Page 21 of This Christmas

“It is.” I move to the kitchen and put a kettle of water on the stove. “Hot chocolate?”

Zane turns. “Is it your family’s homemade recipe?”

I give him a deadpan look. “What else would it be?”

“I’d love some.”

He smiles and turns toward the window again. “How often do you sit here and stare out the window?”

“Daily. It’s my favorite part of this place, aside from my office being downstairs.”

“You love work that much?”

I laugh. “No, it’s just cheaper than renting two places.”

“Do you own this building?”

“I do.”

The kettle whistles and I add the boiling water to the cup and follow the hot cocoa recipe my mom uses, then I add a scoop of marshmallow to Zane’s without thinking.

“Sorry,” I tell him as I hand him the mug. “I added marshmallows without thinking. I don’t even know if you still like them.”

Zane smiles brightly. “I can’t believe you remembered.”

“There isn’t much I’ve forgotten, despite my many attempts at trying to.”

He frowns and takes a sip, then goes back to looking out the window. “You can see my dad’s store from here.”

“Yeah.”

“He says you help him a lot.”

“I do.”

“How will I ever be able to thank you?”

“Stay.” The one word that could change everything is out of my mouth instantly. It’s the same word I should have said to him all those years ago on that platform in Albany.

Zane meets my gaze.

“Not for me but for your dad. I’ve seen a change in him since you arrived. He’s so happy you’re here.” I should’ve asked him to stay years ago. It was my mistake letting him leave. I thought I was doing the right thing.

“Can we sit and talk? Please Eve.”

I glance at the time on the digital clock sitting on the side table.

Zane sees where I’m focusing and looks, as well. “I’ll help at the farm tomorrow, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“It is, and while that’s very nice of you, I’m not sure my dad will be happy to see you.”

“I know. He made himself very clear today. But I need to make amends. Fix things.”

Finally, I nod and walk toward my U-shaped sectional. I take a corner and use my Christmas throw to warm my lap. Zane sits closer than I expect, making this much harder for me.

“Does Caryn know you’re here?”

Zane shakes his head. “Nah, and I’m not sure she’d care. She knows I went for a drive. We talked a little before I left. Actually, it’s why I left. There are some things she said which left me feeling a bit on edge.”

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