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“Stop it,” Ember told him. “Listen to him. He’s in love with Caitie, and she loves him back.”
“I don’t know about that…” Breck mumbled.
“Well I do.” Ember smiled. “No wonder she looked so upset on our wedding day. I kept wondering why that was. Every time she thought nobody was looking tears would fill her eyes.”
“I was an asshole,” Breck said again. “I’d do anything to take it back.”
“Of course you would. But people do stupid things sometimes. Like hit their best friends.” She raised her eyebrows at Lucas. “Doesn’t mean that they wanted to hurt the other person.”
“I really am sorry,” Breck told them both. “For causing you problems at the wedding, and for upsetting your sister. I know how angry you must be at me, because I’m angry at myself. But I’m going to make it up to her.”
Lucas looked him in the eye. “You’d better,” he growled.
“Stop it.” Ember rolled her eyes. “It’s Christmas, be nice. Breck’s your friend, and he’s come over here to apologize.” She rubbed his knuckles and smiled at him, the corner of her eyes crinkling.
Lucas sighed then held out his injured hand. “She’s right, I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“You were thinking about Caitie. The same way I am.” Breck offered him a smile. “I can’t blame you for taking care of your sister.” He took Lucas’s hand and shook it gently, being careful not to injure him further. “And for what it’s worth, I promise you don’t have to worry about her. Not with me. I meant what I said, I love her. I’m as protective of her as you are.”
Lucas nodded. “I know. You’re a good guy, Breck. Just take care of her heart, okay? It’s precious.”
“I will.”
“Good.” Ember grinned at them both. “I’m glad you’ve made up. Now who wants some breakfast?”
“I thought
you’d never ask,” Lucas said. “I’m starving.”
“Not for me, thanks.” Breck shook his head. “There’s somebody I need to see.”
Ember’s eyes sparkled as she raised her brows. “Then what are you waiting for? Go get your girl.”
* * *
The whole house smelled like Christmas when Caitie woke up on Christmas morning. The aroma of a ham baking in the oven, combined with the yeasty goodness of the freshly cooked rolls, made her mouth water. She felt as though she’d eaten nothing for days, and her stomach was contracting with the need to be fed. Grabbing a banana from the fruit bowl, she unpeeled it and practically stuffed it in her mouth whole. Once she swallowed, she took a hot roll from the cooling rack and stuffed it in her mouth. When her hunger was finally appeased, she glanced at her phone expectantly, checking to see if he had called.
Of course, he hadn’t.
If Harper were here, she’d tell Caitie to call him instead. Maybe she would if he didn’t contact her soon. But something inside her told her to wait it out, to let him take the lead. He’d opened himself up to her yesterday, finally showing his vulnerability. Now she needed to let him show his masculinity, too. Another thing she’d learned from her talk with her mom.
“There’s an envelope with your name on it over there,” her mom said, inclining her head to the white-painted cabinet. Like everything else in the kitchen it screamed shabby chic. “It was on the doormat when we got up this morning. Somebody must have put it through the letter box late last night.”
Intrigued, Caitie grabbed the white rectangular envelope, staring at it with her brows pulled down. There was no indication of who it was from, just her name written in all capitals with black ink. She slid her thumb into the corner opening, sliding it across.
Inside was a white card with red and gold glossy print.
All I want for Christmas is You.
Caitie bit down her smile, opening it up to see the handwriting within.
Dear Cait,
It’s cheesy but true. You make me want to celebrate the one day I’ve been avoiding for most of my life.
Wait for me. I’ll be there soon.
Breck
