Page 47 of Fated Midlife Christmas
“Enjoy your flight,” Jamie said politely. “I mean, it’s probably atrociously long, but try to enjoy it anyway!”
He laughed. “I’ll do my best.”
“Hopefully, when you come back, we won’t make you work so hard,” Kristy joked. “As long as there aren’t any crazy witch spirits on the loose, it’ll be a much more relaxing time.”
“But where’s the fun in that?” he shot back.
Maeve pulled him in for a hug. “Do be safe getting home.”
Lilith was next. “Give your clan our best wishes. Maybe we’ll come out there to see you again sometime.”
“I’d love that. We all would.”
The children wanted hugs, too, and then he was finally able to make his way out onto the porch.
Amanda was grinning at him. “Have you ever heard of a southern goodbye?”
“I don’t think so.”
“It’s when it takes forever to leave because everyone keeps talking and finding some other excuse to be with you. I think you just got the New England version of that. Sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about at all.” He walked with her out to his rental car. “It was a little overwhelming, but it’s been nice to meet so many nice people here.” He opened the passenger door for her.
“Thanks for giving me a ride home,” she said when he’d gone around and gotten behind the wheel.
”Thank you for allowing me to.” He took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I know it’s just a few minutes, but I want to take every second with you I can get.”
Lars pulled out onto the street. The roads there had become familiar to him by now, and he easily wound his way to her house. They were mostly quiet, holding hands on the center console. When he pulled into her driveway, Lars walked her up to the door.
“Can I invite you in?” she asked with a little smile and a tip of her head.
“I think I’ve teased myself enough.” He was incredibly tempted to take up her offer, but Lars knew exactly what would happen. He’d completely miss his flight, and they’d only be extending the agony that’d been looming over them for the last few days.
“I understand.” She nodded, hesitating in the doorway. “I’m going to miss you.”
“And I already miss you.” Lars pulled her close and kissed her, hoping that he could show her with this small gesture how serious he was about the two of them. “I’ll let you know when I get home.”
“And I’ll check with you when I’m ready to get my trip booked,” she promised in return. “Is there a certain time of year that’s better to visit than another? As far as the weather?”
“As long as you’re there, the weather will be perfect.” Lars kissed her once more. “I love you, Amanda.”
“I love you, too.” Tears shimmered in her eyes.
He turned away quickly, knowing he couldn’t bear to see her cry. She stayed on the porch until he was in his car, not shutting the door until he’d pulled out onto the road.
The rest of the dragons were still at the covenstead. Lars had come back early to make sure he had plenty of time to pack and get ready. The clanhouse felt warm and full of life when the Alexanders were there, but now it felt bleak and cold. He went to his room, pulled his suitcase out from under the bed, and flipped it open.
The sudden sound of his phone ringing startled him.
“Erik!” he said as he answered.
“Merry Christmas!” his brother said happily.
“Merry Christmas to you, too!” Lars checked his watch. “You must be having quite the good time. It’s almost three in the morning there.”
“We’ll be going to bed soon,” Erik promised. “I wanted to make sure I wished you a Merry Christmas before it was officially over for you. Your flight is tomorrow, right?”
“Yes.” Lars plucked some sweaters from the dresser drawer and laid them in the suitcase. “I’m packing up right now.”
