"I will be back on Christmas Day," Bentley had promised, his eyes imploring her to believe it. Just before he slipped outside into the cold, he whispered it. She believed him. Why would she do otherwise? He loved her. He would never break his word. Willow shivered and breathed warm air on her stiff fingers. She buried them in the folds of her linen gown, and stared at the flames in the hearth. They swayed and snapped, sending sparks up the sooty chimney. She still believed Bentley-but today was Christmas. Will he keep his word to her?