Page 57 of Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
Parker knew it. He’d been avoiding his family because he didn’t know what to say to them about Belle. He couldn’t explain to them what had happened between them because he didn’t understand it himself.
“I’ve, uh, been busy,” Parker said. “I just haven’t had a chance to call her back.”
He knew that if it was anything urgent, one of his brothers would track him down. His family was close that way.
Michael nodded. “So, you’re avoiding her.”
Parker opened his mouth to deny the allegation, but he knew it was pointless. He wordlessly pressed his lips together and shrugged.
Michael nodded in understanding. “She wanted to know if you’re bringing Belle to Christmas dinner.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Because it’s obvious to everyone that you’re crazy about her. And I think she’s crazy about you too.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
“Why?”
He really didn’t want to talk about it, but he knew his brother wouldn’t let the subject drop until he told him. “She dumped me.”
Michael’s eyes widened. “Man, I’m sorry. But are you sure?”
He glared at his brother. “Of course, I’m sure. I think I’m smart enough to know when someone doesn’t want to see me anymore.”
“So, what are you doing about it?”
He thought about the flowers he’d ordered but decided it was best not to mention them. “Nothing. Okay. If I didn’t have bad luck with women, then I wouldn’t have any luck at all.”
“If you’re really into her, don’t give up. You know it wasn’t easy for me with Candi. After losing Evelyn and Noah, I didn’t think I would ever be open to another serious relationship. And then Candi crashed into my life, literally. I did everything to fight the thing that was growing between us. Thankfully, Candi never gave up on me. Well, I guess she eventually did give up, but by then I got my head screwed on straight.”
Parker shook his head. “But that was different. You lost your family.”
“And Belle lost her family. It might have been years ago, but no one in Kringle will forget that tragedy. I don’t know if there was a dry eye in that funeral home. Don’t you remember? They couldn’t even fit everyone in there. Belle was still a teenager. That loss must have left its scars on her. Maybe she just needs you to go slow.”
“For once, you’re making some sense.” He never thought of it that way. And then he recalled her reaction to the Christmas ornaments being shattered. Speaking of which…
After his brother left, Parker retrieved the box of broken ornaments from his pickup. He couldn’t just throw them out. They meant too much to Belle. He just needed to figure out a way to present them to her again.
The house was quiet…too quiet.
And work was too busy.
Wednesday evening, when Belle got home from work, Odie didn’t meet her at the door like he normally did. After taking off her boots and shrugging off her coat, she found him waking up on the couch. When he saw her, his little tail started thumping against the couch.
He was eating again, but he still wasn’t himself. It was like he didn’t sleep the whole time he was gone, and he was just now catching up on it.
She scooped Odie up in her arms. His head rested on her shoulder. Belle snuggled him. His warm little body fit perfectly in her arms. Her heart swelled.
“I love you, little one,” she whispered in his ear.
She carried him over and plugged in the Christmas tree lights. She settled on the couch and pet Odie. Her gaze strayed to the vase of red and white roses. They’d been delivered to the boutique the day before, but they still looked just as fresh as the moment they’d been handed to her.
There hadn’t been a card with them. But she didn’t need a card to know they were from Parker. She wondered why he’d go to the effort of sending her flowers but wouldn’t include a message. It certainly had her puzzled. After what she’d said to him, why would he send her roses?
A few minutes later, Odie got off her lap and settled on the couch next to her. His body pressed against her thigh. Life was getting back to normal. So, then, why did she feel as though something was missing?
Buzz.
