Kissing Jenna (Big Sky 2)

Maisey could be her twin, minus the mole, but I believe they’re about a year apart in age.

“Okay, we need the lemon poppy seed with the huckleberry filling,” Hannah says. “And I think the raspberry swirl with the white chocolate ganache.”

“You’re speaking my language,” I say, taking another bite. “Being a bridesmaid is awesome. I get free cake, and I get to help pick out all the girlie things.”

“I can’t believe we’re six weeks out from the wedding,” Willa says.

“Thanks for waiting until I had the baby,” Grace says.

“So many life changes this past year,” I add and smile happily at my girls. “I’m so happy for you guys.”

“Do not make me cry,” Grace says. “I cry at everything these days. My hormones are out of control. I need this baby to come out.”

“Soon,” Hannah says. “Okay, it looks like we have the cake and the flowers figured out. Brooke, you guys are awesome.”

“Oh, we know,” Maisey says with a wink. “But, thank you. We’re just thrilled for you, Hannah.”

“And I made up a little something for each of you,” Brooke adds, walking into the cooler. She comes back holding three smaller versions of the bouquet she made for Hannah. “We couldn’t let you walk away without something pretty.”

“Oh, thank you.” I bury my nose in a rose and breathe deeply. “This does smell like spring, and I think that’s something we all need right now.”

“It’s been a long winter,” Hannah agrees. “Thank you, ladies.”

“You’re welcome,” Brooke says. “And don’t worry about any of this. We have it handled, and I’ve already coordinated with your venue to get all of the details worked out. Don’t give us another thought.”

“You’re seriously the best,” Willa says and picks up a tiny piece of cake to go. “I’ll eat this on my walk back to the shop.”

We wave goodbye to Brooke and Maisey and leave the flower shop, pausing on the sidewalk to exchange hugs.

“I’m going to help Grace to her car,” I announce, taking Grace’s hand in mine. The snow is still falling in big, heavy flakes. “I don’t trust this clumsy pregnant girl on the ice.”

“Good plan,” Hannah says. “Thanks so much for coming, you guys. This whole wedding planning process has been fun because of you, and I love you.”

“It’s going to be a beautiful wedding,” Grace replies before we all go our separate ways. I walk Grace to her car and make sure she’s carefully inside before I walk to my own and head home.

All three tree houses are full on the mountain this week, so I have nothing to do up there. In fact, all of my properties are currently rented out, which makes me a happy business owner.

And on a snowy day like this, I have two options. I can go home and be sad on the couch, or I can go to my park property and be sad there.

It’s no contest. Now that the roads are open, I’m excited to get back up there. I haven’t been since I showed it to Christian.

It’s the best place to think.

***

Well, that didn’t work out the way I thought it would. The road into the park was still closed from the storm, so I had to turn around and go back home.

But at least I wasn’t wallowing in my own self-pity on the couch, and that’s a step in the right direction.

I have been, however, making myself crazy with self-doubt and frustration. I didn’t know that I could miss someone so much. My whole body aches with it. I shouldn’t have listened to Nina, and I should have talked to Christian. I should have trusted him.

I should have been brave.

I turn onto my street and frown at the SUV parked in front of my house. I don’t recognize it.

I pull into my driveway, step out of my car, and when I turn around, my heart lodges in my throat.

Unless the snow is playing tricks on me, or my brain injury from the accident has resurfaced, Christian is walking across the snow toward me. My feet are planted, and I’m unable to move as he approaches and stops an arm’s length away.

“Hi.” His voice is rough, full of emotion, and his blue eyes are hungrily taking me in.

“Hello.” I shake myself out of my trance and reach back into the car for my handbag and the bouquet of flowers. He shuts the door for me and follows me to the house.

“You’re not parking in the garage?”

“The door opener broke, and I haven’t had a chance to call someone.”

Are we really talking about my garage door? I want to jump on him, wrap my arms around him, and hold on so tightly that he can’t ever go away again.

But that’s not possible.

I lead him inside and set my flowers down while I shed my jacket and boots, then I turn to him. He’s hovering inside the door, the same way he did that very first day when he arrived at the tree house early.