Nathaniel sensed her before he saw her. When he lifted his gaze, he met a pair of fearless, curious eyes.
She stood beside his table, head tilted thoughtfully. “Sir,” she said in a clear voice that carried farther than she intended, “no one should eat alone on Christmas Eve.”
The words hit him squarely in the chest.
Behind her, the mother hurried forward. “Sophie! I’m so sorry,” she said softly. “She doesn’t always think before she speaks.”
Nathaniel raised a hand gently. “It’s all right.”
The second twin peeked around her mother’s coat. “Would you like three really good dinner guests?” Sophie added with unwavering confidence. “Just for tonight.”
Nathaniel glanced at the empty chair. Something inside him shifted.
“No,” he began automatically, seeing disappointment flicker across the woman’s face. Then he corrected himself, voice warmer. “No, it’s not a bother. I’d like that very much.”
Extra chairs were brought over. The woman hesitated, caution etched into her features. “I’m Megan Carter,” she said finally. “These are Sophie and Chloe.”
“Nathaniel,” he replied.