Starry Night

then.”
    “Agreed.”
    “You sound reluctant. Is there a reason?”
    To this point, she hadn’t done a decent job of hiding her feelings toward him, so now probably wasn’t a good time to start. “I like hearing the sound of your voice.”
    He didn’t say anything for a moment. “I like hearing your voice, too. I have something for you.”
    “What?” Her curiosity was instantly piqued.
    “It’s a surprise.”
    “A gift?”
    “I wouldn’t exactly call it that … it’s something I’d like you to have. I’ve already sent it off. I shipped it overnight, so you should have it tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest.”
    “Oh, Finn, I can’t imagine what it could be.” Her mind toyed with several possibilities. She’d seen a number of items on the shelves in his cabin that interested her. A beautiful piece of scrimshaw was the first thing that came to mind, and another was a small wood carving. During her short visit she hadn’t seen evidence that he carved wood, but it seemed like something that would interest him.
    They spoke for a full hour, until Carrie found it impossible to smother her yawns any longer.
    “You’re exhausted,” he whispered. “I need to let you go.”
    “No, just a few minutes longer,” she pleaded, yawning again.
    “Carrie, you’re practically falling asleep while on the phone. I’ll email you so when you wake up there’ll be a message waiting for you.”
    “Promise?”
    “Promise.”
    She smiled sleepily and admitted, “I didn’t sleep very well the last couple of nights.”
    “Me neither.”
    “I will tonight.”
    “So will I. Sweet dreams,” he whispered.
    They would be sweet because they would be filled with Finn.
    Six and a half hours later Carrie woke to the sound of her bedside alarm, feeling rested. Stretching her arms above her head, she arched her back and smiled contentedly. Then, remembering Finn’s promise, she hurried out of bed and brewed a single cup of coffee while she logged on to her computer. Sure enough, Finn had sent her an email that included the tracking number for the surprise he had mailed her.
    Later that same afternoon, a midsize box was delivered to her desk. Carrie knew immediately that it was from Finn.
    “What’s that?” Sophie asked, coming out of her cubicle.
    “I don’t know.” She lifted the box and carefully shook it. That didn’t tell her anything, though.
    “Who’s it from?”
    Carrie pretended to read the return address. “A friend,” she said nonchalantly.
    “Male or female?”
    “Male. Like I said, a friend.”
    “Well, for heaven’s sake, don’t keep me in suspense. Open it.”
    Carrie was more than curious herself. She tore open the box to find it filled with those irritating packing peanuts. She had to dig deep into the box before she found her treasure.
    When she pulled it free, Sophie immediately started to laugh. “Is this someone’s idea of a joke?” she asked.
    Carrie didn’t have an answer. This was quite possibly the very last thing she would even have guessed that Finn could possibly mail her.
    Inside the box, carefully packaged and protected with packing peanuts, was an antique toaster.

Chapter Eight

    From: [email protected]
    Sent: November 13, 2013
    To: [email protected]
    Subject: A toaster?
    Finn,
    You spent a fortune to mail me a toaster? My friend Sophie thinks it’s some silly joke, but I know you, and this isn’t a joke. What’s the story?
    Carrie
    From: [email protected]
    Sent: November 13, 2013
    To: [email protected]
    Subject: Yes, a toaster
    Carrie
    You are a girly girl, aren’t you? The picture of you wearing your high-heeled boots slipping and sliding across the ice on my lake, tugging your suitcase behind you, plays in my mind.
    Yes, a toaster, and it isn’t a joke. I want you to have it. I’ll call you later tonight. Eleven your time. Work for you?
    Finn
    From: [email protected]
    Sent: November 13, 2013
    To: [email protected]
    Subject: Waiting for you
    Yes, Finn, I’ll be here. Call anytime. I’m planning on listening to Christmas music, getting in the mood for the holidays, and sipping hot chocolate. Wish you were here.
    Carrie
    Finn leaned back in his chair and slowly exhaled. The picture of Carrie sipping hot chocolate and listening to Christmas music while waiting for his call filled his mind. That shouldn’t surprise him. Carrie Slayton had dominated his thoughts from the moment she’d left Alaska. And if he was