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Her brain short-circuited. The Jeep in front of her looked so familiar… like hers, but…

She glanced back at Cal. He just smiled at her — that slow, warm smile that turned her stomach into a swarm of butterflies.

“Merry Christmas, baby girl.”

He pressed a fresh set of keys into her palm, her old skull keychain still attached. Sage stared down at them, confused, then back up at him.

“I don’t understand… Cal, why are you⁠—”

Her eyes snapped back to the Jeep. Then to Cal. Then to the Jeep again.

“It can’t be…” she whispered.

But it was. Her Jeep. The one Felicity had given her when she got her driver’s license. The same battered, broken-down beast she’d loved so fiercely… the one she’d mourned when it finally died in front of the diner weeks ago.

“Cal… I… you…”

She took one shaky step, then another. As she reached the Jeep, it looked brand new — gleaming paint, flawless bodywork. She opened the door and gasped, covering her mouth. The interior was stunning: rich leather, custom wood paneling, details she couldn’t even process.

Her knees buckled.

Cal was already there, catching her gently. She turned into his chest and started crying — soft, overwhelmed sobs that threatened to ruin her makeup, and she didn’t care in the least.

“Y…yyy…you…dddd…didn’t…have to…do that,” she managed between tears, face buried in his jacket.

“I know, sweetheart,” he murmured, stroking her back in slow, soothing circles. “I wanted to. I hope you like it.”

Sage laughed through the tears and hugged him fiercely. After a long moment she pulled back, looking up at him with shining eyes. On the diner steps, Mary Sue, Annie, the kids, and Brittany watched with pure joy. Annie wiped her eyes while Brittany handed her more tissues.

“I’ve missed you so much, sweetheart,” Cal said softly.

Sage closed her eyes and held onto his expensive jacket, barely able to stand as his words wrapped around her heart.

“I just wanted to tell you that before I forgot. I’m glad you were able to help Mama and spend time with Isabelle and Annie. But whenever I’m not with you… I miss you. I think about you all the time.”

After another minute she pulled herself together, laughing wetly. “You ruined my makeup!”

Cal smiled. She waved at everyone on the steps as he walked her to the driver’s side. Of course he was already there, opening the door for her like a gentleman.

Impulsively, Sage reached out and pressed her hand to his muscular chest, whispering, “I miss you too. I think about you all the time. I think I might have a problem, actually…”

His eyebrows rose. “What kind of problem?”

She leaned in close, looking up at him with a mischievous little smile. “Umm… a kinda physical problem?”

Cal looked adorably confused. “A physical problem? Are you okay? I mean Dr. Rowan⁠—”

Sage took his big hand and, using the Jeep to shield them from view, guided it firmly to her large breast. He froze instantly. She held it there, squeezing gently so he could feel her.

“Oh my God,” he breathed.

Sage’s heart soared. She smiled up at him, voice husky. “He’s my God too, you know. Mary Sue keeps telling me.”

Cal let out a low laugh, then carefully slid his hand away — though the reluctance was obvious. He helped her into the driver’s seat. As she settled, her eyes dropped to the front of his tight pants. Her eyes widened.

Holy fuck.

She blushed and murmured, “Looks like I’m not the only one with a… physical problem.”