by Jerry Cole
“What? It must be a new thing. Whirlwind, huh?”
“It is. I’m faithful when I’m dating someone, and I knew he was it right away.” I shrugged, and he narrowed his eyes.
“I told you I was sorry,” Adam muttered, as I shrugged.
“It’s in the past. I think we’ve both moved on.” I looked around. “I need to grab a treadmill. I have plans later tonight.”
“It was great seeing you. Tell Rosie hi for me.” I rolled my eyes, not even bothering to correct him. He never made much effort to get to know my best friend, and she held that against him to this day. I walked to a treadmill further away, putting in earbuds and setting it to a moderate speed to warm up. I forgot all about him, getting caught up in my thoughts about Owen and Connecticut. I didn’t know if there was a gym there, but I assumed there would be. I knew they had good restaurants, and there were a lot of opportunities to hike and be outside when the weather was beautiful. It was perfect.
My run ran longer than planned, and I glanced at the clock, shocked by the degree to which I got lost in my thoughts. I had not to mention Connecticut to Rosa, since I didn’t want to ruin Taryn’s surprise on Christmas. It was going to be fucking hard, but I’d manage. It was only a few weeks.
I rushed home to take a shower, coming into the living room in fresh clothes to see Owen carrying three bags of food. “I got Indian from the place by the rink.”
“It smells amazing.” I walked over to help him, pulling containers out and lining them up on the counter. “You bought enough food for ten people, babe.”
“Leftovers for you tomorrow and something for Rosa to take to work tomorrow,” he explained as I smiled at him.
“You’re so sweet,” I told him, leaning in to kiss him. The door opened, and I looked up to see Rosa. “I haven’t seen you get home this early in forever. Did you quit?”
“No. My shift technically ends at four, and I was tired enough to leave. Smartass.” She eyed the counter. “What’s all this?”
“Take out for the rest of the week. I didn’t think that any of us wanted to cook tonight.” I smiled as she nodded, inhaling deeply.
“That smells so good. Let’s eat.” She changed into leggings and a sweatshirt before taking a plate to the couch.
“How was work?” I asked, and she nibbled her lip.
“You know that I like my job. I just don’t love it like Taryn does her shop. I’m jealous.” I shared a look with Owen before he shoved some chicken into his mouth. “I think I Like that place more every time we go.”
“Maybe my sister will ask you to move in.” Rosa’s eyes lit up.
“Has she said something?” Shit. I needed to step in before Owen choked to death.
“No, nothing like that. You two just seem to be serious, and you see where that led me with Owen.” I smiled at him as he shot me a grateful smile.
“You’re going to be married, and I might not live near you.” She looked sad, and I bit my tongue for a long moment.
“Anything can happen, Rosa. Don’t worry all the time like you’re so good at doing.” I kicked her as she laughed, moving her feet to kick me back.
“You’re right. Everything is great.” She took a bite of rice, glancing at the TV.
“That they are.” Owen grinned at me as she pretended to gag. “Oh, please. I see you with Tar.”
“I keep it PG.” She scowled before laughing.
We finished the food, and Rosa put some into a container for the following day. The rest went into the fridge in the original containers for me tomorrow. She excused herself to make her call to Taryn, and I realized that we had a nightly routine that I enjoyed.
“I saw my ex at the gym today,” I said as we watched some scores on TV.
“The dating app one?” He asked as I nodded. “How did that go?”
“Fine. Weird. I told him I’m getting married.” Owen stared at me, and I nodded with a laugh. “He seemed to accuse me of cheating because we were fast, but I assured him that wasn’t the case. It was one last dig, I suppose. I moved up several steps with you.”
“We were fast. Too fast?” He asked, and I shook my head.
“We knew quickly.” He kissed me, and I melted into him. “I can’t wait to marry you.”
Rosa told us the following night that Taryn was coming over the weekend. “That didn’t take long. Are we doing the usual?”
“She wants to go out to dinner for a date, then meet at the club?” She blushed as we stared at her. “What? We realized that we don’t go out on dates. It’s just dinner.”
“I can see how that works out since you two are doing the long-distance thing. I like it. We’ll go out to dinner and meet you there.” Owen said as Rosa grinned. “It is important.”
It seemed like we blinked before we were driving to Connecticut for Christmas. We were staying for two weeks this time, leaving the Monday before the holiday. Taryn and Rosa had their date and tried to visit every weekend after that, but it didn’t always work out. Rosa bounced in the back seat, excitedly, making me smile. “You’re like a toddler.”
“I’ve never had a real Christmas before. We’re eating tons of food, going to look at lights, ice skating… I’m so excited!” she clapped her hands as Owen drove a bit faster.
“You forgot the friend's Christmas party, baking cookies, and caroling.” Owen reminded her as she sighed. “It’s a busy time.”
“It sounds great.” I offered as he smiled in my direction. There was snow piled up on the side of the road, but the highway was cleared and an easy drive. The car lights reflected on it as I leaned back, taking in the warm air from the heater. Rosa wrapped up in a blanket, finally relaxing.
