Jingle All the Way - Debbie Macomber Page 0,59

and she’d been misled by her own heart.

As she undressed for bed, she paused with one leg out of her jeans. Selling out wasn’t a decision to be made impulsively. If she were to leave the company, she didn’t have a single idea of what she would do with herself afterward. She would need to secure her future. Real estate wasn’t an option, as she had signed a noncompete clause. It would need to be something new and fresh, something she would enjoy, and, if possible, something that would give her the time she needed to find herself again.

The idea of traveling appealed to her, but it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun alone. She remembered the Browns and the adventures they’d shared as they’d explored the world together. Never one to sit idle, Everly knew she’d soon grow restless and bored without a game plan. The change from working sixty hours a week to none would be way too drastic. Naturally, the transition would take time. She’d never leave the company if she didn’t believe it would continue on the same successful path without her.

Her mother had made sure Everly knew she was welcome to move home, should she decide to sell. She could live with her parents until she decided what she wanted to do next. It was a generous offer, but not one Everly would consider.

Did she want to sell her half of Easy Home?

That remained the question.

It shook Everly that she didn’t have the answer.

A month ago, if anyone had asked her, she would have unequivocally refused to consider giving up the company she and Jack had built from the ground up. The mere thought would’ve caused her to break into peals of laughter at the outrageous idea.

It didn’t sound nearly as ludicrous now, though.

While Jack insisted the company needed her, that without her leadership, he would stumble, he wouldn’t. It would be a big adjustment, but all would be well.

As Everly lay in bed, staring up at the dark ceiling, she wanted to blame Asher for this indecision. His rejection had badly shaken her, to the point that she questioned everything—where she belonged and what was right for her moving forward.

Rolling onto her side and tucking the warm blanket around her shoulders, Everly decided to give herself time. She’d mull over her options after Christmas.

* * *

—

Asher was dog tired. He’d taken a red-eye flight from Brazil and landed at O’Hare when most people were answering the call of their alarm clock. His brother picked him up at the airport and dropped him off at the house before heading to the hospital.

For a good part of the flight, Asher had been wide awake. His thoughts were heavy. He had to be back to the Amazon Explorer the day after Christmas. He’d already wasted an entire week, which gave him only seven days to patch things up with Daisy…if she’d let him.

Even now, he couldn’t forget the look in her eyes when he made it plain he wasn’t interested in continuing their relationship. Fool. Fool. Fool. Daisy had flinched as if she’d taken a blow. For a few awkward seconds she’d said nothing before nodding and accepting his decision, although he could see it devastated her. Without an argument, she’d climbed into the cab and headed straight to the airport.

Exhausted from the flight, Asher slept for a good portion of the day. That evening he joined his brother for dinner with the family. The house was beautifully decorated for Christmas. The tree was in the main living area off the kitchen; it had a variety of homemade ornaments the children had crafted. Another tree was placed in the living room, decorated with a creative flair that would make a designer proud. Several Nativity sets were scattered about the house.

Asher envied Daniel his marriage. He’d found his soul mate and they’d created a great life together. Come morning, Asher would drive to Indiana and, he hoped, connect with Daisy. He wasn’t sure of his welcome. Wasn’t sure Daisy would be willing to give him a third chance. He could hope, but until they met face-to-face, the unknown hung over his head like a dark rain cloud.

“Asher,” Kylie said, distracting him from his musings. “Is something wrong with dinner? You’ve barely touched your food. If it isn’t to your liking, I can fix you something else.”

Asher forced a smile. “No, no, there’s nothing wrong. Dinner is lovely. The problem is mine.”

Daniel and Kylie exchanged