Page 28 of Second Down Scrooge

“But moving in together…” She trails off.

“I know it’s crazy. It was one night. But it’s one night that’s been in the making for six months and even before that, and then I went and fuc—” I glance at Mia and redirect my language, clearing my throat first. “Before I went and screwed everything up, it seemed like we were heading in the right direction.” I motion between Kelly and me to indicate who I mean.

It felt like we were heading toward a future together until she decided she couldn’t be with me. If last night meant to her what it feels like it meant to me, maybe we can have that future again. But we won’t know if I don’t ask.

She still hasn’t answered my question, and I’m waiting with bated breath for the rejection I’m sure is coming. It’s way out of the blue to even ask. There was no real forethought, and I don’t expect her to just be ready to jump in when it’s a little crazy I even asked.

“Is this really something you want?” she asks.

I can’t tell by the tone of her question whether it’s somethingshereally wants, but I can see her thinking it over.

“I’ll admit, the question just sort of came out unexpectedly when I asked it, but as I sit here thinking about the possibility…” I glance at Mia and back at Kelly. “Yes. It’s what I want. It’severythingI want.”

“But do you just want it so you can be with Mia?” I sense the vulnerability in her question, and I don’t know how else to make it clear that I want to be with both of them.

“I want a life together. I want the two of us to raise our daughter together and share in every moment, from the mundane to the extraordinary to everything in between.”

Her eyes seem to get misty at that.

“Why don’t you take some time to think about it? There’s no rush, Kel.”

She nods. “Okay. I’ll think about it.”

For now, that’s good enough for me. We clean up the breakfast dishes together, and then it’s time for me to say goodbye. She has to head into work, and I have workouts.

I plant a kiss on the top of Mia’s head, and Kelly walks me to the front door.

I reach around her waist and haul her to me, and I lean down and press my lips to hers. I’m hesitant to let her go. It’s been a fantastic ten or so hours, and I hate cutting it short.

“I don’t want to leave,” I admit.

A small smile tips up her lips. “You have to.”

I draw in a breath that’s filled with her, and I sigh. “I know.”

A quiet beat passes between us, and she looks up at me like she wants to say something.

I look down at her like I want to say something, too.

But neither of us says anything at all.

“Well…bye,” I finally say.

“Bye,” she whispers, and then she pulls out of my arms, opens the front door, and I walk through it as I try to hold onto the feeling that everything might just work out for us.

Chapter 14: Kelly Kaplan

The Kind of Energy I’m Looking For

A Week and a Half Until Christmas

I nod as Ava adds to my task list for the day, and I jot everything down.

“Anything else?” I ask.

She shakes her head as she looks up at the ceiling in thought, and then she gasps. “Oh! I can’t believe I forgot to tell you this, but all four of your wreaths sold, and I had at least ten people ask about the one behind the register. I hope it’s okay, but I took down a few orders.”

“How many?” I ask, my heart racing that people actuallylikethe little hobby I picked up over the years.

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