diff --git a/lib/json-preference/serializer.rb b/lib/json-preference/serializer.rb
index 2a30fa6..996e259 100644
--- a/lib/json-preference/serializer.rb
+++ b/lib/json-preference/serializer.rb
@@ -5,8 +5,7 @@ def self.dump(hash)
     end
 
     def self.load(hash)
-      return if hash.nil?
-      hash.try(:with_indifferent_access)
+      (hash || {}).try(:with_indifferent_access)
     end
   end
 end
\ No newline at end of file