The back of the car held several brightly wrapped gifts for the family and us. We decided to do everything at the house and add our gifts to each other under the tree. There was a small tree up, but nothing would compare to the one at Owen’s house. “You would think that everyone left the same night we did,” Owen grumbled as he tapped the brakes at the sight of red lights in front of us. He glanced at the clock, saying that he thought we’d be there before it was dark. Mom was cooking a pot of stew for dinner with the hopes we’d be joining them.
“We’ll be fine,” I assured him, reaching out to touch his leg. “Do you still want to come back to the city for New Years'?”
“We can see what plays out. Mom and Dad usually go to a friend’s party. It would be more exciting to be in New York, but also fucking crowded. I don’t know if I want that this year. I just need to be with you.” He covered my hand with his, and I grinned at him.
I wasn’t in the mood to party too much this year. I wanted to soak in the traditions of the holidays. I’d be up for movies in at the lake house or even our apartment, and Rosa might stay in Connecticut regardless of where we were.
Things were changing. I wasn’t sure how much I was ready to embrace that, but I couldn’t stop it.
We arrived at seven after a couple of hours of thick traffic. Mom made coffee for us and sat at the table as we ate, catching up. We talked to her a lot throughout the week, but she preferred to do it in person.
“Are you good with looking at Christmas lights tomorrow?” Amber asked as Rosa nodded. “We rented a car to take us so we could just relax, and it’s scheduled to take us to a bakery afterward for coffee or cocoa.”
“Sounds amazing.” Rosa glanced up as the door opened, and Taryn walked in from work. They were open through the day before Christmas Eve, and she was running it since the owners were with their family. “Hey, babe.”
“Is that stew I smell?” She asked, shaking off her jacket and hanging it on the rack before walking over to hug us. She took a seat beside Rosa as Mom got her some coffee.
“You’re closed after Wednesday?” Rosa asked as Taryn nodded.
“There’s a lot of last-minute shoppers. You can come to help me if you want.” Taryn smiled at Rosa. “I’ll be here tomorrow for the lights. I just work during the day.”
“I’d love that!” Rosa squealed as Mom smiled at her.
“Good. Maybe you can get more done faster.” Amber sipped her coffee as Taryn smiled at her.
“I’ll probably own the store next Christmas, Mom. I’ll hire a great staff and try to be around more.”
“I am so proud of you, Taryn. You’ve made a great business there,” Mel told her as she shook her head.
“They did that, and I will just be continuing things. They’re handing this to me on a silver platter.” Taryn dipped a spoon into her bowl, eating a bite with a moan. “Oh, my God. That’s good.”
We went to sleep in a few hours, sleeping in and eating breakfast before the girls needed to be at the store. Taryn had a permanent glow to her skin, making me hope that she planned to ask Rosa to move in soon.
After they left for work, Owen told his parents that he was taking me around town to show me his schools and stuff. We got in the car, and he handed me a list of apartments and homes for rent, asking me to get directions to each one.
We looked at the buildings from the outside to get a feel for them. During the drive, I took in all the shops that would provide what we needed. There was even a gym, though it was small. Owen told me that he did more outdoor exercise here than in the city.
When we pulled up in front of a cottage, I took in the dark green building. “Tell me about this one.”
“It’s a two-bedroom home with two bathrooms, an open living room and kitchen, and a den. I think it’s…fifteen hundred square feet. More cottage style than an actual cottage. Do you like it?” Owen asked as I smiled. “It has a view of the same lake.”
“It’s gorgeous.” I watched as someone walked out of the front door, smiling and waving at us. I rolled down the window, greeting the woman as she peered into the car.
“Would you like to see it? The owner moved out two weeks ago, so it’s empty.” She smiled, and I shared a look with Owen.
“That would be great,” he said, checking to make sure that we were off the road before turning the engine off. We got out, and the redhead led us through a gate to the front door, a charming old white door with two small windows. She opened the door, allowing us in first as we entered a small foyer.
“They did some updating to it over the years, but it was built in nineteen fifty-five. You can see that they opened this room up to the kitchen, making a gorgeous open plan.” We nodded, taking it in. There was a great mix of new and original charm to the ample space, and we walked around to see the rest of it. The den was small, but it would make a great office. The bedrooms were each the same size, and one had an attached bathroom while the other one was in the small hallway.
“This is great,” I murmured, looking out of the patio door to see that familiar lake.
“Where are you from?” The woman asked, and Owen grinned.
“I’m originally from this area and living in New York right now with this guy. We’re looking to move closer to my family.” Owen squeezed my hand.
“This is perfect for you. If you’re interested, I have an application in my car.” The time stopped, and I stared at her.
“Peter?” Owen asked as I nodded slowly.
“Let’s do it.” It was too reasonable to turn away and beautiful. It offered the peace that the big house did and was close enough for a leisurely visit. We filled the rental application out right then and there, telling her that we looked forward to her call before leaving.
I kissed him hard in the car, both of us bubbling over with anticipation. “We’re not telling anyone about this. I want Taryn to have her moment, and if we get this house, we’ll find the right time.”
