She would go
away, she decided, and forced herself to move. She would pack a bag, toss it in
the car and drive until she felt like stopping. She’d take a couple of days. Hell,
she’d take a week. She couldn’t bear to stay here alone through the holidays. For
the next ten minutes, she tossed things into a suitcase without any plan or
sense of order. Now that the decision was made, she only wanted to move
quickly. She closed the lid on the suitcase, carried it into the living room and
started for her coat.
The knock on
her door had her clenching her teeth. If one more well-meaning neighbor stopped
by to wish her Merry Christmas and invite her to dinner, she was going to scream.
All I Want for Christmas
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Y
ou may not notice it, but at this time of year there is a question that runs around like a headless turkey: “How many people are you having over for Christmas lunch?” Those of us who do not want to be judged for the lack of dinner plates around the festive table, usually answer: “Oh, we’re having a quiet one.”
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"I'm just on my way home to pick up my bags. I wish you'd change your mind and come with me. You know you're welcome." She lifted a brow. "And I know Grandpa has been nagging you for weeks to come up for the holidays."
"I appreciate it, but I can't. Besides, I'm not a family-gathering type. Christmas is for kids and families."
She shook her head. "You didn't even put up a tree."
"You bought me that ugly little ceramic one."
"It's not ugly, it's tacky. That's entirely different." She wanted so much to ask him again, to find the right words to persuade him to spend Christmas with her, to be part of her life. But she'd resolved to make do and accept what she had. "I'll miss you."
"You'll be surrounded by people." He smiled a little as he stood up. "Hordes of MacGregors, even the thought of which unnerves me. You won't have time to miss me."
"I'll miss you anyway." She kissed him lightly. She pulled a brightly wrapped box out of her pocket, handed it to him.
"What's this?"
"A present. It's traditional. I want you to open it Christmas morning."
"Look, I don't have—"
"Royce, say thank-you."
Though he was as miserable as he'd been in his life, he made his lips curve. "Thank you."
"Now say Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Slim."
"I'll see you in a few days." She hurried out, telling herself it was the sentiment of the season that misted her eyes.
Laura
@The MacGregor Brides
