pulling her closer with one arm, the cellophane around the roses crunching slightly. Her middle warmed as she kissed him, and she
