I tear up again and manage to get out, "No, I have other plans, but thank you for the offer."

He hesitates, then adds, "You'll always be Ruby's and my daughter-in-law, no matter what happens between you and my son, understand?"

My tears fall. My voice breaks as I say, "Thank you." I hang up because I can't get anything else out, and I'm about to lose it.

I wish I could have Sebastian. I know that I can't. So I wish we could have peace between us in this situation, yet I'm unsure how we'll ever find it.

Twenty-Eight

SEBASTIAN

It's Christmas Eve. I still haven't given Georgia her present. I've held off going to her place all week, but I get into my truck and drive over to her apartment.

As I pull onto her street, she gets into her car. My pulse increases and my heart skips a beat. I've not seen her since the day Melanie and I got into it on the street, but she's more beautiful than I remember.

Like a psycho, I follow her, staying a few car lengths behind her. She pulls up to a house, goes up to the porch, and rings the doorbell.

Melanie opens the door, and they hug.

Great. She's probably going to be here all night.

But I'm only half right. It's worse than I anticipated. She not only stays for hours but sleeps over.

Early the next morning, I watch through the window as kids jump around opening presents. She's in her pajamas with her coffee. Her beautiful face shines, but there's also a hint of sadness. And I wish there wasn't. Because I know I put it there.

They're halfway through opening gifts when my phone rings. I glance at the screen and groan, answering, "Merry Christmas, Dad."

"Get your ass to the ranch," he orders.

"I'm not coming to town."

"I'm only going to tell you one more time, son. Get your ass over here," he demands.

I sigh. I don't even go home and change. What's the point? I make the two-hour drive and pull up to my parents' house. I walk in the door, and all my siblings are there, along with my nieces and nephews.

My father motions for me to follow him to his den.

Annoyed he took me away from spying on Georgia, I ask, "What's this about?"

He crosses his arms. "Your wife called me."

My heart beats faster. "Georgia called? What did she say?"

He stares me down for a minute.

"Dad, tell me what she said," I demand.

He makes me wait another moment, then announces, "Seems like your wife pleaded your case for you to become the CEO."

I jerk my head backward, blurting out, "Why would she do that? I don't understand."

My father snorts. "I don't know, but that woman's too good for you."

"Tell me about it," I mutter.