“My sister is getting married,” she said. To little Landon Hoffman from next door. Isabella was still trying to swallow that news.
“That’s nice. Good reason to travel at Christmas. Unlike me, who has to attend a big pharmaceutical conference…” Bob rambled on.
When Isabella had agreed to be Norah’s maid of honor, she had no clue Norah had chosen the week of Christmas to get married. If she’d known, she might’ve said no. It was almost like Norah chose a Christmas Day wedding on purpose. That way Isabella would be forced to return to Pineridge, not only to celebrate her only sister’s new marriage, but to endure the holiday as well, including Eight Days of Christmas—a Whitley tradition where they performed a specific holiday activity each day for eight days leading up to December twenty-fifth.
Norah had left Isabella no choice but to return home and withstand the eleven million questions from her family. No choice but to face Landon’s older brother Leo—the boy who held the key to her heart for more years than she could count.
She glanced out the window. Ready or not—she was headed home.
Or maybe not.
Static blared through the plane’s overhead speakers, followed by an announcement.
“Good afternoon flight 434, this is your captain speaking. I’m afraid I have some less than exciting news. Due to the snowstorm Denver is currently experiencing, ground control has directed us to make an emergency landing in Omaha, Nebraska.”
“What?” Isabella flung herself forward in her seat as groans, disapproving comments, and moans echoed through the cabin. “Is he for real?”
“I’m ’fraid so.” Bob gave her a soft smile.
“At any rate,” the captain continued, “the good folks at American Airlines customer service will be more than happy to assist you with accommodations. Hopefully the ice and fog will let up in Denver so we can get you all on your way real soon. American Airlines thanks you for flying with us and, as always, don’t forget to fill out a customer service survey online and give us a top-star rating.”
Just how in the hell was she supposed to make it home now? The plane descended quickly, giving Isabella that queasy feeling in her stomach she despised. This was seriously happening. The pilot was actually landing the plane in Omaha, Nebraska.
“This can’t be happening.” Isabella closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“Omaha, huh?” Bob said. “Never been here before.” He pulled his phone from the front pocket of his laptop bag, ready for when he’d have service. “Better check Yelp for the best places to find some grub.”
As if this little emergency pit stop was the best thing to happen to him. Then again, maybe it was.
All around her, phones chimed, signaling service. She exhaled a few deep breaths before slipping her phone from her purse. She pushed her hair behind her ear and scrolled through her notifications. There was a missed call from Dad, a missed call from Norah, and several unanswered texts from Margo and Norah. But the text that stood out the most was from Harrison.
Harrison: Did you want the Pampered Chef cheese grater? Or the popcorn air popper? I know how much you love popcorn. But Ididbuy it.
Isabella’s eyes burned. She squeezed them tight enough to see floating black spots behind her lids. He was really doing this now? He had some nerve. Dividing their things the week before Christmas? When she wasn’t even in town?
Even though he’d sent the text two hours before, Isabella opened her eyes and tapped out a reply.
Isabella:Keep them both.
Isabella:On second thought, no. If you can’t wait until I’m back to divide our things, then I want them.
She inhaled a deep breath, holding it in.
Isabella:I didn’t know we’d made a decision yet. To divide our things. To be completely over.
She didn’t expect a reply, at least not so soon. But regardless, it came.
Harrison: Just figured it would be easier this way.
Isabella:You mean easier for you.
Harrison:Why make it harder than it has to be?
Isabella:After four years together, breaking up shouldn’t be easy.
No response—no surprise.
Isabella sent a quick text to Dad to let him know about the flight’s detour to Omaha, and to assure Norah everything was fine and not to worry. She’d figure something out.
