Page 84 of Wild Nights

"It's Christmas," I said even as my mind raced through the possibilities. I could get a flight. But what about Joey? Should I bring him with me? Or leave him with Mom and Dad? Was it best to go today or tomorrow? What if she had plans? What if she’d already moved on? "Everyone is here."

"And we'll be here when you get back. I think you should go see this Carolina woman. She seems like a woman who's still very much wrapped up in you and your son. I told you you'd find someone one day who loved both you and Joey. If you think this is the woman, then you need to tell her how you feel. Don't let her go."

My shoulders slumped. "I don't know what to do."

"Spend some time with family, then go to her. Make it a surprise."

Eli had her address, and I was fairly sure she didn't have any travel plans.

"Yeah? You're going to go?" Mom asked excitedly.

Before I could answer, Joey ran into the room. His pajamas were covered with white powder. They must have found the donuts I'd ordered from a nearby bakery. "Where are you going?"

"What do you think about going to visit Carolina?" I asked him.

Joey’s eyes widened. "I bet she's lonely without us."

I chuckled. "Is it awful to say I hope she is?" I wanted her to be happy, but I always wanted her to want us.

His eyes widened. "When are we going?"

"That's what we were talking about. What do you think about tomorrow?"

He pursed his lips. "But if she's lonely, we should go see her today."

"But everyone's here. Grandma and Grandpa. Killian."

"What's going on? Where are we going?" Xander stuffed a white donut in his mouth, and I gave him a look. When he was finished chewing, he said, "Were the donuts not meant to be eaten?"

"We're talking about going to visit Carolina."

His eyes widened. "Seriously?"

"We never told her how we felt, how much we wanted her to stay here with us." I didn't want to lead Joey on. She couldsay no. But Mom was right. I couldn't let her go. I saw Carolina’s love for Joey when she was here. Surely, she felt the same for me. I couldn't be in this alone. And there was a part of me that hoped Joey and I were an irresistible package. One she couldn't say no to.

"Let me look at flights."

"Yes!" Joey exclaimed. Then he dove into the pile of wrapping on the floor and rolled around in it.

"I don't know why we bought presents," Dad mumbled.

"Speaking of, what did you get him?" I asked Xander.

Xander stood and slapped his hands. "I almost forgot."

He disappeared and reappeared a few minutes later with a snowboard in his hands.

"Is that for me?" Joey asked, his eyes wide.

"It sure is. I think it's time for you to learn."

Joey threw his arms around Xander’s legs. "You're the best, Uncle Xan."

Xander chuckled as he threw him up in his arms and held him higher so he could see his face. "You remember that when my brothers are giving me sh?—"

"Xan. Watch your mouth."

Xander rolled his eyes. "Sorry. I forget you’re a kid sometimes. You act like an adult."

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