Page 21 of A Tiny House Christmas

Maybe Joey, even though things were messy with him, would stay true to his cowboy word and his tiny home was hers for as long as she needed.

Knowing she couldn’t stay here, she began chucking the final few items into boxes, not caring if she’d need it in the morning or before bed. She taped the containers shut and stacked them at the door. If she was smart about it, she could cram it all into her car for one trip back to Sweetheart Creek.

Or she could try to find a last-minute place here in the city.

Right.

Sweetheart Creek it was.

To beg and borrow from her brother’s best friend as the tagalong kid one more time…

She opened her door and squawked, nearly dropping the box in her arms. The man who’d been about to knock helped steady her load.

“Tom!” she gasped. “What are you…? Are you…? Come in!” She backed into the apartment, placing the box back into the stack it had come from.

“You moving in with someone?” His tone, she knew, had been meant to be joking, but obviously he’d heard something about where she’d been hiding out and had jumped to conclusions. A conclusion she was embarrassed to admit was likely somewhat accurate, even if unflattering.

“Sorry, I don’t have anywhere to sit.” She gestured to the empty rooms.

“Your stuff can stay at my place as long as you need. Use your key when you come get it all.”

She nodded, mute. This was truly it. Over. Done.

It was a strange brew of relief and hurt that he wasn’t fighting for her.

Karlene walked to her large leather purse, sitting on a stack of plastic bins near the door. She rummaged through it until she found the velvet ring box. She handed it to Thomas.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“I’m not,” he replied, his voice cracking with strain.

“No. Really. I am. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you or snub your family or—” She inhaled a deep breath. “I should have figured things out sooner and been honest with myself and with you.”

“Karlene. There were two of us in that relationship.”

“I know, and I’m so sorry. I should have talked to you in the church and not just run.”

“Karlene—”

“I’ll find a way to pay back your family for everything.”

“Karlene, shut up!” He exhaled, his body language suddenly so weary.

She blinked away tears at his sharp tone.

He gave an exasperated sigh. “Don’t cry. You did what was right.”

“I’m so sorry.” She choked on her tears, her voice wobbling. “I know I embarrassed you and hurt you.”

“Karlene.” He gripped her arms, giving her a soft shake. “Listen to me. You did what I didn’t have the courage to do. We’re both lucky, and you know why?”

She stared at him in confusion, her eyes suddenly dry. “Why?”

“Because you saved us from years of blandness.” He released her with an amused chuckle.

“Wait. You’re laughing about this?” Her heart dropped. “And blandness? I’ll have you know?—”

“Kar, just shut up and listen. Please.”

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