The Christmas Plan - Samantha Chase Page 0,2
worse than losing her job and having to move.
Before she could stop herself, she flung herself into his arms and hugged him tight.
Luckily, his arms banded around her and he held on just as tightly as she was hugging him.
“Don’t do this, Aspen,” he said gruffly. “I know things look bad right now, but…it will get better. I know it!”
Oh, how she wished she could believe that. “It’s just sucky timing.” Resting her head on his shoulder, she let out a long breath. “You’ll have to come to San Diego and visit. You know, when you make your first big movie deal.”
He let out a mirthless laugh. “I don’t think either of us should hold our breath on that. I do okay on the indie scene with my short films and I’ve got a decent following with the podcast, but…”
Lifting her head, she stared at him. “So you’ve already decided never to visit me?”
“What?! No! I mean, of course I’ll come visit you!” Then he guided her head back down to his shoulder. “I was just saying that it won’t be for a big movie deal.” They stayed huddled up like that for several minutes before Gabe spoke again. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Since your schedule is pretty much clear and you’re in no rush to get back to California…”
“I told the leasing people I’d be out by the end of December, so…I’m still kind of limited.”
“O-kay…but that’s still six weeks away.”
Aspen lifted her head again. “What are you getting at?”
“Hear me out.” Gabe’s hands rested on her waist and steadied her on his lap. “Come home with me to Silver Bell Falls for the month.”
Aspen was pretty sure her eyes were comically wide. “Go home with you?”
He nodded.
“For the month?”
He nodded again.
“But…what would I do? And…and what about getting this place packed up and ready to move?”
“Well…I haven’t figured that last part out yet, but you can come home with me and help out at the tree farm or just have a vacation.”
“I don’t think a vacation is particularly practical for me right now.”
“Then make chocolates and sell them at the tree lot! Hell,” he said with a small laugh, “we don’t have to have it all worked out.”
“Gabe…”
“Plus, I can guarantee you a white Christmas and you can pretend you’re living in one of these holiday movies! It will be great!”
“Now I think you’re mocking me.” Aspen rolled her eyes and went to move off of his lap but he held her steady.
“I’m not, Aspen. I swear. Besides, you know my family would love having you there. My mom’s been dying to have you teach her how to make chocolate candies and it would make her a big hit with this year’s cookie exchange if she had your help with it.”
“No fair. You know I adore your mother.” And she truly did. They shared a love of baking, cheesy holiday movies, and Gabe. It wouldn’t be a hardship for Aspen to spend the month with his family. Leaning over, she kissed him on the cheek. “I don’t know how I’m going to make it all work but…I accept your invitation.”
She reached for the truffles again and handed one to Gabe before they both put their focus back on the movie. The couple they were watching were making wreaths at the town's holiday craft fair and she found herself sighing wistfully. “I don’t think there are really any towns out there like this, but it looks like such a great place to live.”
Beside her, Gabe chuckled. “Just remember you said that.”
Glancing at him, she asked, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It all looks quaint and charming and fun, but…the reality isn’t nearly as easygoing and romantic.”
“Oh, come on. How can you say that? I would gladly opt to live in a happy little Christmas town over a big city any day of the week.”
Gabe just shook his head. “Not me. Don’t get me wrong…it was fine while I was growing up, but once I went to college and saw how much more was out there, the last thing I want to do is move back. I don’t see the appeal.”
She studied him for a long moment. “Not that I don’t believe you, but…I just prefer to find that out for myself.”
On Tuesday morning, Gabe was up before the sun and felt like every inch of his body was protesting it.
After Aspen’s big announcement Friday night, they had been in constant motion trying to get her apartment packed up as well