"Closed last week. Didn't want to say anything until it was final." He looks at me. "And with everything happening with you, it didn't seem like the right time."
"Oh, so you waited until I dropped my bombshell to drop yours?" I raise an eyebrow. "Convenient timing."
"Ben." Mom's voice is thick. "This is wonderful news."
"You're not upset?" Ben looks surprised.
"Upset that our son is finally getting his own place at twenty-six?" Dad laughs. "We've been waiting for this."
"We thought you were going to mooch forever," I add with a grin.
The teasing breaks the tension. Soon we're all talking over each other about cabin layouts and renovation plans.
"So both my kids are moving out," Mom says, shaking her head with a smile. "The nest is officially empty."
"Not until after Christmas," Ben says. "I'm not abandoning you for the holidays."
"Me either. One last big family dinner before everything changes."
"It's not ending," Dad corrects gently. "It's expanding."
Later, drinking hot chocolate, Ben nudges me. "You really happy?"
"Yeah." I touch the bond that connects me to Seth. Even from here, I can feel him—working at the station, thinking about me.The love flowing through the bond is steady and warm. "I really am."
"Good." He bumps his shoulder against mine. "You deserve it, Bea."
Outside, snow starts to fall. The first real snow of December, dusting the trees white. Through the window, I can see downtown Honeyridge Falls twinkling with Christmas lights.
My phone buzzes. Seth.
Seth:Missing you. Can feel through the bond that you're happy. That makes me happy too.
I smile, warmth spreading through my chest.
Me:Told them about the bond. They want you guys at Christmas Eve dinner.
Seth:We'll be there. River's already planning what to bring. Grayson says he'll behave. (I don't believe him.)
I grin.
Me:Tell Grayson to at least pretend. Ben's threatening the shovel talk.
Seth:Ben can give me all the talks he wants. I'm bonded to you now. Not going anywhere.
Me:That's very brave of you. You clearly haven't experienced Ben's shovel talk yet.
Seth:Worth it.
The bond pulses with his love—steady, certain, forever.
I love you, I send back.
Love you too. See you soon.
I look around at my family—Mom and Papa arguing about Christmas menu, Dad sketching renovation ideas, Ben watching with quiet affection.
When I came home from college, this wasn't the plan.
