I get out of the car, and she stops me when we get to the front of her building.

She repeats, "Thank you so much for the bakery. It's incredible."

I smile sadly. "You're welcome." I hand her the key. "You're going to have an amazing company."

She hesitates and then hugs me. Nothing's ever felt so good. I want to kiss her, but I stop myself.

She retreats, offering, "Merry Christmas, Sebastian."

I force another smile. "Merry Christmas, Sunshine."

She spins out of my embrace, and once again I'm empty.

Twenty-Nine

GEORGIA

Melanie whines, "It's New Year's Eve. You can't spend it by yourself. Come over."

I sigh. "Melanie, I'm just not up for it, okay? You and Greg have a great time with the kids."

"Come on, Georgia. Just come on over," she pushes for the hundredth time.

"Okay, I'm hanging up now," I chirp.

She groans. "You're annoying."

I laugh. "You love me."

She grumbles, "Yes, I do. Tomorrow we're definitely getting together."

"All right, sounds good. I'll talk to you later. Have a great New Year," I offer.

"Happy New Year, Georgia," she softly replies.

I hang up the phone, sit back on the couch, and glance at my watch. It's only five in the evening. I've been in the house all day, not feeling in the festive spirit. Now, the walls are starting to cave in on me.

I need to get out of here.

I bundle up and decide to go for a walk. There's barely any daylight left. The streetlights blink on, and I walk for over an hour, aimlessly strolling through Dallas, trying not to think about Sebastian.

Suddenly, I'm in front of the bakery. I've not gone inside since I was here with him last. I don't know why. I've walked by it several times this past week. I've read and reread the paperwork he gave me so many times that I've lost count. Yet I've not stepped foot inside of it.

I'm still blown away by what he's done. It makes me want to tell him everything is fine between us, but I know it's not. I miss him so much that I wish I could get over it. But I don't know how to trust him again. And I'd do anything to get past this pain.

I reach into my pocket and pull out my key ring. The key that Sebastian gave me is on it, so I unlock the door and walk in. I stare around the space, feeling a swell of excitement and pride. Then I notice a light shining through the crack of the kitchen door.

We must have forgotten to turn it off.

I go over to the kitchen door, push it open, and freeze. The hairs on my neck rise.

Sebastian's standing against the counter, his hands covering his face.

"Sebastian?" I softly say.

He slowly looks up. His blue eyes are glassy.

I immediately rush to him. "What's wrong?"