Page 48 of Santa's Girl
Later that night, under the thick duvet in the guest room my thoughts turned to him. The way he kissed me like the world was ending. How buzzed I was—but still that perfect moment under the stars when we took the Arctic Cat up the trail. Fresh snow. Hot kisses… bare skin…. spending the weekend at Bear’s was just so much more than the year I spent with Huntley. It’s pathetic and eye opening.
Or the way his voice sounded when he whispered my name in the dark. But then that goodbye? That was cold. Dripped with icicles… Distant and I didn’t know what to make of any of it.
I spentmost of the next day curled up on the couch, laptop balanced on a pillow, legs tangled in a throw blanket, and fuzzy slippers kicked off somewhere under the coffee table. The sun was finally out, bouncing off the snow and making everything outside look like it had been dipped in sugar.
Margie and I had big plans later —binge watching holiday movies— but for now, I was deep in job apps, video calls, and one sad cup of lukewarm coffee.
The doorbell rang.
I didn’t think much of it. Probably a delivery or a neighbor stopping by. I didn’t even blink, didn’t fix my hair, didn’t pause my scrolling.
Then Margie called from the front hallway. “Becca! Come here, honey.”
Her voice had that tone — thethis-is-somethingtone.
I slid my laptop to the side, stretched, padded down the hall in my oversized hoodie and leggings. I turned the corner?—
And stopped.
A dozen white orchids were sitting on the entry table. Real ones. Big, velvety, deep white— the kind that don’t just say “I’m thinking of you” but“I’m not done yet.” Exotic.Unusual choice. Of course Bear wouldn’t send the typical dozen red roses.
Tucked between the stems was a white envelope. My name written on the front in dark, bold handwriting.
I opened it, hands suddenly not as steady as they had been five minutes ago.
Becca,
I realized too late I never got your number.
I’m sorry I let you leave without saying what I meant to.
If you’ll let me, I’d like to fix that — over dinner.
—B
[919-435-1276]
Behind me,Margie leaned on the doorframe with the world's most satisfied smirk. “So… you gonna call him?”
I smiled down at the card, heart thudding, hands warm.
“Yeah,” I said. “I really am.”
I didn’t even hesitate.
I grabbed my phone, snapped a picture of the roses with the card in focus, and typed out a message with a smile that just wouldn’t quit.
Me: Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.
(photo attached)
The read receipt popped up immediately, and a few seconds later, three dots danced on the screen.
Bear: Sorry I didn’t come in last night.
There was a thing in town I had to deal with.
Thing? My eyebrows went up.
