“Coming right up.” I get to work preparing their usuals—a skinny vanilla latte for Georgia and black for Felix. It reminds me, I need to finalize the menu for the Christmas drinks lineup. We have our renowned holiday drinks, of course, but I want to mix it up this year and try some new things.
A few minutes later, I bring the coffees over to the table by the window where they’ve settled in. Through the glass, I can see the general store across the street, with large window already decked out with Christmas decorations, although it’s only early November. There’s a Christmas tree laden with bright colored baubles and silver tinsel, and a robotic Santa waving jerkily, a pile of wrapped gifts at his feet.
“Looking good,” I say as I pull up a chair, indicating the window across the road. “You’ve been hard at work, I see.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Georgia groans. “And we’ve been stocking the shelves non-stop with all the new Christmas stuff. Gifts, wrapping paper, cards, you name it. I swear, if I have to hang one more strand of tinsel…”
Felix laughs and passes her a sugar. “You love it, and don’t pretend otherwise.”
She gives a sheepish smile, then focuses on dumping the sugar into her drink.
“How’s business for you?” I ask, turning to Felix.
“I’ve got my hands full with the cabins now the renovations are complete. Bookings are through the roof this year, helped by the updated website and social media strategy.”
“That’s great, man,” I say sincerely. “I’m really happy for you.”
Felix had taken a big risk when he’d left his job in the city. He came back to Collier’s Creek to give me a hand running the coffee shop while Greg and I took what was supposed to be an extended vacation. Then he stayed to run his family’s holiday cabins. It’s good to hear his hard work is paying off.
Georgia takes a sip of her latte before putting the cup down. “So, Cam, how are things with you and Greg? Any big plans for the holidays?”
I lean back in my chair. “Not sure yet. Both sides of the family will want to see us, but I’m looking forward to some low-key time, just the two of us. Maybe a trip to the Christmas markets, and the tree lighting ceremony, and then a special dinner at home.”
I imagine us curled up on the couch on Christmas morning, mugs of hot chocolate in hand as we watch the snow fall outside our window, exchanging gifts by the fire. The simple moments are always the sweetest.
“Sounds perfect.” Georgia sighs. “You two are so good together. Relationship goals, honestly.”
I feel a sudden swell of emotion and duck my head.
Felix reaches over to pat my arm. “She’s right, you know. After everything you’ve been through… You deserve this happiness.”
I nod, blinking back the sting behind my eyes. Sometimes it feels too good to be true. The road hasn’t always been easy for Greg and me. High-school sweethearts, then the breakup. But our love has always brought us back together, stronger than before. Thank God, given everything we’ve been through since then. His accident… Even now, thinking about it makes me shiver.
The conversation shifts then, to lighter topics—Georgia’s latest Tinder disaster after breaking up with Trent from the bank, the new artisan deli opening up on Main Street, and the Christmas markets. We compare experiences at the new restaurant, Odette’s, before I turn the conversation back to more serious topics.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself. I want to share my excitement with my best friends, but I’m also reluctant at the same time. “There’s actually something else I wanted to talk to you guys about.”
Georgia raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Do tell.”
I fiddle with my coffee mug. These are my friends and I’m not sure why I’m so nervous about broaching the subject, I guess because it means so much to me. Putting it out in the world makes it real, means it’s no longer my secret with Greg.
“Well, Greg and I… We’ve been talking about the future a lot lately. And we’ve decided we’re ready to start a family.”
Felix’s eyes widen, a grin spreading across his face. “Cam, that’s amazing!”
Georgia squeals, clapping her hands together. “Oh my god, yes! Cam and Greg, as daddies, can you imagine? You mentioned it a while back, but I didn’t realize you meant so soon. You guys are still so young—”
“We’re twenty-six.”
“Anyway,” she continues, “I thought you’d wait a while. But, oh my god, this is awesome!”
I laugh at their excitement. “We’re looking into surrogacy options right now. It’s still early days, and it won’t happen overnight, but we’re hopeful.”
Georgia reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. “You guys are going to be incredible dads. Those kids will be so lucky to have you.”
“Kids?” I say. “Maybe we’ll start with one.”
“One or ten, you’ll be amazing,” Felix says.
