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declared, “And that’s what Christmas is all about, Eternity Springs!”
    Emma played the introduction to “Joy to the World,” and the sing-along commenced.
    And peace and goodwill settled over Jared like a snowfall. Without conscious thought, he drifted toward the piano. He’d always loved listening to Emma play, but being near and watching her … what a turn-on. She played the piano with such passion, such emotion, and those times when she’d held his gaze and spoken to him through her music—wow. More than once he’d grabbed her up and taken her there against the piano.
    He couldn’t believe they’d never share such moments again.
    He didn’t plan to move beside her. He didn’t assume his old observation spot on purpose. Nevertheless, that’s where he ended up. When Emma glanced up and saw him, her eyes widened. Then, to his surprise, she smiled. Jared stayed.
    Eventually, the sing-along ended. A man who introduced himself as the mayor stepped up to the microphone and publicly thanked Emma for pitching in to help. A practiced performer, she took her bows. As the audience filed out of the auditorium, she turned back to the piano and started to stack the sheet music. Acting instinctively, Jared said, “Taking requests?”
    Again, she showed him that smile, and Jared’s sense of goodwill intensified. “What would you like to hear?”
    “The Schumann.”
    She hesitated, and he thought she was going to refuse. But then she closed her eyes, and her fingers began to move. The sound of “Träumerei” rose and filled his heart and soul, and as he watched her sway and move with the passion of the piece, his blood heated.
    Her eyes opened. Their gazes met and held. It was a dance they’d performed time and time again. It was their dance.
    Time hung suspended. He didn’t see stragglers in the audience being hurried along toward the reception in the gymnasium at the other side of the school by Celeste and Molly. He didn’t realize the house lights had dimmed or that he and Emma were alone together. He was aware only of the music and the heavy-lidded warmth in Emma’s eyes and of the yearning that filled him.
    He wished the song could last forever, but the piece progressed to the inevitable end. Emma closed her eyes, breaking the spell as she played the ending bars. As the final note echoed through the auditorium and died away, Jared felt as if he stood on a precipice.
    Three little words floated through his mind. Was it too late? What would happen if he said them? Did he want to say, Emma come home ?
    He hesitated too long. Emma stood and picked up her purse. “It’s been a long travel day, and I’m tired. I think I’ll skip the reception and head on back to Angel’s Rest. Good night, Jared.”
    She was almost to the door before he found his voice. “Thank you, Emma. For the song.”
    She paused. “I enjoyed playing for you.”
    As her footsteps faded, Jared released a heavy, sad sigh. He and Emma had just said their goodbyes.
* * *
     
    As Christmas approached, Molly grew both more excited and more despairing. She loved all the hustle and bustle surrounding the holiday and wedding preparations. She hated the way her mom and dad managed to participate in said hustle and bustle and seldom interact. She guessed that this was what she had to look forward to from now on where her parents were concerned.
    Molly admitted that a part of her had hoped that the suggestion to divorce might drive her parents to attempt to save the marriage, but she’d meant what she’d said in making the request. Neither one of them was happy, and this state of suspension wasn’t good for anybody. Still, seeing them together but apart hurt her heart.
    Maybe she’d made a mistake asking for one last family Christmas. Maybe she and Charlie should have eloped.
    A knock on the door of her room at Angel’s Rest interrupted her brooding. “Come in.”
    The door cracked open, and her dad stuck his head inside. “Hey, sweetheart.