Page 30 of More Than a Little Spark

Daphne

“We’re doing what?”I reach back to make sure the bed is behind me before sitting down.

Rose glances over her shoulder.“One of Matthew’s grandchildren has a sick kid, so all the plans changed.And we’ve been invited to Stargazer Springs for Christmas Eve festivities.It’ll be fun.”

I suck in a deep breath.“It’ll be awkward.How am I supposed to be around Carson and act like he’s not the best thing since sliced bread?Because I’m telling you that I would give up sliced bread completely if I could have Carson.No questions asked.I don’t even have to think about it.”

“Please.Tandy and Matthew are going, and I’ll just be thinking about you all evening if you stay here.”

“I’ll go.And I’ll be… demure.”

My friend laughs.“Of course you will.Now, get ready.We’ll leave in an hour.”

While the situation isn’t ideal because I haven’t the least clue who knows that Carson and I are dating and I have to rein in my flirting because of Fred, I am looking forward to spending time at the ranch.I’ve heard so much about it from both Rose and Carson.

My choices are limited to what Rose has picked out from my closet, so it doesn’t take forever and a day to choose what to wear.Hopefully, this isn’t a fancy shindig because I’m sporting another pair of my modified jeans and a baggy red sweater.This is my new standard attire outside of work until I can get my foot into a regular pair of pants.I might need to buy another sweater or two.

I do breathing exercises as Dallas parks outside Beau and Lilith’s house.

“Everyone is nice, Daphne.You don’t need to be nervous.”Dallas turns around to look at me.“Seriously.It’ll be fun.”

“I’m not nervous.”

Rose giggles.“She’s mustering her self-control so that she doesn’t tackle Carson.”

“Truth.”I slide out and grab my crutches.While my hobbling skills are improving, I still resemble a newborn fawn when trying to get around.But in spite of everything, I will have fun tonight.Seeing Carson is an extra treat.

I make it two steps inside the door, and my phone is buzzing in my pocket.The rhythm of the buzzing tells me that it’s my brother Dane.I can’t ignore his call on Christmas Eve.

“Rose, my brother is calling.Is there a quiet place I can talk to him?”

She points to a door at the far end of the living room.“Through there.On the other side of the game room is the mess hall.It’s probably empty.And there is a porch behind it if you dare brave the cold.”

“Thanks.”I swipe to answer, then tuck the phone between my head and shoulder.“Hey there.I’m getting somewhere quiet.Merry Christmas.”

Dane chuckles.“I can just picture you on crutches walking and talking.Please don’t hurt yourself.”

“I’m good.I think my phone is in more danger than I am.But I’m trying not to drop it.Are you having a good Christmas so far?”

“I am.But listen, we can talk more later.I just wanted to give you a heads up.Denise is likely going to call you soon.Make sure you answer.”

Startled, I grab the porch rail, and both crutches fall to the ground.“She’s avoided me for so long.What did you say to get her to call me?And thank you.”

“Just answer her call, okay?We can talk about everything else later.Love you, sis.”

“Love you too.Merry Christmas.”An incoming call beeps in my ear, and I pull in a calming breath before answering.My sister.I haven’t spoken to her in months.Not for lack of trying, but since I moved out years ago, she pretty much only gives me one-word answers.And she never initiates conversations.“Hello.”

“Hey, Daphne.This is Denise.”

“It’s so good to hear from you.Merry Christmas.”Leaning against the rail, I peer out at the stars.

“I spoke to Dane earlier today.He said you were in an accident.Is that why you aren’t coming to Mom’s tomorrow?”Worry tinges my sister’s voice.

“I’m on crutches, so stairs are hard for me right now.Otherwise, I’d totally celebrate with y’all.”I probably sound like I’ve had a bit too much spiked eggnog, but I want her to know how happy I am that she called.

Denise is quiet for several heartbeats.“You were hurt?What happened?I thought…”

“I’ll recover.I’m already healing.What were you going to say?You thought what?”

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