25. Lydia

25

LYDIA

T he second I hopped in my car, I went straight to Jake's new house. There was so much adrenaline and excitement coursing through me I could barely think straight. All I wanted to do was jump in his arm and tell him how much I loved him.

I pulled into the driveway and jumped out of my car, leaving the door wide open. My excitement deflated when I noticed there were no lights on in the house. I knocked on the door and rang the doorbell. No answer.

Hurrying back to my car, I reached for my phone in the center console and dialed Jake's number. The line rang and rang, then went to voicemail. I called again and again, but every time it connected to voicemail.

I hopped in my car and called Hailey.

"Hey, girl, what's up? You still at the festival?"

"No. I'm looking for Jake. Is he there?"

She squealed. "You're looking for Jake? Does that mean you choose him?"

My impatience grew. "Of course. That's why I'm dying to find him and tell him."

"He's probably at his house. That's where he was about thirty minutes ago when I talked to him."

"Did he say he was leaving to go anywhere?" I asked quickly.

"No," she answered. "But you know, he could have gone to your house. Why don't you go home and see if he's there?"

That was a good idea.

"Thanks, Hailey."

I hung up and sped out of his driveway onto the road that led to my house. Luckily, I lived only a few minutes away. When I pulled down my driveway, I thought for sure I'd see Jake's silver sports car . . . but it wasn't there in front of my cabin.

Disappointment overwhelmed me, but I went inside and sat on the couch, hoping he'd show up eventually. I called him again and there was still no answer and he didn't reply to any of my texts. Was I too late? I should've told him that I loved him when I had the chance.

For about an hour, I paced the living room floor and stared at my phone. Another hour passed and nothing. It was closing in on eleven o'clock. I wasn't going to be able to rest until I talked to him.

Grabbing my keys off the counter, I bolted out the door and jumped in my Honda. I drove by Jake's house again, and it was still dark inside. Where could he be? I highly doubted he was visiting his parents and if he'd shown up at Hailey's house, she would've called me.

"Where should I go?" I whispered to myself.

I decided to drive through downtown Blowing Rock to see if anyone was around. The festival ended an hour ago, but a handful of couples were walking around the park, enjoying the serenity of the twinkling Christmas lights.

That was what I wanted with Jake. I wanted it so bad it felt as if I'd explode. We were so close to being together, but yet so far away. If only I could find him.

I parked behind the gallery and ran across the street to the park. All was quiet, except for the rustling of the wind in the trees. The water fountain where I'd made my first wish was on the other side of the park. It just so happened I had a nickel in my jacket pocket. Like last time, I had no clue how it got there. Then again, with everything that had happened during the past couple of weeks, it didn't surprise me.

When I arrived at the fountain, no one was there. The coins shimmered like magic under the Christmas lights, just like they did the night I made my wish. Margaret had already said goodbye to me, but I had to believe she could still help.

Closing my eyes, I clutched the nickel in my hand. "I feel like I've searched an eternity for Jake," I whispered. "Please help me find him. He needs to know that I love him, that he has my heart."

I tossed the nickel into the water and opened my eyes, releasing the breath I'd been holding. The moment the coin settled onto the bottom, my mistletoe sent a jolt of warmth through my entire body. I could feel something pulling me away from the fountain, like I was a magnet being drawn to another.

I knew not to fight it, but to go along with the pull. A new level of excitement buzzed within me, giving me a sense of hope. The force beckoned me down the stone path toward the gazebo that was still lit up, the lights twinkling against the green and red of the mistletoe.

It just so happened that the gazebo wasn't empty. Someone was sitting inside . . . it was Jake.

His eyes widened when he looked over and saw me. "Lydia. What are you doing here?"

I didn't bother with a reply. I ran up the stairs and when he got to his feet, I jumped in his arms. "I love you, Jake. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you sooner." Without another breath, I closed my lips over his, feeling the tears fall down my cheeks. The heat from my mistletoe pinned on my sweater grew more intense and I deepened the kiss, loving how right it felt.

Jake pulled away first and clutched my face in his hands, his forehead resting against mine. "I've been dying to hear you say that."

He wiped away my tears and I laughed. "Better get used to it. I plan on telling you every day."

His brows furrowed. "What happened with Max?"

I shook my head. "There was never an option between you and him. It was always you. I wanted to tell you, but I had to figure something out on my own. It had nothing to do with my feelings for you."

Jake smiled. "So, you choose me?"

"Yes," I breathed. "Always."

He kissed me once more. "I'm never letting you go again."