Page 23 of My XOXO Holidate

“Who is it?” No answer.

I cautiously open the front door and peer around in the hallway and no one is around. On our doormat is a beautiful bouquet of a dozen red roses and baby’s breath filling a vase.

“Oh, my goodness.” I bring the flowers and card inside and set the fragrant arrangement on the coffee table.

I pull the card from the envelope and open it.

My dear Amelia,

I’ve been in love with you for longer than you realize. You’ve been my muse since the first time I saw you back atCedar Springs Elementary School. I had a crush on you in middle school and high school, but never had the guts to tell you how I felt. Well, I’m telling you now. Amelia, I’m in love with you.

I’ve been an idiot. I do want you to come to New York with me if you can ever forgive me for the things I said.

Hopefully —if you’re still speaking to me— you’ll meet me at the Magnolia Hotel Friday at 6:00 p.m.

XOXO (Yes, it’s been me all these years)

Sam

I gaspand clutch the note to my chest.

It’s Sam. It’s been Sam all those years signing my cards with XOXO.

9

Sam

A big gesture, my brother said. Not some small thing. A huge gesture to impress the panties right off her. His words, not mine.

I’m hopeful a dozen red roses and a card professing not only my love for her, but my lifelong crush on her is enough to win her back. If this isn’t a big enough gesture to show her how much I care, I don’t what is. Guys aren’t always great at admitting they’re sorry when they’re wrong, but Amelia is the one for me and there’s no way I’m going to let her slip through my fingers.

If I have to get down on my hands and knees to prove my long-term love for Amelia, damn, I'll do it.

I check my watch and once it’s past ten o’clock, I know she’ll be receiving the flowers from the delivery driver at any time.

What if she doesn’t acknowledge the apology? What if she thinks I was too harsh with my mistrust?

As hundreds of scenarios play out in my overactive brain, my phone pings with a text.

Amelia: Thank you.

Sam: You’re welcome.

Amelia: The flowers are beautiful, and your note was sweet. I had no idea!

Sam: I mean every word. I’m sorry.

Amelia: I’m hoping to get a kiss at the top of the Empire State Building.

Sam: You got it.

EPILOGUE

Amelia

After I moved into Sam’s New York penthouse, he proposed to me a year later.

Here we are today, February fourteenth and it’s our wedding day. How could we marry each other anywhere but the Magnolia Hotel— the place that changed our lives?