Page 78 of Crossed Lines

“I know. But life can’t always be easy. You know that better than anyone. And once we’re back in the States, you can go get your man. If it’s meant to be, you two will get through this together.”

I reach across the table and grab her hand in a quick squeeze. “Thanks, Mace. I couldn’t do this without you.”

“I know. You’re so lucky to have a best friend like me.”

She smiles, and we both burst out laughing, but she’s right. I am lucky to have a best friend like her. She was exactly what I needed when I left Blue Haven for the first time. She helped me figure out who I really am. She pushed me out of my comfort zone while being my rock the entire time. I truly don’t think I would be the person I am today if it weren’t for Macy.

I’m also lucky to be in love with a man who puts me first and wants what’s best for me. And even though he’s pissed, I’m lucky to have an older brother who cares so much about me.

This is a little blip in our story, and I’m confident that we’ll work this out.

I have to have hope.

There is no other choice.

After pizza, we get gelato because it’s the perfect way to end the night before we hole ourselves up in our room to finish some assignments for the next week.

I’m going to miss Italy when this semester is over. But I’m also excited to get back home to start my life with the people I love. Who’d have thought I’d be excited to go back to Blue Haven? The one place I couldn’t wait to get out of.

CHAPTER 28

Beck

DECEMBER

“Daddy, can we get our Christmas tree today?” Jade asks while I pour a cup of coffee. I just woke up, and she’s ready to get the day started. Can’t even have a minute to wake up around here.

“That sounds like a great idea,” I say, wanting to make her happy.

“Mommy put up our fake tree last weekend, but I want a real tree for your house!”

I chuckle. Of course she wants the messier, more high-maintenance tree at my house. Gives me more stuff to do. But I’m not gonna say no to my girl. “We’ll get whatever you want, princess.”

Her eyes go wide. “Whatever I want?”

I give her a look. “Within reason.”

She scrunches her nose at me, not liking that answer. “Can I have pancakes for breakfast?”

“That sounds reasonable.”

“With Christmas sprinkles!”

“Yes, your majesty.” She makes me buy different sprinkles for each holiday so her food can be festive. It’s silly, but she likes it.

While I start mixing up the pancakes, Jade asks, “Daddy, are you sad?”

The spoon in my hand stops moving, and I look over at her. “Why do you think I’m sad?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. You smile a lot. But you were really happy when Willow was here. I feel like you miss her.”

“Well, I guess I do miss her. But I don’t think I’m sad. How could I be sad when I’ve got you to cheer me up?”

She smiles at that. “Ok! We’re gonna have tons of fun today!”

“I don’t doubt it one bit. Don’t worry about me, ok, princess? I promise I’m all good.”

I do miss Willow, but talking to her every day makes the distance a little easier. I can’t pretend I’m not excited to see her in person again though. She’s coming home next week for Christmas break, and I’m counting down the days.