Christmas Sugar (Insta-Spark)

“I don’t know.”

I opened my mouth to beg her, when I heard the slight squeak of wheels coming close. We weren’t alone anymore. I had to remember that.

I turned back to the window, tumultuous emotions raging within me. I hadn’t expected to feel like that—desolate and lost. I hadn’t expected to feel anything at all. None of that was supposed to happen.

“Dylan,” George greeted me. “Ready to discuss that offer now?”

Steeling myself, I turned to him and smiled, my emotions locked down tight and my business face on. Alex was right. I came here to do something specific, and it was time to finish it.

“Absolutely. I’ll go get the paperwork.”

I followed him out of the room, feeling Alex’s gaze on me the whole time. It took everything in me not to look back at her.

“Your offer is very generous.”

“I want the property, George. I don’t want to risk someone else making you a better offer.”

He looked past me to the window, surveying his land. “I’ll be able to help Alex get settled as well,” he stated, his eyes shifting back to the paperwork.

I shrugged, feigning indifference. That had been my plan when I changed the amount on the offer. I was determined to help Alex whether she knew it was me or not. “It’s your money—you can do whatever you want with it. I’m glad if it helps your family. She and her children have made my stay very, ah, pleasant.”

“Pleasant?”

I nodded. “It was a nice break, but I’m anxious to get back to my life,” I explained, my voice flat.

Disappointment flashed across his face. “I see. I’m sure they enjoyed their time with you too.”

I didn’t say anything. My throat felt too dry.

“Do you mind if I have my lawyer look these over? He’s coming by this afternoon. I’m sure they’re fine, but I would feel better.”

“Of course.”

“I’ll sign them as soon as he gives me the thumbs-up. You’ll have them before you leave—tomorrow, I think?”

“Yes.”

He stared at me intently. “You’re welcome to stay longer.”

“Thank you, but no. I have a lot waiting for me when I get back.”

“Of course.” He held out his hand. “It’s been a pleasure, Dylan.”

I gripped his hand firmly. “It has.” I stood, walking to the door, pausing. “George . . .”

He looked up. “Yes?”

I sighed. “Never mind.”

I stayed in my room all afternoon, keeping busy with emails and catching up on work. Seth had appeared at one point to deliver a sandwich and inform me dinner was in the bar at six and I was welcome to join them. I almost told him to have Alex send up a tray, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I wanted one more night with all of them.

Everyone was quiet at dinner; even my Little Owl seemed subdued. George pulled me aside and told me the lawyer had checked everything and the papers would be in my hands before I left. I could merely nod; the usual spark of victory absent when I shook his hand.

After dinner, Noelle crawled onto my lap, demanding a story. I read her favorite book, enjoying her closeness. She had her little doll clutched tight in her arms as I read, and she helped me turn each page, making sure I didn’t skip any.

“I haf a new book for ’morrow night, Dywan. It’s cawwed Thanta’s Magic.”

I swallowed, looking at Alex, unsure what to do. George sighed quietly and wheeled out of the room. Seth didn’t say a word, but he grabbed his books and stomped away. Alex leaned forward, stroking Noelle’s arm. “Dylan won’t be here tomorrow night, baby.”