Page 103 of That Time We Kissed Under the Mistletoe
“There’s just one problem,” I say. “I can be willing to do whatever it takes to make things work on my end, but I can’t force Sara. She has to want it too.”
“Obviously.” My mother pauses as a pack of cruisers in sweaters and Santa hats bursts through the doors. She waves at them as they pass, then she turns her attention back to me. “So, what do you think? Does Sara want a relationship with you?”
I consider the question. “I really hurt her back then,” I admit. “And I wouldn’t blame her if she had trouble trusting me again. But we’ve been through a lot these past fewdays—more than I can get into right now—and I’m pretty sure she feels the same way I do.”
“Which is what?”
“That I never fully got over us. In fact, I don’t think I even tried.”
“Well, I’m well aware ofthat, dear.” My mother lets out a long sigh. “You and your sister and your long-term pining.”
I cringe. “Must be hard to watch us, huh?”
“Not really.” Her mouth tips up on one corner. “I’ve always believed the right thing will happen at the right time. For both you and Nella. And if Carver Townsend is right for your sister, I trust they’ll end up together too.” She breaks into a smile now. “Like you and Sara.”
“Thanks, Mom.” My heart swells with this reminder of her faith. “You’re making it a whole lot easier for me to consider going all in on a relationship with her.” I take a beat. “But she’s about to accept a full-time position at her dad’s law firm.”
“Hathaway Cooke?”
I bite back a grimace. “Working there has been the end game she’s worked for her entire life. So I can’t ask her to give that up to move here, which means …” My voice finally trails off.
“Youmight be moving.”
“More thanmight be, I think.”
“Aww.” My mother’s smile is warm. “Don’t look so glum. The train can take your father and me right to the city to visit you.”
“But the train takes even longer than the drive. And the drive isn’t short.”
“So we won’t come visit youeveryday,” she says. “Don’t you worry about us, Three, as long asyoufeel like you could be happy someplace other than Abieville.”
“I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else,” I say. “But I don’t want to live without Sara.”
“Then that’s all I need to hear, son.” My mother grins. “Go get your girl.”
Chapter Forty-Nine
Sara
I’m on Taconic State Parkway, just about halfway between Abieville and New York City, when Bristol’s number pops up on my navigation screen.
“Happy birthday!” she shrieks the second I take her call. I’m surprised her voice doesn’t shatter my windows. “Sara! Are you there? Can you hear me?”
“I’m pretty sure they can hear you on the moon.” I chuckle to myself. “But thank you, friend.”
“What’s going on there?” she asks. “I tried calling you earlier, but I kept getting sent straight to your voicemail.”
“Yeah.” I nod, even though she can’t see me. “The signal back in Abieville definitely comes and goes.”
“Where are you now?”
“On my way to the gala.”
“Ahh, right. Of course you are. Is it at the Windsor Club this year?”
“It’s at the Windsor Clubforever,” I say on a chuckle. “Remember the time you came?”
“Are you kidding?” she squawks. “A girl doesn’t forgetthatmany black ties and red ballgowns in one room.”
