Page 48 of Kiss From A Rose

As I stood in front of the computer in the main lounge, I looked around at my handiwork with a deep sense of satisfaction. This place, which had become my sanctuary, now felt like a true home, brimming with love and warmth. I was ready to welcome my daughter and her boyfriend into this merry retreat.

Did I wish Jude and Gray were here as well? Absolutely.Desperately.

I loved the holidays and decorated our home in Atlanta, so it was cozy and festive. I'd serve mulled wine, eggnog, cookies shaped like Santa, and a Christmas tree during the week before and through Christmas Eve—and put way too many presents under the tree.

This year, I'd gone to the small town square on the island to buy presents for Mike and Willow. I'd already bought gifts for Malou, Edgar, Lilah, and her girl, Grace. I even found some things for Gray and Jude, which I hoped that Willow and Mike would deliver for me. They were flying into Atlanta, renting a car at the airport, and driving here. I knew Mike was annoyed with Jude and Gray, but I hoped that they'd see Gray and Jude on their way back home, and it would give Willow a chance to wish her father and brother a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.AndI'd get the chance to let Jude know that even though Gray and I were not together, he and his father both were my very special men.

My heart hurt. I rubbed at my chest.

How would I go through this life without Gray? According to Malou, Judewouldfind his way back to me—but I knew that Gray wouldn't. He'd move on. He'd find someone Mama Rutherford would appreciate, as he should.

I felt tears threaten, and I blinked them back.No, I would not go down the path of regret. I had done the right thing for myself.

I looked through the computer and noted again that Malou's friends were arriving soon. The note said they'd be here by evening and would join us for dinner.

I was making Cornish hens for dinner as I found them at the butcher on sale as he'd gotten more than he'd ordered. I had once gone to a restaurant with Gray where they served each Cornish hen on a bed of saffron rice with roasted vegetables and a white wine sauce.

Malou had scoffed when she'd seen me write that on the chalkboard in the dining room so our guests would know what to expect for dinner and breakfast the next day.

"You cook such fancy food, Flower Girl. Now the guests will expect it, and you'll be competing with yourself," she teased.

"I love cooking; you know that." I focused on writing down the breakfast menu:Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce and yogurt with muesli, blueberries, and honey.

"Did your family like your food?" She sat on one of the armchairs by the fireplace. Angel Island got cold in the winter, and the hearth didn't just give warmth, but also added a gorgeous ambiance. In Atlanta, it never got cold enough—but as soon as it did, I used to light up the gas fireplace. Gray would complain about it being too hot, and I'd open a few windows to make it tolerable. He teased me about that.

Not all twenty years of our life together were bad. There was love and laughter. There were, in fact, more good years and days than bad. It was the past few years, especially since the kids left, that our marriage had become harder to navigate, and my life had turned unbearable.

I miss you, Gray.So, so much.

I heard the bell atop the front door tinkle and put a smile on my face; Malou's mystery friends were here, I thought happily.

My smile froze when I saw Gray walk in.

CHAPTER 18

Gray

Rose looked beautiful in a white peasant blouse and a long skirt with a slit on one side. Her hair was loose around her shoulders, and I wanted to wrap myself in those tresses and have the right to touch them again as I leaned into her, kissing that lush mouth of hers, hearing her saymy darling Gray, I love you.

There wasn't enough ass-kicking in the world for me to make up for the sins I'd committed against my wife.

"Hi, Rose." I walked to what I assumed was the check-in desk, where there was a sleek computer screen and a large vase of winter flowers.

She stared, completely shell-shocked.

"What…how…?"

I smiled. "You have a room for me…andJude."

I felt hope surge through me when I saw tears glitter in her eyes. "Jude?"

"Yeah, he's unloading the car."

"He's here? My baby is here?"

Fuck! I hated how unsure she seemed, how much she loved her children, and how they, because of me, had treated her.

"Of course, he is. We couldn't let you spend the holidays without us, babe."

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