I let out a low chuckle. While I love Aly and am excited about this prospect, I share his sentiment; I’m enjoying just my time with him, and I know that won’t change in my lifetime.
“I’m going to sell the apartment in Boulder and buy a place around here—or in one of the neighboring communities.” She tilts her head to meet my gaze. “We all deserve to be together. For your mom and our dad.”
“I just know that would make them so happy,” I say, sighing in contentment.
She does a little “yippie” and rushes off toward the kitchen. “Alright, I’m telling Josh it’s official.”
Ayden moves in and rests his head against my arm. I turn and kiss his temple.
Every Christmas before this was great. I loved spending time with Alysa, my mom, and Grant. It was the single time of year I looked forward to—but also dreaded—because I knew I wouldn’t see the one person I truly needed in my life.
This year, although the space around us is emptier, it doesn’t feel that way.
He looks up at me with a smile. My heart thrusts hard against my chest, those words creeping right up my throat. “I?—”
“Alright, let’s play some games!” Aly shouts, cutting me off.
She’s back at our side, joining in on an embrace I really didn’t want to share—but that’s fine. I have time to tell him I love him.
This probably isn’t the right place, anyhow.
“Monopoly?” she croons, and both Ayden and I groan.
Ayden
Christmas Day
We were all up early to visit our parents, leaving flowers even though the snow would cover them within the hour.
There weren’t any other plans. When we got back, I cooked us breakfast and was planning to put on a movie—until my twin decided to pull out gifts for Keo and me.
“It isn’t anything crazy.” She watches as I open the gift bag and pull out a few snacks I don’t recognize. “Just some of my favorites from the UK.”
“Are there beans in there?” Keo’s humor earns a laugh from me, though Alysa is less impressed. Her death glare has him holding his hands up in defense. “Kidding, kidding.”
“Open yours, funny guy.”
He rolls his eyes and opens an envelope. Pulling out what looks like tickets, he raises a brow at her.
“Football tickets?”
“Yup. Two.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “I was determined to hook you two up if it hadn’t happened naturally.”
I don’t say anything, just smile. Even if I don’t particularly like watching the sport anymore, I’d go anywhere with Keo. The sudden thought of us showing up on the kiss cam has my neck and face heating up.
“Thanks, Aly.” He leans over and hugs her. “Let me grab mine for you two.”
As my sister rushes to hug me, my mouth drops open. “Wait… what? I swore we agreed on no presents!”
He ignores me and heads upstairs. My sister leans in, whispering in my ear, “It’s so hard to shop for him. Also, there’s a gift card in the bag. There’s a place in Denver that does custom bookshelves, and you told me you’re getting back into reading.”
“Lefty, that’s too much.”
She shrugs. “Eh, maybe. But it’s also kind of selfish. Imagine you turn the loft into a miniBeauty and the Beast-style library.”
“It’s not tall enough.”
“Stop shooting down my dream and just do it.”
