Page 16 of Under the Mistletoe
“It doesn’t matter. I’m not what you want.”
I turn away from her to head back to the kitchen, but hervoice stops me.
“You’re wrong.”
“About what?” I keep my back to her.
“That I don’t want you. I’ve loved you since we wereteenagers. I was young. I wanted to see what the world had to offer… and I did.I have everything I ever wanted… except you.”
I face her once more, waiting for her to continue.
“You asked if I was happy. Sure, I have some measure but…”She shrugs, shaking her head. “I now know I’ll never truly be happy withoutyou.”
“What are you saying?” I move closer to her, hoping I’m notmisunderstanding the direction this conversation is going in… hoping againsthope that I’m not setting myself up for another disappointment.
“After you dropped me off last night, I sent my boss anemail. My resignation.” She waits for a reaction, her brown eyes meet mine.
“Don’t play with me, Sydney. Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
I close the gap between us, taking her lips in a kiss rifewith relief and promise.
“There’s more,” she gets out between heavy breaths.
“What else could there be? You’re staying and that’s allthat matters.”
“I’ve been on the phone with my boss all morning. He sayshe’s not accepting it.”
“Jesus, Sydney!” I step back, running my fingers through myhair in frustration. “You really buried the lead with that one.”
“Sorry. Just let me get all of it out.”
“Okay, go ahead.”
“He gave me another week off, said he’d try to worksomething out during that time.”
“Work something out? Like what?”
“Like a remote office. I’d still have my job, but I couldwork from here. It would involve a lot of traveling, but my base would be here…in Cody… with you.”
“That could work?”
“I think so. Not to sound like I’m tooting my own horn, butI’m good at my job. They don’t want to lose me.”
“Syd, this… this sounds too good to be true.”
“It isn’t. And I didn’t bury the lead. I wanted you to knowthat I planned to stay and make a life with you… that I chose us… that thistime I choseyou.”
“Come here.”
Biting her lip, she moves to stand in front of me. I slowlyremove her hat, scarf, and coat, dropping them on the floor. I slide my handsaround her waist, pulling her body flush against mine. Her lips part as shestares up at me, arms wrapping around my neck.
“Sydney George, are you saying you’re finally mine?”
“Jacob William Maston, I’ve always been yours.”
I press my lips to hers, kissing her slowly, gently. It’s akiss that’s been ten years in the making and I don’t want to rush it. I want tosavor it, savor her, savor the feeling of knowing that my upturned world hasbeen righted. I didn’t think I’d marry again, but I’m getting my ring on herfinger as soon as possible.
