He's a wounded soldier just trying to make it through Christmas. She's the nurse assigned to take care of him.

Luke

Oakside was my sister's idea. I would've stayed in the hospital, but here I am, surrounded by decorations and people who want to celebrate when I can barely stand to face my own reflection. But Brooke? She sees past the anger and pain, refusing to let me drown in either. She's sunshine in a world I thought would always be dark.

But I can't ask her to wait around for a broken man still figuring out how to live again. Maybe, just maybe, this Christmas, I can find the courage to be the man she deserves.

Brooke

I'mdecking the halls of Oakside for our first Christmas, and I want it to be unforgettable for the patients here. Then he shows up—Luke, our newest arrival, barely healed from a military blast, his whole life flipped upside down. He's grumpy and withdrawn, but the moment I see him, something clicks. His eyes are haunted, but I can feel the fighter in him beneath it all. I tell myself to keep it professional, but I can't ignore the warmth that stirs in me every time I'm near him.

She starts showing up at Christmas events and even lets me take him shopping. I realize I'm drawn to more than just his resilience. I'm fighting my own battle, one between being the caregiver he needs and letting myself hope for something more.