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“For us. For you and me and Samantha to be together.”
She continued to stare at him. Her eyes grew shiny but her lips didn’t move.
“Kara.” He placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her head so their gazes met. “Talk to me. You want that, too, don’t you?”
She blinked repeatedly while worrying her lower lip, as though internally waging a deep debate. Was it really so hard for her to decide? Was he about to lose her for good?
Jason searched her darkened eyes, detecting the swirl of confusion and utter frustration in them. “Please, say something.”
“Why now?” Lines of stress creased her beautiful face. Her eyes pleaded with him to be honest. “If only you’d said something sooner, maybe we could have figured out something. But I’ve found a new job...in Ohio.”
Her words sent his heart plummeting. He’d thought this through before she and Samantha had arrived. He knew there’d be hurdles to cross. Now wasn’t the time to give up. If it meant he had to meet her halfway, or more than halfway, he’d do it.
“Come outside with me,” he said, taking her arm.
“Outside?” She pulled back. “But why?”
“I need a few minutes to talk to you. Alone.” He glanced over his shoulder at Samantha. “Don’t worry, she’ll be fine sitting next to the tree, with Sly by her side and her toys to occupy her.”
“All right. Just for a couple of minutes.”
He grabbed her coat from the back of the couch and draped it over her shoulders. After letting Samantha know where they’d be, Jason ushered Kara out the door into the chilly night.
A few inches of snow layered the ground and dusted the trees. With the lights he’d painstakingly strung over the porch rails and small trees and shrubs, it did look magical, if you were into that sort of thing. It wasn’t something he’d normally have done; he considered it a labor of love. But as he stood here, looking out over the yard and watching colored lights twinkle on the snow, he had to admit it wasn’t so bad.
“I still can’t believe you put up all these decorations.” Kara moved to his side.
When he turned his gaze back to the woman he loved—the woman he didn’t want to let go for a second time—his insides twisted with anxiety. He’d never been so nervous about anything in his life, not even making his way through boot camp or being sent into enemy territory.
“I saw the worried expression on your face when I made the toast,” he said. “Is there a problem with your new job?”
She shook her head. “No. Not at all. In fact, they’re anxious for me to get settled into my new position.”
Not what he wanted to hear, but nothing he couldn’t handle. “So you’re going ahead with the move?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I? This is an amazing opportunity.”
“I’m sure it is.” Jason swallowed back his disappointment.
“You know, it’s beautiful here,” she said, leaning her hands on the rail. “You’re so lucky to have this little piece of nature.”
He turned to her and she stared up at him. The gentle breeze carried with it the scent of strawberries from her golden hair. The nippy air also brought out the pink
hue in her smooth cheeks. And the red of her lips intensified, drawing his full attention to them. They looked so perfect for kissing.
“Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe it,” he murmured, never moving his gaze from her.
“The yard looks amazing with all the lights. Did you do all this for us?”
He nodded. “If it’s what makes you happy, then it’s what makes me happy.”
“And that Santa suit... You really outdid yourself.” Her gaze slid over him, and he grew self-conscious when she eyed the puffy pillow widening his midsection.
“I need to apologize for being such a jerk the other night. Seven years ago, I dumped you. You were free to do whatever you wanted with your life. And I’ve accepted that. I’m sorry I overreacted. Most of all, I’m sorry I put you in that position all those years ago.”
Her fingers reached out and touched his cheek. “We may have not made the best decisions back then, but despite them something miraculous happened. I gave birth to the most wonderful little girl.” Kara turned to the living room window and he followed suit, glancing in at Samantha. “I’ve never for one instance regretted her.”
“Nor do I,” he admitted, surprised by his own heartfelt sincerity. “She may not have my DNA, which is probably a blessing in itself—”
