Page 40 of The Merriest Christmas

"No, but they will," Mom said, patting me on the back."Even if we're not together, at least, there are phones."

"Mom…"

"And I know all my kids are healthy and happy even if I can't hug them."Mom looked away."Oh, I forgot to start the bacon.Be right back."

Once she was gone, I asked Finn, "Any word?"

"No, but like Mom said, we can at least call or FaceTime."

A sigh escaped my lips.

"Where's Seaver?" I asked finally.

"He's gone," Finn said.

My chest tightened at the words.

Rose nodded."He left really early, saying he had something to do."

"Oh," I said.

Funny how much that hurt.Hearing Seaver decided to kiss and run shouldn't have been a surprise.And really it wasn't.Still.Although I'd already lost him once, I felt deflated—and then wanted to slap myself for being so naïve.

Maybe I'd never had him in the first place.

"He asked me to give you this," Rose said, and as she held out a folded piece of paper, I perked up.She rolled her eyes as Finn cleared his throat."Well, technically, he asked Finn.But your brother was still in a snit about finding you in a compromising position."

"Traumatized," Finn put in."Still not over it."

"Hey, at least they were fully clothed."

My brother paled a little at that."Good point."

"Thanks, Rose," I said, ignoring my brother and taking the paper.As I read the familiar handwriting, my brows furrowed.

Finn huffed."Well?What does it say?"

"Thought you were getting over the trauma."

"Correct.But I still want to know."

"Me too," Rose said.

I glanced up at them."It doesn't say much.Just that he's gone to get me a present or something."

"A man of few words," Rose said.

Finn shook his head."I don't know what's going on between you two," he said."But however things go, I'm on your side, sis."

"Thank you," I said."Both of you."

As Finn walked with Rose to her car, I stood there in the living room, reading the short note again.

You look beautiful in your sleep.

Went to get your present.

See you later.

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