Page 57 of No Time for Traditions

She shook her head again and looked him in the eyes. “What hurt the most was losing you.”

Greg leaned in closer and smiled. He’d waited so many days and sleepless nights to hear her say that. “Well, I’m here now.” He wiped the tears from Brittany’s face. The feel of her soft skin brought a flood of emotions, soothing all the pain he’d endured without her.

Brittany smiled down at him and glanced back at the tree and then around the room. “I can’t believe you haven’t taken down the decorations.”

“At first, I told myself I was too busy with work. Then I realized I didn’t want to take them down because that’s all I had left of you. I was beginning to think they’d be up for Christmas in July.”

Brittany laughed and touched his face. “I’m here now.”

He kissed her hand before turning toward the tree. “I have something for you over there. Go look.”

Brittany walked over to the tree and picked up the tiny red box sitting underneath. She brought it back to the chair and sat. “I’m afraid I didn’t get you anything.”

“You being here is more than enough.”

Brittany smiled and tore into the box. “Aww.” She held up the ice-skate ornament and turned it so that it reflected the light. “It’s so pretty.”

“I bought it the day before you left. Read the inscription.”

Brittany turned it over and read, “First kiss.” Oh, Greg, I love it.” She held it to her chest and closed her eyes. “Oh, Greg, I love it.” Then she opened her eyes and cut them toward the hallway. A huge grin formed across her face.

“Actually, I do have a gift for you.”

“You do?”

She nodded. “Every year, on New Year’s Eve, I make a list of goals I want to accomplish the following year. Some are trivial, and others are more serious. This year, I’m off to a great start.” Brittany reached in her coat pocket and pulled out a torn piece of notebook paper.

“First, I took your advice and made sure my boss read my book.”

“And?” Greg leaned forward, wishing she’d cut to the chase.

“She loved it.”

“See, I told you.” Greg reached out and grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze.

“Another goal was to find out where I belong. Thanks to you, I finally realized I belong here, in Hillside.”

Greg’s heart raced as he pulled her in for a quick kiss. “That’s the best present I could’ve ever imagined.”

He loved Brittany and had missed her so much. He’d have been willing to fly to New York every weekend if it meant spending time with her, but here she was saying she missed Alabama. How could this get any better?

“But that’s not all.” Brittany pressed her lips together and eyed the back of the room. “Come on.”

Greg followed close behind Brittany. What in the world was this girl up to? He had no idea, but at this point, it didn’t matter.

Brittany led him to the edge of the living room and stopped right inside the hallway entrance. She handed him the paper. Underneath the goal she’d described about finding where she belonged was his name with a question mark.

“What’s the question mark for?”

Brittany beamed. “I came here to see if you’d forgive me for what I said and give me another chance. Since I’ve been here, I’ve realized you really do love me. But I’ve also realized Alabama isn’t where I belong.”

“It isn’t?” Greg lifted his chin. Had something he’d said made her want to return to New York?

“Well, yes, it is actually, but not for the reason I initially thought.” Brittany’s eyes wandered once more around the space. “I love this house, my family, and the country. But where I really belong is with you. Because I love you the most.”

Greg’s heart exploded like a pack of bottle rockets near a campfire. He cupped her face in his hands and pulled her in for a kiss, reuniting the passions they’d shared twice before. Only this time, he didn’t have to question if she felt the same way he did. She loved him, too, and she was here to stay. When they finally took a breath, he remembered the mistletoe. He looked up to where it still hung over the doorway.

“So that’s why you led me over here.”

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