“Mason was a bastard for what he did. Sadie, too. I didn’t say anything when the shit hit the fan because I figured you just needed time to sort it all out. But it’s been three years now. You need to stop living this half-life because you’re too scared of having a repeat of Sadie. That’s why you work every waking hour. Somewhere in your head, you think if you work all the time and make as much money as possible, it’ll make up for the part of your life that’s lacking.”
“And what’s that?” I snip out.
“The important things, Cal. Someone to share your life with. Friends. Family. Hell, I’d be happy if you’d get a fucking goldfish at this point. Did you learn nothing fromA Christmas Carol? Or better yet,Scrooged? We used to watch that every December in college.”
I chuckle, my eyes shining with nostalgia. Then, as if we rehearsed it, we both recite the same line from the movie in unison.
“‘Bitch hit me with a toaster.’”
We erupt in laughter, the break in tension a welcome reprieve. But it only lasts a moment before he pins me with a stare once more.
“You can have all the zeroes you want in your bank account, but what good is it if you don’t have anyone to share it with?”
“I tried that once. It didn’t exactly work out.”
“Because she wasn’t the one.” He takes another sip of his drink, a contemplative look crossing his brow. “Remember when you asked me if I believed in manifestation or the law of attraction?”
“Yes…,” I draw out.
“I think there’s a reason you stumbled on this particular parcel of land. Call it fate. Call it destiny. I don’t care. But it’s obvious this woman made you think.” He punches the signed acceptance with his finger. “And maybe, just maybe, the universe made sure you were the one to convince her to sell for a reason other than adding a few zeroes to your bank account. Hannah always says the universe gives us what we need when we need it. Maybe that’s what happened here.”
I heave a long sigh and shake my head.
I understand what Daniel’s saying, and I appreciate that he cares about me enough to want me to be happy. But there’s still one problem.
“I hurt her. Made her give up on her miracle.”
“Her…miracle?”
“She told me she wouldn’t consider my offer until after Christmas. Claimed she couldn’t give up hoping for a miracle. So this…” I flip through the signed offer. “It means she gave up hope.”
“Then you need to do something to restore that hope.” He drains the rest of his glass and stands.
“Like what?”
He shrugs. “That’s for you to figure out. But if I were you, I’d start with tearing this up.” He pushes the offer across the desk toward me.
“Are you sure?” I stand, eyes narrowed. “You’d make a fortune, Daniel.”
“It’s only money.” He feigns choking on his words, as if struggling to say them. “I’d rather my best friend be happy. Does she make you happy?”
“More than I thought possible,” I admit, much to my surprise.
“Then go after that. We can always make more money on a different project. But there may never be another Parker Holley. It’s just a question of what’s more important to you.” He arches a brow, waiting for my response.
I don’t even have to think about it. For the first time in my life, I know precisely what that is. And it’s nothing in this city.
Spinning from him, I shove my laptop into my bag and grab my coat, practically running out of my office.
“Good answer, Cal.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE
PARKER
Fluffy white snowflakes fall from the sky as I walk through Holley Ridge, savoring the sights and smells of the Christmas festival. A raw ache settles in my chest with the knowledge that, this time next year, this place will look vastly different. No rows of vendors selling holiday crafts. No North Pole where kids can visit Santa. No ice rink where people of all ages can skate with snow falling around them.
I pray the tree remains. I hate the idea of this Norway spruce being chopped down to make room for more luxury timeshares.
