An Unexpected Gift (Insta-Spark)

She began to step back, but I held on. I couldn't let her go—not yet. The words were out of my mouth before I realized. "I need more time."

"What?"

"I need more time with you."

"But your family—"

"Will be there tomorrow. They don't even know I'm coming, so it doesn't matter if I show up today or tomorrow. You told me to act on what makes me happy. You make me happy."

"I have to go to work."

"That's fine. I'll be here when you get home. Spend the evening with me. Let me wake up with you tomorrow morning. Christmas morning. I want to wake up with someone who cares about me." I paused. "Whom I care about. I want to wake up with you."

She stared at me, her eyes wide with anxiety and longing. They reflected the same emotions I was feeling.

"Please give me this, Holly. A few more hours is all I’m asking."

"Yes," she murmured. “I want you to stay.”

I pulled her close, feeling as if I could breathe again. I knew I was only delaying the inevitable, but for now, I could stay and be with her. Tomorrow was hours away.

Today, I had her.

5

Evan

"I'll drive you to work," I offered, my arms still looped around her waist. I felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. As if I had given myself a gift today—a gift of her.

"Oh, um, I have a couple errands to run. The diner won't be busy, so Judy and I cover for each other for an hour, then we can get things done—so I’ll need my truck."

I glanced out the window at her mammoth vehicle in the driveway. In the light, I could see how old and decrepit it was. I had thought it a dull red in the dark last night, but today I could see the rust on the body was what was holding it together, covering the gray the truck used to be. But she insisted it was roadworthy, and I had no choice but to accept it.

"All right,” I agreed. “But before you go, I need to know where a couple of places are in town."

Holly laughed, her eyes no longer sad. "What are you going to do while I'm gone?"

I grinned, feeling lighter than I had since I woke up. I had more time with her.

"I’ve got some stuff to do. Then Chester and I will hang out."

She narrowed her eyes, looking suspicious. "Stuff? What are you up to, Evan Brooks?"

I liked how my name sounded rolling off her tongue, the bossiness of her tone as she settled one hand on her hip and acted stern. She was too cute.

"I'm going to cook you dinner."

"You cook?"

I snorted. "I live by myself in a small town. There’s no fast food close. It was either learn to cook or starve. I do pretty well." I winked at her. "You do like tacos, right?"

"Um, sure."

Laughing, I pulled her back into my arms. "I can do a little better than that. I'll follow you, and you can point out where the grocery store is."

"And you'll be here when I get back?"

I kissed her, liking the thought of being here, waiting for her. "Yes."