Page 28 of A Cozy Kind of Christmas
Not really.
She couldn’t tell the man she loved the truth—so many pieces of the truth. She was terrified of his reaction and what was sure to be subsequent rejection, starting with the fact that she was seriously considering returning to the U.S. Too much time had passed since her conversation with her parents about the loft, job, and a move to San Francisco. If she told him the truth now, well, she already knew exactly how the conversation would go. The worst part was that this relationship, which began with a burning, passionate heat and a serious spark that felt like they could set the world on fire, was likely going to end with a slow, sad fizzle.
There wouldn’t be fireworks. Owen wouldn’t raise his voice or cause a scene. He’d just casually walk away, disappointed with her for not being honest and for selling out. Ending a seven-year relationship quietly like it never even existed or mattered.
And that was only half of what she had to tell him.
He would never be mad about the baby. No, that wasn’t Owen. But the news would bring the memories of his painful past rushing back to the surface and probably send him spiraling.
Jill gulped, her throat tightening as she tried to focus on the conversation. Meg had always been the brave one between the two of them.
Maybe some of that would rub off on her this weekend.
Doubtful.
Jill needed a serious infusion of courage.
But this wasn’t the moment.
Owen danced toward her with his signature goofy grin, setting bowls of spiced nuts and popcorn in front of them and handing her a menu, catching her eye briefly. Their gazes locked, sharing an unspoken moment. Like he could tell that she was on edge.
“You good?” he whispered, leaning down and brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Did something happen?”
Jill wanted to scream,Yes! Everything. So many things. Our life is going to be radically different.
She could blurt it out right now. In front of Meg, in front of everyone—I’m pregnant with your baby!
But she shook her head and looked up at him with a forced brightness. “No. All good.”
He frowned but shrugged and plopped next to her, lazily looping his arm over her shoulder and keeping his voice low. “Ready to play referee?”
“Huh?” Jill was confused. “Referee?”
“Look who’s here.” Owen gestured subtly to the front of the lodge where Matt and Lucinda had made a grand entrance. “It’s about to get real, isn’t it?”
Jill suddenly felt exhausted.
She wasn’t ready for this. For any of it.
SEVENTEEN
JOHANNA
There was no denying Bend’s stunning nature. Johanna had never visited Oregon and she was quickly regretting that. Everything was washed in varying shades of white, snow-capped mountains and long swaths of fields that stretched as far as her eye could see. Red rock lined the roadside, and holiday banners flapped in the breeze.
She settled in for the short ride from the airport to the lodge.
Fifteen texts.
Fifteen texts and counting.
Connor had been blowing up her phone all day.
Where are you?
Tell me you arrived safe wherever you are, okay? I just want to know you’re good. Please, Jo. I’m worried.
There were a dozen more she ignored.
