He signaled for the check and had them out of there a few minutes later. As they walked to his car, he kept an arm around her. A bitter chill frosted the air, and a full moon rose in a night sky sprinkled with puffy clouds. “What is it, baby? I wanted to make you happy,” he said, brushing at her tears.

“You did. I’m sorry. I just can’t imagine leaving you for two days to go home for Christmas, let alone my career taking me away from you. I don’t want that.”

When they reached his car, he leaned in to kiss her and took the box from her. Turning her around, he lifted her hair to hook the locket and kissed his way down her neck, making her shiver. “I love you, and I’ll be right here waiting for you no matter where your career takes you.”

She turned to lean her forehead against his chest. “I came here looking for stardom, but I found you. The rest doesn’t seem so important anymore.” Brushing her hands over his lapels, she looked up at him. “At the party we played Saturday night, a producer gave me his card. He wants me to call him after the holidays.”

“That’s fantastic, Kate! Why didn’t you tell me?”

She shrugged.

He tilted her chin up. “Sweetheart, listen to me. You can’t abandon all your dreams because you fell in love with me. That would break my heart. You have such a rare and special talent, and you need to find out where it’ll take you. As much as I want you here with me, I’d never forgive myself if I held you back.”

“Let’s go home. I want to give you my gift.”

He opened the car door for her and kept his hand wrapped around hers on the ride home. At his house, Martha waited for them. Reid had told her Kate would be staying with them so he could take her to the airport early the next morning.

“Good evening, Mr. Reid, Miss Kate. The guestroom is all set for you, Miss Kate. I’ll have breakfast ready for you in plenty of time to make your flight in the morning.”

“Oh, you don’t have to, Martha,” Kate said. “I can get something at the airport.”

“Don’t be silly. I’ll see you in the morning,” she said and retired to her quarters off the kitchen.

Reid carried Kate’s overnight bag up to the guest room.

“Oh, I forgot. I need my guitar, too.”

“I’ll go out to the car and get it.”

“Thanks.” Toying with her new locket, she watched him go. God, I love him. She wondered if it was normal to feel almost sick from the riot of emotions that stormed through her every time she was near him.