“Be careful, I—” His expression tightened for a second before relaxing as if he’d caught himself. “You’re not used to driving in snow.”
“I’m not, but I have chains.” Using her sleeve, she wiped away the snow pelting her face. “Though the weather isn’t looking very promising at the moment.”
He started to speak but stopped himself. His lips parted again. “You shouldn’t spend Christmas alone.”
“That’s why I came to Berry Lake. Whatever happens, I’ll be okay.” And Tasha would be. She would make the most of the day whether there or on the road. She scratched behind Higgins’s ear. “You two need to get out of the snow, and so do I. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.”
Two simple words. They weren’t nearly enough.
The pain in her chest told her it was time to go. But she had one more thing to say to him. So many people had walked away from her without saying goodbye. She wouldn’t be like them.
Tasha took a breath, the icy, wet air stinging her lungs. “Goodbye, Elias.”
Not waiting for a reply, Tasha walked away. The snow continued falling, faster and harder. She concentrated on her steps to keep from thinking about him. It was more apparent than ever that even though they hadn’t known each other long, she would need lots of time to get over him.
Don’t look back.
Not that she could see him. She hunched and trudged down the lane.
Her Christmas was not only white but a whiteout.
Be careful what you wish for…
Tasha had to laugh, which was better than wanting to cry, right?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Say something.
Elias should. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Words had finally failed him. The only time that had happened before was with Tasha. And now…
He watched her disappear into the snow, falling like a blanket of white. He growled. “What’s wrong with me?”
Higgins barked.
“I don’t want to hear anything from you. You’re a disobedient dog for escaping.” Elias headed to the porch, wiped the snow from his boots, and entered the house. As soon as the door latched closed, he placed Higgins on the floor and removed his boots. “Though thanks for bringing Tasha to me.”
Even if it had only been for the dog’s sake.
Elias removed his outerwear and gloves before he sweated to death.
Tasha’s envelope dropped to the floor, and he snatched it up. “How did you sneak out?”
Higgins trotted to the fireplace, where his new pillow waited for him as if he were the king of the castle.
“That’s not your throne.”
Only a Christmas present from Elias so Higgins wouldn’t have to lie on the hardwood when he wanted to warm up by the fire.
“Look at all the stuff you got for Christmas. Santa Paws brought you so many new toys and treats. Why would you run away from home?” Elias kneeled next to Higgins. “You missed Tasha, didn’t you?”
Higgins didn’t disagree.
“I get it.” Elias patted the dog’s head. “But please don’t do that again. I can’t lose you too.”
Higgins stared at Elias.
