Page 57 of The Merriest Christmas

"But he was gone when she woke up," Honor reminded her.

"Yeah."Charlie grimaced."That part sucks."

"But he came back," Rose said.

"And he brought Archer, Baylor, Chase, and Dex with him," June added."Therefore making Emmy's Christmas wish come true."

"And she gave him the compass," Honor said.

"So romantic," Rose agreed."He basically admitted to everyone that you're his favorite person."

"I can't decide whether I love him or hate him," June said.

"Exactly," I said back.

"It's a hard one."

Maisie, who had remained silent all this time, looked up and shrugged.

"Not really," she said."Seems simple to me."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, you and Seaver have history.But what matters is how you feel about him now."

"I feel so many things."

She nodded."Of course, you do.How could you not?You want him, but you're scared.And he wants you.That much is obvious."

"So obvious," June agreed.

"But do you want him in your life?Are you ready to put your heart out there again?In Seaver's hands?"

I wasn't sure.

"Your actions say maybe you are.I mean, you gave him the compass."

"That was an accident," I said quickly.

"Yeah, but…was it?"

Maisie's voice was soft as she asked the question.

I didn't know how to respond.

In the end, I asked what they'd do in my shoes.There were two votes for giving Seaver another shot—those came from Charlie and Rose.Surprisingly, there were also two no's.

Honor shrugged."I don't think you sound ready yet.And if Seaver really wants you, he'll keep trying."

"June?" I looked at her in surprise."I thought for sure you'd be a yes."

"I would be," my best friend said, "if I knew that's what you wanted.But I was there when he left.Remember?I didn't know all the details, but I saw you break.And I…just don't want that to happen again."

I nodded then looked to Maisie.

"You didn't vote," I said.

"I know," Maisie said."Because you should make the final decision."

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