Page 88 of All My Heart

“You too.” I fist bumped Cole, then attempted to with Colson, who giggled at my antics.

Daphne waited with her brow raised. “We were talking about Luna.”

Cole gave me a look that read, “Sorry.”

“Nothing's changed. Luna never said anything about how she felt for me. When I offered to do the renovations together, she said she needed to do them on her own. I'm respecting her wishes.”

Daphne shook her head. “Maybe you should have led with how you felt instead of keeping it to yourself.”

I sucked in a breath. “You think it would have made a difference?”

“You don't know if you don't try.” Daphne poured the batter into the pan.

“What do you think?” I asked Cole.

“I don't know much about your relationship with her, but if you miss her, you want to be with her, and you haven't told her that, then I think your next move is clear.”

The realization came over me, making me feel lightheaded and more than a little panicked. “I need to go to Florida. But it's Christmas.”

“I can't think of a better grand gesture than to show up on Christmas Day,” Daphne encouraged.

“It's so romantic,” Izzy gushed.

“What do you know about romance?” I knew kids were dating early but surely not at Izzy's age.

Izzy rolled her eyes. “Everyone's falling in love.”

Teddy snagged one of the pastries Daphne set out on the counter. “Speak for yourself.”

Izzy giggled. “Teddy and Charlotte kissing in a tree.”

“None of that.” Teddy scooped her into his arms, tickling her as he tossed her around.

“Stop. Stop.”

Daphne frowned. “Uncle Teddy's not kissing Charlotte.”

Izzy's eyes widened. “But I saw you?—”

Teddy swiftly carried her out of the room to her high-pitched squeals.

“What was that about?” Daphne asked us.

I shrugged, not really concerned about Teddy's love life when mine was in shambles. “I guess Teddy's kissing Charlotte.”

“Or Izzy's just giving him a hard time. She likes to tease him about Charlotte.” Cole snagged a pastry and popped it into his mouth.

Daphne set her hands on her hips. At this rate, she'd never make the pancakes, and my stomach was growling. “What are you going to do about Luna?”

I sighed. “I want to be here for the holidays.”

Cole cleared his throat. “No one would be upset if you went to get your girl.”

“What if she doesn't want me?” My stomach fluttered with nerves.

Daphne leaned across the counter. “But what if she does?”

I'd seen the video in the beach house where she'd put the framed picture of my cabin above the fireplace. I loved that she had that reminder of me in her house. That she wanted it. “Should I tell her I'm coming? Give her a chance to tell me not to come.”

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