“I’ll come help,” Aaron said, but Hunter put out a hand.
“No, that’s okay. It shouldn’t take long.” There was no way Hunter was going to let Aaron hear anything negative from his mother, and absolutely not on Christmas Day.
His mother was quiet as she set the coffeepot to brew. Hunter stayed silent, knowing she’d say what she wanted to say when she was ready. Eventually she turned to face him.
“It’s hard for me, Hunter. For so many years I struggled to become what I am today. I worked hard to make something of myself and to fit in with your father’s family. I didn’t come from wealth and privilege, as you well know, so I had to prove myself. So that’s why I only want the best for you and Brooke. I don’t want you to have to go through what I went through, always feeling like I was on the outside and being judged. Even now, after all these years, I don’t think Grandmother Cavendish approves of me—”
“Mom—”
“No, let me finish.” Her voice wavered. “Idowant you to be happy. I hate you to think that I don’t have your best interests at heart. I guess I’m just starting to understand that what makes me happy isn’t necessarily what makes you happy.”
“Are you truly happy, Mom?”
“Sometimes I’m not so sure, but we make our bed, and we have to lie in it.”
Hunter was astounded at the honesty; he’d never expected to hear something like that from his mom. “Mom—”
She sniffed hard and straightened. “Enough about me. I just wanted you to understand my motivation. I can’t guarantee to change overnight, but I promise I’ll do my best to support what you want, and if that means Aaron, then so be it.”
They were the best words he could expect to hear, and a weight lifted from his shoulders. He pulled his mom into a hug. God, she still had a long way to go. Did she even realize that by judging Aaron and everyone else that wasn’t part of her social clique, she was doing the very thing she claimed hurt her the most? But they’d taken the first step, and that was a Christmas miracle as far as Hunter was concerned.
Mugs in hand, they returned the bedlam of the family room and handed out the drinks.
Aaron looked up at him, the question in his eyes. Hunter answered with a smile.Yes, it’s going to be all right.
Epilogue
Nearly One Year Later.
The Jeep sweptaround the last turn, and Cavendish Crossing came into view. The snow-laden trees made way for the twinkling lights of the town, and his breath caught.Home.
Christmas carols played softly over the car stereo, and Hunter caught himself humming along to “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” He chuckled and gave in, belting out the last verse and chorus as he drove the final stretch. Main Street was quiet. Snow glistened on the side of the street, lights reflecting off the ice crystals and amplifying the festive display of decorations that seemed to adorn every streetlight and storefront. He found a parking space directly outside Artisan and stopped the car. In the sudden silence, he took a moment to center himself. He shut his eyes for a moment and took a slow breath, chest fluttering at the thought of being back.
He turned to look at the store. Artisan was closed, but the lights were still on. The twinkling Christmas tree was a welcoming sight, framed in the window at the front of the store. Hunter knew Aaron was somewhere inside, probably restocking or tidying, no doubt humming along to his own Christmas music. God, how Aaron loved that store, and his passion showed in everything he did. Hunter suddenly needed to be inside with Aaron and couldn’t wait a moment longer. It already felt like an eternity since he’d last seen him at the beginning of the month.
He climbed from the Jeep, grabbed his coat and keys and the small package from the backseat, and made his way across the pavement. The Closed sign was on display, but the door wasn’t locked. Hunter shouldered it open, immediately hit with warmth and the scent of pine and cinnamon—and as he’d expected, carols played.
Aaron looked up at the twinkling bell that heralded Hunter’s arrival. “Oh my God, you’re here.” He stopped whatever it was that he was doing and rushed across the room.
Hunter wrapped an arm around him and pulled him in tight. He smelled of home and Christmas, and Hunter inhaled deeply of the comforting scent. “Hey.”
Aaron pulled away slightly to look at him and smile. “Hey, yourself.”
Hunter couldn’t resist kissing him, using his mouth and lips to show Aaron just how much he’d missed him these past weeks. By the time they separated, Hunter was on more stable footing. He hadn’t realized just how much he’d missed Aaron and needed his touch. “I missed you,” he said.
“Oh, God. Me too! I’ve been counting down the days. Most people use their Advent Calendar to show how far away Christmas is; I’ve been using mine to count down to your return. I’ve been getting some strange looks from customers.”
“You’re crazy, you know that?” Hunter laughed.
Aaron nodded. “But only crazy as far as you’re concerned. I still can’t believe you’re here. I didn’t expect you till tomorrow.”
“I couldn’t wait. Plus, I wanted to be able to enjoy you all to myself tonight. Tomorrow I’ll have to share you with others.”
“Are you disappointed that we’re having the dinner?”
“Are you kidding? I think it’s awesome.” Hunter couldn’t believe that, unlike last year when his parents had hosted a cocktail party to celebrate his arrival back, Aaron had convinced his mother that he wanted to host their own small gathering. Supposedly she’d given in with hardly an argument, so instead of the over-the-top fancy do at his parents’ house, Aaron’s small house would be full to overflowing with family, friends, and love. “My only concern is how everyone will fit in your cottage.”
“It’s not that small,” Aaron said with a chuckle. “Anyway, it’s only your parents, my parents, Brooke, Freddy, the kids, plus Garrett.”
