Page 59 of The Merriest Christmas

"Are you together again now?" she asked.

"Honestly, I'm not sure what we are," I said."Or what I want us to be."

"Ah."

Realizing what she'd said, I lifted a brow."Wait, you said you thought there might be something between him and me.Was that why you invited him?"

Mom's eyes were wide and guileless.

"Would I do that?"

"Yes," I said."Yes, you would."

"I would," she agreed."But it was only an inkling."

"Well, your inklings are usually correct.You know, sometimes I wish you weren't so observant."

Mom shrugged."Sometimes I wish I was a dragon—or a superhero."

I laughed at that."You are to us, Mom."

"How are you feeling about everything?"

"Confused, excited, scared.I feel all the things."

"Do you love him?"

The question took me off guard.

"I…used to."I met her gaze again."I still might, and that scares me a little."

"Because you think he'll leave again?" Mom asked.

I gave a small nod.

"Ah, Emmy."

She pulled me into a tight hug, and I clung to her.Hugs from Mom were always the best.

"So," I asked once we pulled apart, "do you have any wisdom for me?"

Mom shook her head."Just know that you've got this.You're my daughter and an O'Brien.We go where our hearts lead us.And if yours leads you to Seaver, he would be the luckiest guy on the planet."

I gave a watery laugh."I love you, Mom."

"Love you, baby.Tomorrow's a new day.When the time comes, you'll know what to do."

I hope so.

CHAPTER 10

Emmy

"Hey Emmy," Finn said."Seaver and the guys are leaving.You going to come say goodbye?"

I pushed my hands into my pockets and walked in that direction.

The morning light shined through the open doorway.

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