I felt my phone buzz in my purse, and I excused myself to a powder room to read the text. To my shock it was from Dylan.
Merry Christmas, Bernadette.
My chest pinged. I know it had taken a lot for him to reach out.
Merry Christmas, Dylan.
I returned to the dining room to find Jett. We ate until we were stuffed, then moved to the living room where a massive Christmas tree dominated one corner, its branches heavy with ornaments that clearly spanned decades. Children opened presents with squealing delight while adults sipped coffee and traded stories.
Eventually, Jett pulled me aside to a quieter corner of the house, a small sunroom that overlooked the pastures.
"I have something for you," I said, reaching into my bag. "It's not much, but—"
"Stop saying that," he interrupted gently. "If you made it, it's perfect."
I handed him the wrapped package, watching nervously as he opened it to reveal a blue scarf I'd crocheted. The color matched his eyes exactly—I'd spent an hour at the craft store finding the right shade of yarn.
"Bernadette," he breathed, running his fingers over the stitches. "This is incredible. You made this for me?"
"I thought you could use something warm. For when you're working outside."
He wrapped the scarf around his neck, then grinned. "How does it look?"
"Perfect."
"My turn." He pulled a small wrapped box from his pocket, suddenly looking nervous. "I hope you like it."
I opened it carefully, revealing a delicate gold necklace. The pendant was shaped like Kentucky, the state's distinctive outline rendered in gleaming polished metal.
"So you won't forget your time here," Jett said quietly. "So you won't forget... me."
"I could never forget you," I whispered, feeling tears prick my eyes. "Jett, this is—it's beautiful."
"Let me put it on you."
I turned, lifting my hair, and felt his fingers brush my neck as he fastened the clasp. The pendant settled just below my collarbone, the metal warming against my skin.
When I turned back, we were standing closer than before. I felt the pull of him but made myself step back. I fingered the necklace. "Thank you. I'll treasure this always."
He smiled. "I'm glad. We should probably join the others before my mom starts looking for us."
I nodded and we spent the rest of the day eating too much food and playing board games with his loud cousins. I watched them like I was observing animals in a zoo—the whole family experience was alien to me.
But I loved every minute of it, and I loved the fact that Jett loved it, too.
Later in the truck on the way back to the campground, Jett looked over. "I hate the thought of you sleeping in that freezing van tonight," he said as we pulled into Happy Trails. "Especially on Christmas."
"It's not that bad. I have a battery-operated heater."
"You could come home with me."
I blinked. "Um… I… "
"I have a guest room."
"Oh." I blinked again. "I… don't think that's a good idea."
He nodded. "Right. Okay."
