Later, Stephen carried Britney to bed and tucked her in before returning to Yvonne once more.

Yvonne had already finished showering. She was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city's skyline. She didn't notice Stephen approaching her.

"What are you looking at?" Stephen's voice rang from above her.

"It's snowing." Yvonne placed her hand on the window as if she were trying to touch a snowflake.

"There will be a layer of snow tomorrow. We can take Britney and Elvin to have fun in the snow."

"My flight is tomorrow."

Yvonne was a little stunned. She felt empty inside. She looked at Stephen's reflection in the window and forced a smile. "I almost forgot that you still need to head back to Neil."

"I'll be back by New Year's."

Stephen went in closer and placed his hand on the back of Yvonne's hand. He said gently, "By then, the snow will be heavier. It'll be more fun."

"Hmm." Yvonne leaned back into Stephen's chest, letting his woody scent and body warmth envelo