Page 2 of A Not So Merry Ex-Mas

“We haven’t gotten on the road yet.” Melanie’s voice carries through the speaker, and my stomach twists. “Mike was called into the firehouse to cover for one of the guys whose wife went into labor.”

“Oh.” I force a cheerfulness I don’t feel. “Well, that’s exciting. Andit'sgood for Mike to help. His co-worker should be at the hospital for the birth of his child.”

“I’m so sorry, Noe. I know you wanted to start all the holiday fun as soon as possible. We plan to head up tomorrow, so it will only be a small delay.”

“I understand,” I respond. “Really. Things come up. And when babies are ready to come into the world, nothing will stop them. I can wait another twenty-four hours.”

Mel chuckles. “You’re still a terrible liar.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” I feel a crooked smile creep across my lips.

“A very good thing,” she teases. “The cabin is all stocked up, so you won’t have to worry about food for tonight.”

I hadn’t forgotten about food; I just thought we’d stop at the store when we got settled. I did make sure to bring hot chocolate and marshmallows, however. At least I have my priorities straight.

“Mike and I made sure that all your favorites are there,” she continues. “I made sure to include everything you need to make cookies from scratch. So makesure to have them coming out of the oven by the time we arrive.”

“You’re so demanding.” A warmth fills me as I shake my head at her excitement.

“I’ve had to live without fresh-baked cookies from you for almost a decade. I’m going to make sure that I get my fill this year!” Melanie says.

“You make it sound like you haven’t gotten cookies in the mail for a decade.”

“It’s not the same!” Melanie squeaks. “You aren’t attached to them. I’m so glad you’re moving back.”

My lips lift, and tenderness expands in my chest. I’ve missed being away from her so very much. Yes, we talked almost every day but it’s not the same as getting to see her.

Another blessing from Dean.

“I’m happy too, Mel.” My smile widens, and my chest feels light. “I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I love you.”

“I love you too.” As the phone beeps, I let her words flow through me from the inside out. I turn my focus back to the road and realize I don’t recognize where I am. It’s changed since I last was here. I pull over to the side of the road and try to pull up my GPS to reorient myself, but the screen just glows. No bars available.

“Great,” I mutter.

I make a u-turn across the two lane highway and double back over the road I just traveled to see where I still have reception. Thankfully, it’s only about fifty feet before reception comes back and I’m able to enter the address for the cabin. Turns out I drove past the street.

I continue heading in my current direction. Before I know it, I reach Mountain Road and turn left, driving another two miles before hitting the cabin’s driveway. It’s at least another mile before I can see the roof.

A grin splits my face, and my body starts to vibrate. I tighten my grip on the wheel as Belle wobbles. Dirt roads are not Belle’s friend, and her shocks will not be happy with me, but I don’t care. However, I stop myself from stepping on the gas to get there faster.

Little by little, the cabin comes into view, and I feel my heartbeat elevating. The wrap-around porch is still the stuff of my dreams, but the exterior is slightly worse for wear. It's not surprising since it’s almost eighty years old.

My brow furrows as a pick up truck appears ahead of me. I pull Belle up beside, wary; we weren’t expecting anyone else.

I know it’s not Mike or Mel. Maybe a neighbor they had stop by to make sure I could get in?

Oh darn! Mel never told me where to find the house key. It’s possible the spare is in the same spot it’s always been, which is why she didn’t mention it.

I kill the engine, push open the car door, and head to the old hidey spot, lifting up the rock.

Nothing.

“Darn,” I grumble. Maybe whoever is here knows. If not, I’ll need to call Mel back.

“Ladybug?” My heart stops, and my stomach swoops as my name falls from the lips of a voice I would recognize anywhere. If I’m honest, it’s a voice I’ve dreamed of hearing again for years.

As if moving in slow motion, I turn to see a man holding a stack of logs. His handsome face has a wide smile, and his eyes sparkle—bright green eyes, to be specific.

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