Page 90 of All I Want is You this Christmas Final

Ian

“My God, Anna Beth, what did he say? You’re going to choke if you don’t stop crying!”

Anna Beth grabbed two more tissues and buried her face in them, sobbing harder.

Sarah stood up, coming up behind her. With one hand on Anna Beth’s shoulder, Sarah picked up the second letter with the other. Her hand squeezed Anna Beth’s shoulder and once she laid it back on the table, she wrapped her arms around Anna Beth, resting her cheek against the top of her head.

“I am sorry I didn’t visit you more. He seems like a wonderful man.”

“He was, damn him.”

“What are you going to do?”

“First, I need to blow my nose.”

Sarah let her go and picked up her whistling tea kettle. “And then?”

“I’m not sure.”

“And what about Jared? I can’t imagine you handled it well when you found the letter.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because your mother and I, and you

, share the same temper.”

Anna Beth ran her hands through her hair. “He is never going to forgive me.”

“Horse shit.”

Anna Beth gasped. “Sarah!”

Her aunt’s cheeks burned crimson, but she lifted her chin. “I’ve seen you two. Jared Cross loves you. When a man really loves a woman, there is always a chance.”

“You think?”

“Ernie didn’t give up on me, and I gave him plenty of reasons. All you can do is go to him and apologize. The rest is up to him.”

Sarah poured her tea and sat down across from Anna Beth once more. Anna Beth swallowed nervously.

“Sarah, how would you feel about me staying a little longer?”

“Anna Beth. I’d be very happy if you stayed.”

“Because, I could find my own place if it’s a problem—”

“If it’s all the same, I’d rather you live here. This is your home and we’re family.” Anna Beth burst into tears again and Sarah cleared her throat. “Stop crying, or I may change my mind.”

Anna Beth didn’t believe her for a second.

“I love you, Aunt Sarah.”

Sarah wiped at her eye discreetly. “I love you too. Now stop with all this. Let’s get some sleep.”

Anna Beth stood up, heading for the door.

“And Anna Beth?”