Page 108 of The Christmas Tree Farm

Her hands were shaking so hard now, she could barely hold the paper. She sniffled and wiped more tears.

‘Where are you?’ she asked out loud but he didn’t appear.

Peaches,

I wrote all these letters on the flight here. I hope you meant it. I hope you want me here.

Love,

Ben

‘Of course I do! Where the hell are you?’ she yelled louder now but all that did was get the dogs to crowd around her. ‘Damn you, Bennett Ellis.’

She opened another one.

Peaches,

This past Christmas was my favorite, too. I hope we have a lot more together. I was thinking a lifetime of them might be enough.

Love,

Ben

‘Bennett,’ her voice broke.

‘Hey, Peaches.’

She turned and there he was, just like the first day, walking between the trees. Just like the first day but completely different. Because she loved him now. And he loved her.

‘You came back.’

‘I did.’

‘And you’ll stay?’

‘I was planning on it.’ That perfect smile broke through. ‘If you want me to.’

She ran toward him and threw herself into his waiting arms. ‘Yes. Stay. Please.’

He buried his face in her neck, his warm breath on her skin. ‘Christ, I missed you.’

‘I missed you, too. I should have never told you to leave. I’m so sorry.’

‘You did what you had to do to be ready for this. I don’t think you should regret that.’

‘And you’re ready for this?’ she asked, still wrapped around him.

He grinned. ‘Ready to love you? Fuck, yes.’

‘Bennett, language! There are little doggie ears around.’

He glanced down at the dogs gathered at their feet.

‘I see we have a new member of the pack.’

Kira laughed. ‘This is … oh … uh … this is Benny.’

Bennett’s eyes widened in delight. ‘Kira, did you name your dog after me?’