Hunter shakes his head. “You won’t.”
“You’re pretty confident about that.”
“I’ve seen the two of you together. This is a little speed bump.”
Staring down at my half-painted ornament, an idea starts to take shape. I have no idea if it will work, but it’s worth a shot.
If it means I get to keep Charlie, I’ll do anything.
Chapter Seventeen
CHARLIE
I LOVE YOU SNOW MUCH
Christmas Eve eve.
I should be more excited than I am, but I’m not. Turning over in bed, I’m met with an empty space. It’s cold to the touch.
I guess I should get used to this.
Sighing, I turn back over and stare out the windows. Gray clouds are clinging to everything. It’s not snowing, but it’s supposed to dump over a foot of snow later. Thank God the Tinsel Tavern is closed until after Christmas.
I exhale. I need to not let this ruin the holiday. Brooks has been happy. Happier than I’ve seen him in ages. I need to put him first.
If only the thought of that didn’t break my own heart.
I flop onto my back as Christmas music starts to filter into my room from the living room.
The bedroom door opens and the clatter of paws on thehardwood floor is my only warning before Comet jumps onto the bed. He attacks my face with morning kisses.
“Hi, buddy.”
I rub his head as his owner follows him into the room.
“Breakfast?” Brooks asks, carrying a tray. There’s a plate of donuts and two mugs of coffee.
“When did you get donuts?” I sit up, resting against the headboard.
“I’ve been up for an hour. Comet and I have already been into town and gone on our walk.”
“You have a lot of energy.”
“Because I’m excited.” There’s a hesitant smile on his face.
“For what?” I grab a red-frosted donut with candy cane sprinkles and take a hearty bite.
“For this.” Brooks sets a small brown box with a green ribbon on the tray.
“What is it?”
“Open it and find out.” Brooks scoots it closer as Comet huffs, as if telling me I’m an idiot for even asking.
I roll my eyes at him. “Christmas isn’t for two more days.”
“So?” Brooks shrugs a shoulder. “Who says you can’t open a gift before then?”
Grabbing the small box off the tray, I pull the ribbon apart and take the lid off. It’s a snowflake ornament. One that looks hastily painted.
