Chapter 17
The smell of pine filled his nostrils as he woke from a sound sleep, and his body was warmer than usual which meant Pilar was close. Samuel sat up in bed and heard her outside the bedroom. He rose and opened the door to see her hanging a wreath with red bows.
His wife had always loved Christmas morning with their children. Her radiance caught his attention and her flawless skin in her red Christmas sleep shirt and gray pants showed no time had passed as she smiled and said, “Merry Christmas, Samuel.”
He beamed back at her. “Merry Christmas, Pilar.” The suite felt empty, like they were alone despite the eight-foot tall Christmas tree decorated with red and white lights that was now the centerpiece of the living area. His daughter had always loved Christmas too. “Where is Valen
