Free Twist of Fate (A Holiday Romance Novella) by Rachael Anderson Page B

could bring in a couple of those games so that you could play them. Would you like that?”
    From the sounds of all the cheering, Ty had just made her students’ day.
    He left the room and returned moments later carrying a large box with wires snaking out the top. In no time at all he had his laptop connected to the projector so everyone could watch the game. Then, one by one, he let each student come up and take a turn.
    From her desk in the back, Kenzie studied the game. Although Ty had told her about some of the projects he’d worked on, she always pictured them to be like the free computer games on the internet with mediocre graphics and lower capabilities. She should have known better. What Ty had done amazed her. He’d camouflaged learning as fun by creating different skill levels that forced kids to use reasoning skills to unlock doors, piece together puzzles, and find hidden treasures—exactly the type of game she’d love her school to incorporate into their computer curriculum.
    Kenzie’s gaze moved to Ty, who stood by Belle—her most bashful of students. Belle smiled and nodded then told Ty about something. Whatever Ty said back made her laugh, and Kenzie’s heart warmed at the sight.
    And then almost as quickly, sank.
    One week from today, Brad would step off the plane. Less than two months from today, they were supposed to walk down the aisle, say “I do,” and live the rest of their lives as man and wife.
    But how could Kenzie do that when she couldn’t stop thinking about Ty?
    She couldn’t. Just like she couldn’t pick up a phone to call Brad and let him know. Or email him. Or write a letter that would somehow reach Madagascar before he got on that plane.
    Instead, she’d have to welcome him back with the news that she didn’t think she could marry him after all.

    The temperature dropped below freezing once the sun had set. Since Kenzie wasn’t about to make two trips from her car to her apartment, she loaded up all of her shopping bags, kicked the door of her car shut, and slogged toward the building with her newly purchased Christmas gifts. Although it felt good to finally have her shopping all done, she had a long night of wrapping ahead of her—the price of procrastination.
    By the time she’d made it to the top of the stairs, her breath came in short spurts, and her arms burned from the strain. At the end of the hall, Ty sat on the floor outside her door, tapping on the screen of his smart phone.
    Her heart beat faster.
    He looked up and moved quickly to help her. His faded jeans and dark gray sweater made his eyes pop, and Kenzie couldn’t look away.
    “Let me take some of those,” he said, taking most of them.
    “Thanks.”
    “Did you happen to leave anything at the store for the other customers?” he teased as they walked to her apartment.
    “Very funny,” said Kenzie. “I just haven’t had a chance to go Christmas shopping until now. My family is big, and I’m headed home tomorrow after school. I wanted to get it done before I left.” She unlocked the door and let herself inside, dropping the bags on the floor.
    Ty followed, setting the ones he carried on the table. “I thought you weren’t leaving until Wednesday.”
    “I know, but I changed my mind. I have a lot to think about and do before Brad gets back, and, well, I just need to get home.” Her fingers fidgeted as a heavy weight settled in her stomach—one that had been slowly growing since the night of Ty’s Christmas party. It now felt like a bowling ball. How do you tell someone you’re engaged to marry that you’ve fallen out of love with them?
    “So I guess I won’t see you again until after Christmas,” Ty said.
    She nodded, suddenly feeling like she wanted to cry. If only she could walk into his arms and bury her face in his shoulder. If only she hadn’t said yes to Brad or planned a wedding with him. If only she didn’t have to go home tomorrow and find a way out. Kenzie bit her lip, hating that