An Unexpected Gift (Insta-Spark)

I frowned in confusion when Carol handed me another small parcel. I had opened their thoughtful gifts already. "It has your name on it," she explained. "It was in the bag with the others."

I swallowed heavily.

Holly.

With shaky fingers, I opened the little package. Inside was a small Saint Christopher medallion. The patron saint of travelers. I unfolded the small note.

To help keep you safe. Always, H

My hand came up to rest on my chest, trying to quell the sudden ache. Holly worried about me. Even after I left, she was worried about me.

The memories hit me again. The feelings they evoked flooded my system. Holly’s gaze. Her caring and warmth.

I needed that in my life.

I needed her.

As crazy as it sounded, I was in love with her.

For a moment, I was lost in my thoughts until the sound of a clearing throat made me look up. My gaze found Carol’s right away. Her eyes were gentle, filled with understanding, and she nodded before I even got the words out.

"I have to go back."

She smiled. “Yes, you do.”

Tara sprang to her feet. “Thank God. Let’s figure this

out.”

“I’ll leave tomorrow.”

Dan shook his head. “There’s a big snowstorm headed this way, Evan. It’s heading across Quebec right now. You’ll get trapped.”

“You need to fly,” Tara announced. “Tonight, before we get snowed in.”

“I—”

“I’m on it,” Andrew announced, heading over to the computer. He sat down, typing fast. He scanned the screen. “All the flights are booked except for the last flight out at eight. I take it all the time. There’s a first-class seat left.” He whistled. “It’s gonna cost you.”

I tossed him my credit card. “Book it. I need a car—make that an SUV—to pick up there as well. A nice one.”

He chuckled. “You got it. Go home and pack. I’ll get this done, and Tara and I will drive you to the airport. Then you can go get your girl.”

I looked at Carol. “Brunch…” I started.

She waved me off with a wide smile and tugged me in for a hug. “Forget brunch. You can bring Holly for dinner when you get back.”

“What if she says no?”

She shook her head and cupped my face. “Then you know you tried. But from what you’ve told me, she won’t. I think she’s missing you as much as you are missing her.” She smiled. “This is your chance to find your life, Evan. Grab it. Be happy.”

“I will.”

The familiar scenery went by as I drove down the road. The diner was closed between Christmas and New Year’s, the parking lot deserted and the sign dark. I hoped Holly would be home when I got there. If not, I would wait.

I was nervous, anxious, and tense. I knew Holly might say no. She might think I was crazy. But like Carol said, as with the situation with my family, I had to reach out and try. I only hoped this outcome would be better.

I had spent the afternoon wandering my house, imagining Holly there with me. I could see her sitting on the porch as the sun set, our hands entwined. Or curled up in the swing sketching. I could hear her laughter echo in the kitchen as we worked together making a meal. I wanted to see her warm gaze across the table from me. I wanted to feel her pressed up against me in my bed and wake up to her in the morning.