As February approached in Evergreen Hollow, the town began to shift from winter's deep freeze to hints of early spring. Snow still covered the ground, but the days grew a bit longer, and the sun occasionally peeked through the clouds, melting patches here and there. Icicles dripped from rooftops, and people started talking about Valentine's Day plans. The local shops displayed hearts and roses in their windows, replacing the last of the holiday decorations. For Holly Winters, this meant a busy time at Heartstrings Connections—singles looking for dates, couples seeking advice. But her own heart was tangled in the slow-building connection with Rowan Kane. After his deep dive into Anna's cheating, Holly felt closer to him, but she wondered about Lily. How did a six-year-old see her absent mother?
Holly sat at her desk one snowy afternoon, sorting through Valentine's match requests. Her office felt warmer now, with a new red throw blanket on the chair—a gift from a grateful client. She sipped tea, thinking about Rowan and Lily. The little girl was always cheerful around her, but Anna's shadow loomed. Holly wanted to understand Lily's side, not just Rowan's pain.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Rowan: "Lily's school has a family day tomorrow. Want to come? She asked for you."
Holly's heart warmed. "I'd love to. What time?"
"10 AM. Thanks," he replied.
The next day, Holly dressed in a cozy sweater and jeans, ready for kid activities. Rowan's truck pulled up, Lily waving from the window. Rowan smiled as Holly climbed in.
"Morning," he said. "Lily's excited."
"Miss Holly! We're making crafts!" Lily bounced in her seat.
At the school, a colorful building with murals of animals and trees, families gathered in the gym. Tables had art supplies, games, and snacks. Kids ran around, parents chatted.
Lily's teacher, Mrs. Green, greeted them. "Lily, who's this?"
"My friend Holly!" Lily said. "She's Daddy's date."
Holly blushed, Rowan coughed. "Family friend," he clarified.
They sat at a table for crafts. Lily glued paper hearts, making a card.
"Who's this for?" Holly asked.
"Mommy," Lily said casually.
Holly glanced at Rowan. He tensed but nodded for her to continue.
"Your mommy?" Holly asked gently.
Lily nodded, adding glitter. "She lives far away. Daddy says she's busy."
Holly helped with stickers. "Do you miss her?"
Lily thought, her small brow furrowing. "Sometimes. She sends cards. But I don't remember her much."
Rowan watched, quiet.
"What do you remember?" Holly probed softly.
Lily shrugged. "She had pretty hair. Sang songs. But then she went away. Daddy was sad."
Holly's heart ached. Lily's view was innocent, filtered through a child's eyes—no full grasp of the betrayal.
"Do you want to see her?" Holly asked.
Lily looked at Rowan. "Daddy says maybe when I'm bigger."
Rowan ruffled her hair. "That's right, kiddo."
They moved to games—ring toss, bean bag throw. Lily laughed, holding Holly's hand.
During snack time, apples and juice, Lily drew a picture: a house, Rowan, herself, and a figure far away labeled "Mom."
"That's Mommy," Lily explained. "She's in the city with adventures."
Holly nodded. "Sounds exciting."
"But I like here with Daddy and you," Lily added.
Rowan smiled faintly. Later, as they left, he said, "Thanks for coming. Lily adores you."
"She's sweet. Her take on Anna... it's so pure."
Rowan nodded. "She doesn't know the bad parts. I keep it that way."
That evening, Holly baked cookies at home, thinking. Lily saw Anna as a distant figure, not the cheater who broke their family. It was protective, but someday Lily might ask more.
The next day, a Valentine's fair hit town—booths with flowers, chocolates, games. Rowan invited Holly and Lily.
At the fair, music played, smells of cotton candy filled the air. Lily rode a carousel, waving.
They played games. Rowan won a stuffed bear for Lily.
"Like Mommy's bear," Lily said.
Rowan paused. "What bear?"
"The one she gave me before she left. It's in my closet."
Holly saw Rowan's face—memories flashing.
Later, at a picnic table with hot dogs, Lily chattered. "Mommy likes cities. Daddy said she went for fun."
Holly asked, "What else did Daddy say?"
Lily munched. "That she's happy there. Sends love."
Rowan's eyes met Holly's—grateful for her gentle questions.
"Do you send her things?" Holly asked.
Lily nodded. "Drawings. But she doesn't come back."
Holly hugged her. "You have lots of love here."
After the fair, at Rowan's house, Lily showed Holly the bear—a worn teddy.
"Mommy gave it when I was little," Lily said. "She said it'd keep me safe."
Holly held it. "It's special."
Lily's eyes were big. "Why did she leave?"
Rowan, in the doorway, answered. "She needed to find her own happiness, sweetie."
Lily accepted. "Okay. But I'm happy with you."
Bedtime came. Holly read a story. Lily fell asleep clutching the bear.
Downstairs, Rowan and Holly sat by the fire.
"She remembers more than I thought," Rowan said.
Holly nodded. "But no anger. Just curiosity."
Rowan sighed. "I shield her from the cheating. Anna's calls are sporadic. Last one, she promised a visit but canceled."
Holly touched his knee. "You're doing great."
He covered her hand. "With you, it's easier."
They cuddled, fire warming them. No kiss, but closeness deepened.
A storm brewed. Snow fell heavy. "Stay," Rowan said.
Holly agreed. Guest room again.
Morning, snowed in. They built snowmen. Lily laughed, throwing snowballs.
"Daddy, is Holly my new mommy?" Lily asked suddenly.
Rowan knelt. "Holly's a special friend."
Lily nodded. "Good. Mommy's far, but Holly's here."
Holly's eyes teared. Lily saw Anna as absent, but not hated— a ghost, while Holly was real.
Days passed. Holly learned more through Lily's innocent words. At a park, Lily said, "Mommy didn't like snow. That's why she left."
Rowan later explained, "Anna hated winter. Cheating started in summer travels."
Holly understood. Lily pieced memories simply.
One night, Anna called. Rowan put on speaker by accident. "I miss Lily," Anna said.
Lily heard. "Mommy?"
Awkward talk. Anna promised gifts. Lily excited, but after, she hugged Rowan. "She's nice, but you're my favorite."
Rowan teared up. Holly comforted him.
The slow burn grew—shared looks, hands held longer.
At a town dance, they swayed. Lily watched from sidelines.
Under lights, Rowan whispered, "Lily sees you as family."
Holly smiled. "I like that."
He kissed her cheek. 'And I do, too'