I'm staring out the window, awaiting news of Elsa's date with Ian, when Xander shows up. I know it's him even before I hear his voice, and there's a smile on my face as I turn to watch him walk into the ward.

"Allison," he says softly.

It doesn't matter how many times I hear him say my name like that, I know I'm never going to get used to it. It never fails to make my knees go weak, to make my heart thump in my chest.

"Hi," I say, sounding a little breathless.

"I came to see how you're doing," he says.

I think, with a small pang,...