Page 68 of Maybe This Christmas
“Hey!”Dennis called after them.
Emma laughed.“I’ll take the key inside really quickly so we can hit the road.”
She brushed past the people at the door, assuring them that she wasn’t cutting the line.He watched as she leaned over the counter to talk to Sebastian.
It was as if she’d been a part of their lives forever.It was time to stop overthinking and allow himself to relax once and for all.
* * * *
This was the right decision—Emma knew it in her heart.What was the worst that could happen?She’d fail as a business owner.Start over again.But this idea was worth the risk.She’d go to stationery and paper goods stores in DC and imagine herself running them, how she would stock the shelves, which artists’ work she would carry, and how she’d dress up the shop for the holidays.
She’d never have considered a small town.She hadn’t known places like Falling Leaves existed, and only a few hours’ drive from the city.A place where dreams like hers didn’t feel quite so impossible.
Once they returned to Sky House, she parted ways with Caleb, who had to get straight to work.She meandered through the main building before dropping down into a seat in front of the fireplace.She reached into her bag and pulled out her journal and travel watercolor palette.
Funny how this had quickly become a routine.She looked around, waiting for inspiration to take her.She’d already sketched the fireplace, along with the large Christmas tree.Perhaps the garland woven around the large wooden beams in the lobby?
She was terrible at sketching people.But she should probably work on that, especially if classes were going to be on offer at Yours Truly.She turned her attention to the myriad faces moving through the lobby.A few kids ran around their parents, decked out in their Christmas best.
Her eyes came to rest on the front desk, snagging on one familiar face.White-blond hair.Broad shoulders, slim build.
Oh, no.No, no, no.She rubbed at her eyes, finding that the sight in front of her wasn’t just some unfortunate vision.
But she’d never be that lucky.Davis had returned just in time to ruin Christmas.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Emma thought about hiding, gathering her things, and escaping back to the cabin.The thing was, he knew which cabin she was staying in, so he could find her if he really wanted to.
She sighed and shoved her journal and supplies back into her bag.So much for a relaxing Sunday morning.Of course he’d ignored her when she said it was over.It wasn’t as if they hadn’t come close to calling it off before.He was a big fan of the grand gesture, but often lacked follow-through.
Looking at him now, she was more certain than ever that she’d made the right decision.He wasn’t here because he loved her.No, he’d grown used to her presence in his life.All the little things she’d done for him to keep his life moving.Sure, he had a maid and an assistant at work.But they wouldn’t have the keen eye for managing all the details of his life as she had.
Knowing him, he also saw marriage as a box to tick.They’d been together so long that she knew he would rather throw himself into the Potomac than get back on the dating apps again.Even though it was doubtful it would take him long to find a Capital Clone to fill her spot.
After all, it wasn’t his looks that put women off.
She stood, and at the same time Davis turned to take notice of her.It was then she saw the bouquet of winter blooms nestled into the crook of his arm.
Oh, they were really doing this.He scurried his way across the lobby.She met him somewhere in the middle.
“Emma!There you are.The front desk person was telling me they couldn’t deny or confirm that you were here.”He rolled his eyes at the poor desk clerk before making his way across the lobby.
Of course they’d caught the attention of several of the people milling around in the lobby.Including two of the women she recognized as being part of the biddies.Great.This news would spread faster than a wildfire.
Davis came to a stop right in front of her.At least he had the good sense not to try to kiss her.
“What are you doing here, Davis?”
He offered her the flowers.She took a step back.“Come on, you can’t seriously think this would work.”
He cast a glance around the room.“Is there somewhere we could talk privately?Your cabin, perhaps?”
From behind them, someone cleared their throat.She found one of the biddies opening the door to the lounge.
Sometimes, their meddling came in handy.
She murmured her thanks as she passed the woman.Davis followed her into the dark lounge.She paused to flick on the overhead lights, which buzzed on one by one.Once the door shut behind him, he thrust the flowers into her arms.
