Page 69 of Wild Nights

"It's tonight, but I can't imagine it will go out on time."

"The airport is probably already cleared out. They move quickly in storms like this. They're never closed for long."

"Oh?" she asked, putting down her fork and picking up her phone. Her forehead creased as she scrolled through the website. "You're right. It's on time."

"You'll be able to see your family." I should have been happy for her, but instead, I felt empty. How could I let her go?

"I just assumed it would be delayed." She looked as upset as I felt.

"We'll get the parking lot and driveway cleared so you can get to the airport. I'm sure Arthur, Amy, and Dean will want to get on their way."

"Of course."

I was back in manager mode, and I couldn't slow down to think about what it meant that she was leaving today. It was inevitable. It's what we planned for, yet it hurt. The thought of her not staying in the lodge tonight sucked.

I ate while Carolina chatted about the snow removal and the weather. She was talking to fill the air, and my throat was too tight to speak.

I drank my coffee, hoping it would keep me alert for the day. I felt nothing but dread for what was to come. Carolina would leave, and Joey and I would be alone again. We had our family, but it wasn't enough. I'd gotten used to Carolina being around. I enjoyed her company, and I didn't want to wait four months to see her again.

"What are you going to do today?" I asked her when my plate was clear and I was sipping my second mug of coffee.

"I thought I'd pack and help Marcus in the kitchen. Do you need help with Joey? I could keep an eye on him."

"He'll like that." Usually Marcus looked after him. But I trusted Carolina, and Joey adored her.

My phone buzzed, and I turned it over to read the screen.

Xander: Get up, sleepyhead. The cavalry arrived to rescue you.

I snorted.

"Who is it?" Carolina asked softly.

What would it be like to wake up to her every morning, her smile and her sweet countenance? "Xander. He wants me to help."

"You'd better get going then." Carolina stood to clear the dishes, but I wasn't ready to start the day. I slipped a look at Joey who was engrossed by the TV, not even looking in our direction. I followed her to the sink and wrapped my arms around her.

She stilled.

"I'm going to miss you."

She touched my hands, then spun away from me, placing the dishes in the sink. "I'll be back before you know it."

My stomach dropped. She was okay with leaving. She wanted to go home to see her family. I couldn't blame her. I wouldn't want to be away from my family at the holidays either.

With a sigh, I grabbed gloves and a hat, and told Joey to be good for Carolina. He was excited to spend the day with her, and I couldn't blame him. I wanted to do the same. Instead, I headed outside where Xander was already shoveling the front walk. "Where've you been? Sleeping away the morning?"

"I had to feed Joey." Except I hadn't. That had been Carolina. I hoped he didn't read the guilt on my expression.

"Instead of waiting for the service, I thought we'd get a head start on the shoveling. I'm sure the guests are eager to leave."

Every word about Carolina leaving was like a knife stab to the chest. And the worst part was that shewantedto leave. She didn't want more with me and Joey. I couldn't blame her. Who would have signed up for a ready-made family, especially when I hadn't told her the truth from the beginning? She'd been great with Joey, but that didn't mean she was signing up to be his stepmom.

I had to forget about this silly vision of us being a family.Nothing had changed. She still lived in Maine, and my base was here in Colorado.

"Eli said that the conference person is still here. What's her name? Caroline?"

"Carolina, actually."

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