All this talk of Christmas, magic, and love has a new tune in her mind. Aiylin leans over the guitar and plays the chord. It’s stuck in her mind, so she plays it over and over humming a little as picks.
She stops, grabs her journal, and turns to a blank page, scribbling before dropping it. Again, she plays the chord this time, adding a second and a third until she has a beginning that she likes.
Smiling, she plays it a second time all the way through before writing it down. Sebastian stands by the door and watches her play. It’s enthralling to watch how entranced she becomes.
He’s almost jealous watching how tenderly she cares for the instrument. “Please, play it again.”
Aiylin jumps and turns to look at him, standing in the doorway.
“I’m sorry, I thought I was alone.” She smiles at him and is thankful that the guitar is between them when he walks over to stand in front of her.
“Don’t stop.” He sits in the chair next to the fire and leans his head back. “I could listen to you forever, it’s almost magical, the way you play.”
Aiylin jolts in surprise. She smiles softly, “As magical as a lantern?” she asks.
“I warned you,” he laughs softly. His head is back, and she has the urge to run her fingers through his dark hair and smooth the lines between his eyes.
“Yes, but you forgot to mention that your Mother also believes the lantern is magical. Do you?”
He lifts his head and looks at her. “Staring at you right now, I’m tempted to believe in magic. It is a strange coincidence that my daughter made a wish, and you showed up.”
“You are a romantic, Sebastian,” she sighs. “You’re mother knew I was coming and when the snow melts, I will be going home. I worry that your daughter’s heart will be broken.”
“Did I not make it clear that I wished to court you?”
“Yes, but…”
Sebastian interrupts her. “I’ve chosen for this Christmas to let my daughter believe in magic.” He leans forward and touches her face softly, smiling when her lips part in surprise.
“Play for me, Aiylin. Just for tonight, let's not worry about tomorrow or consequences.”
Her turquoise eyes shine with unexpressed emotions. Aiylin nods, not trusting herself to speak and begins to play. He settles back and closes his eyes. Instantly he is lost in the spell she creates.
The song she plays is soft and spellbinding. It wraps around them, filling the room with its beautiful tones. The room goes quiet when she finishes. She stands to put her guitar away.
“I wish I could repay your kindness. The gift of your music is remarkable.” His voice is husky as he looks at her.
“Thank you. I’ll think about what you can give me for Christmas,” she teases from the door.
He laughs, “You do that.” Aiylin leaves her book behind as she walks away. He picks it up and follows her from the room. “You forgot this,” he calls out.
“Oh,” blushing, she sets her case down and rushes back to him, smiling and reaching for it. “You make me forgetful,” she grabs the notebook, but he doesn’t release it.
“Aiylin,” he pulls her towards him, stopping a breath from her. “How is it that each time I’m close to you all I can think about is how you feel,” he pulls her to his body. “How you taste,” he softly kisses her plump lips, “and as soon as I kiss you, I’m thinking of how long it will be until I can kiss you again.”
Aiylin smiles against his mouth, “You need a hobby, Sebastian,” she says and pushes away from him. His laughter follows her up the stairs.
Chapter 18
Aiylin wakes with a spring in her step. The sunlight flooding her room leaves her energized until she realizes what it means. “The snow will melt now.”
Running to the window, she opens the curtains and stares at the white world and chews her lip nervously. It occurs to her that she doesn’t want to leave. It’s been nine days. Nine days of laughter, music, and secret kisses. Going home feels like a punishment. She frowns and worries. How will they make a long-distance relationship work?
“People do it all the time, Aiylin,” she tells herself and hurries downstairs to spend as much time as she can with the family.
“Good Morning, Miss Aiylin,” Stanley says as he unloads an armful of wood.
“Good Morning, do you need help?” she asks.
“No, Miss. It’s starting to melt,” he replies and turns away to cover his smile. “I imagine in a few days it will be gone.”
“That’s too bad,” she murmurs, walking to the door to hold it for him while he grabs a second load.
“Isn’t it? I do love a white Christmas,” he replies. “I’m sure you’re ready to get home.”
“Everyone should be with family at Christmas,” she says.
Tinley stands behind her with a look of shock on her face. “You’re leaving us?”
“Oh!” Aiylin gasps and reaches for her, but Tinley whirls and runs past Sebastian who is just walking through the front door.
No one moves for a second until Sebastian demands, “Why is my daughter crying?”
Stanley hurries outside mumbling about chopping more wood.
“I warned you this would happen, Sebastian,” she says in exasperation. “Tinley overheard a conversation about me going home for Christmas.”
“I see. I’ll speak to her.” Sebastian follows Tinley into the great room and sits next to her on the chaise. Aiylin hurries after them and stops inside to listen.
Tinley is hiding her face in her arms and
