Page 77 of Forever Fickle

“Sweet dreams,” she urged, “I’ll talk to you soon.”

“You got it.”

As the call ended, she felt like a weight had been taken off her chest, realizing that maybe she actually was the one holding them back after all. He was so understanding, so loving, and had such a unique way of looking at things that it was incredible.

Karen spent the afternoon looking around for things to send to Jace – and found a few holiday mixes that would be perfect to make while she was up there so that way, she could contribute something to Thanksgiving.

She also bought a Christmas ornament for them, to put on his family’s tree, purchasing a matching one for her tree here. The Halloween stuff was out, but it was slowly being moved out for the flurry of Christmas items that were being ushered out already.

… And she had so much to celebrate!

Grabbing several bags of candy for her classroom so the children could Trick-Or-Treat the halls, Karen realized that she was going to perhaps ‘dress up’ a bit, to send Jace something that he might think of as a ‘treat’ too… and she found it.

In one of the aisles that had been practically looted by enthusiastic shoppers, she found a gossamer sheer poncho that was covered in spiderwebs. It wasn’t scary in the slightest and safe for work, something she could wear over an orange turtleneck and look festive. Perhaps she would paint a big spiderweb over half her face?

She never dressed up or did anything fancy for the holidays, taking refuge at her parents to do her celebrating. In fact, she barely put up a Christmas tree… because there was no one to see it.

… But now she wanted to ‘feel’ every joyous moment, no matter the season. He brought this feeling out in her – and she loved it.

Karen had some time to kill before Jace would call and emailed his family. It was so much easier to do so now that the ice had been broken by him. His parents and sister were adorable – immediately asking questions about her and how they met.

* * *

Hi Jim,Lindsey, and Jana…

Thought I would touch base regarding the trip in a month. I’m so excited to meet you all and wanted to see if there is anything I should bring? My family has a hot cocoa night for Christmas – and while I won’t be there for that holiday, I thought maybe we could do that the night before Thanksgiving?

Jace mentioned you like to play board games – and I’d like to lay ‘dibs’ on the thimble and Jace said he wants the iron in Monopoly.

I’m really looking forward to this!

Talk to you all soon,

Karen

* * *

She copiedJace on the email so he could see it. It was important to her to show that they were a united front, and it was a chance to put herself out there with his family, instead of hiding away. He was very family oriented and had been so eager to meet hers.

In fact… at that, she texted her mother to see if maybe they could all do breakfast next Saturday at Mimi’s since it had been a bit since her last visit. Perhaps seeing how Jace was with his family would bring her a little closer to her own.

Her phone rang almost immediately.

“Hey mom…”

“Nope. Try again, Tink,” Jace chuckled almost immediately in her ear. “I am feeling anything but parental towards the woman I love.”

Karen couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her at his words – and the implication. He might be a terrible flirt sometimes, but he was such a gentleman deep down inside that she had no qualms with what he said. He was all talk when it came down to things and had multiple chances to fool around, passing them up every time because he respected her.

“Hey Handsome…” she smiled. “I had just texted my mother to see if she wanted to go to Mimi’s on Saturday…”

“Ohhh the buttermilk pancakes…” he groaned softly. “I love those things and can practically smell them in my mind. How’s my pretty girl?”

“I’m feeling so much better since we talked earlier. Thank you for listening to me and not being upset.”

“How could I be? I want us to communicate with each other.”

“How are you holding up?”

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