Snowflakes weren't supposed to fall on a tropical island, but somehow, magic seemed to have found its way here. Fiona had spent the morning decorating the small island kindergarten with handmade paper stars, twinkling fairy lights, and tiny wreaths. The children laughed, their chatter blending with the soft crash of waves against the shore.
She paused for a moment, looking out over the bay. Life had finally begun to feel… peaceful. Robin had been helping the children quietly, his presence calm and grounding, just like he always had been. Yet, there was something different in the air today—a subtle tension she couldn't quite name.
"Miss Fiona, look!" one of the kids exclaimed, holding up a crookedly drawn Christmas tree. Fiona smiled, ruffling his hair gently.
That's when she heard it—the soft rustle of leaves behind her.
Turning slowly, her heart skipped. Robin stood there, but not as she remembered from the helicopter or the early days of tutoring. He was wearing a cozy red scarf and a playful grin that made her chest tighten unexpectedly.
"Surprise," he said softly, holding out a small, hand-carved wooden ornament.
Fiona blinked. "Robin… you…" Her voice faltered, disbelief mixing with joy.
"I wanted you to have a proper Christmas," he said, stepping closer. "Just you, me, and the kids. No kidnappers, no chaos, no past haunting us for once."
Tears pricked Fiona's eyes. "I didn't think… I mean, I wasn't expecting this."
Robin chuckled, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "You never expect me. That's why I'm here."
The children squealed, running toward them with little handmade gifts. Fiona laughed genuinely, the sound warm and free. For the first time in years, she felt normal—happy.
Yet, even amidst the joy, she felt it—a tension at the edge of her mind. Liam's shadow lingered in her thoughts. She knew he wasn't far; his obsession, his desire to claim her, always pulled her back to him. She glanced toward the cliffs, imagining his gaze sweeping over the island, even now.
Robin seemed to notice her shift in expression. "Don't worry," he whispered, taking her hand gently. "Tonight, it's just us."
But the world outside didn't pause. The Smith and William families, both now aware of her existence and her past, had sent messages, invitations, and in some ways, demands. Yet here, on this small island, Robin had created a bubble of safety.
Fiona inhaled, letting the festive energy fill her chest. The children circled around, singing a jumbled, joyous version of "Jingle Bells." Robin joined in, his deep voice harmonizing with their innocent shrieks of laughter. Fiona found herself laughing too, truly, without restraint.
Then, Robin pulled her aside for a moment, the sounds of Christmas fading around them. He lifted her hand, placing the tiny ornament in her palm. "Every year, this will remind you," he said softly, "that even in the darkest times, someone cares. Someone remembers."
Fiona's chest tightened. "I… I remember," she whispered.
Robin smiled, leaning closer. His warmth, his familiar scent, the soft strength of his presence—it all reminded her of stolen childhood afternoons, of shared bread and whispered secrets. And now, he was here, grown, protective, and unwavering.
"Thank you," she said quietly, voice thick.
He kissed her temple gently. "Merry Christmas, Fiona. No shadows, no past, just this moment."
For a fleeting second, she allowed herself to believe it—peace, love, and safety.
And though she knew Liam's presence still loomed somewhere in the distance, threatening, burning, obsessive, she didn't think about it right now. Not when Robin was here, not when laughter filled the air, and not when the island itself seemed to hold its breath in a magical, snowy Christmas moment.
Fiona smiled, truly, as Robin entwined their fingers and led her back to the children. For the first time in years, she felt the warmth of belonging, the possibility of love, and the promise of a life that might just be hers to keep.