“I totally agree.” I kissed him again, sliding a hand behind his head. “I love you.”
We drove away, checking out the town with earnest. There was the bookstore with Matt’s old coffee shop next door, a few choices for grocery shopping, a Target one town over, and tons of space to hike and enjoy the gorgeous greenery. “I think I can live with this,” I said as he grinned. “Are you sure about giving up the team and camps and stuff?”
“I can do it all here. There’s a rink at the edge of town that does all the same things here. I just ran from my history here for a while. No more.” Owen smiled, and we headed away from the big house. He took us down a small road as I raised a brow, asking where we were going. “I have a surprise for you.”
He parked in a small lot, opening his door. I got out to follow him down a small path to the lake with a large space in front of it. “In the summer and spring, this is a meadow with a lot of wildflowers. In the Fall, there’s gorgeous color. Either way, I think this would be a great place to have a wedding.” He turned to me, taking my hands. “What do you think?”
I clasped his warm fingers, turning my head to look around. “I think it would be great. We can get some kind of gazebo and go with natural beauty. It’s going to be small anyway.” I gazed at him, leaning in for a kiss. “Does this place mean something to you?”
“I spent a lot of time here growing up. It was my thinking place, and I solved a lot of issues here. I’d like to complete the circle with the best choice of my life.” He kissed me again. We stayed there for a while in the white silence, kissing and promising the future to each other. Had it not been Winter, I think a lot more might have happened.
We made our way back to the house, where Mom was saying goodbye to a friend. We hugged her, smiling to ourselves as we walked inside. I inhaled deeply, smelling food. “Lasagna. She always makes that on Christmas light night.” Owen smiled at me.
“Hillary dropped off some peppermint brownies and chocolate chip cookies as well.” Mom said as she walked toward the kitchen.
“There’s a strong need to run a lot here during the holidays,” Owen murmured as I laughed.
The girls joined us for dinner, and we all pulled jackets on, along with hats and scarves. Owen told me we probably wouldn’t be getting out of the car, but to be prepared. Some of the homeowners had coffee and hot chocolate out front, making it more of a gathering. “People just invite strangers to hang out?” Rosa asked as I laughed.
“They do. They’ll have a fire pit outside and even a place for kids to make s’mores,” Taryn said, holding Rosa’s hand.
“That’s amazing.” I smiled at my best friend, wanting to tell her about the house we were moving into after the beginning of the new year. I didn’t hold things in from Rosa, but we wanted to do it differently.
We drove through several brightly lit neighborhoods in a large SUV, taking in the themes and decor. New York was gorgeous at Christmas, and I’d never argue that. This was homier and felt different to me, and I wondered what we’d do with the cottage next Christmas. True to Owen’s word, we did stop at a couple of places to get out for cocoa and to chat with the people gathered around. Amber knew a lot of them from previous years, and I playfully rolled my eyes at Owen.
We went to the bakery around eight-thirty, ordering cakes and coffee before gathering around a large round table. Rosa took one bite of her chocolate slice, moaning appreciatively. “This is the best cake I’ve ever eaten.”
“There’s a reason we keep coming here.” Taryn ordered a slice of key lime pie, while both Owen and I asked for red velvet cake. “We’ll go home on a major sugar and caking high and get no sleep. I’m glad the coffee shop is open so we can keep going tomorrow.” Taryn smiled at Rosa.
“Who owns it now?” I asked as she let a guilty look cross her face.
“Matt’s uncle took it over. He’s done a great job with it, and tells me Matt is loving New York,” Taryn replied, giving me a soft smile. I knew he probably felt bad that she ended the relationship after such a pressing invitation to move forward, but it was for the best. She was happy now with Rosa, and ultimately, leaving the bookstore would have broken her heart.
We got dropped off at home when we finished, and Taryn was right. We were stuffed, wired, and tired all at once. “We’ll sleep in tomorrow,” Amber yawned as she set her purse on the counte
r.
“I’d like to bring Peter down to see the shop. Need any help?” Owen asked as Taryn beamed at him.
“I’d love that. Thank you. We’ll see you there.” The girls chatted for a few minutes before leaving for Taryn’s house. We went to bed, working the dessert off with slow lovemaking, breathing heavily as we both went over the edge.
Chapter Twenty-One
Owen
We got up the following morning, making coffee and toast for breakfast. I told Peter there was a great deli near the store that we could enjoy lunch at, and he agreed before dressing in black slacks and a pull over shirt for our day helping Taryn.
We slipped work boots on, and I drove us to the corner in the most significant shopping area of my hometown. I glanced at the small but welcoming coffee shop, appreciating the changes as I led Peter to the bookstore.
“Wow,” he said as I opened the heavy door for him. It wasn’t a big shop, but more of a long room with little nooks and crannies that sectioned off into different genres. Taryn had a great tree in the corner that looked similar to Mom’s, and it looked like there was a place where someone read to kids as well. “This is amazing.”
“Hi,” Taryn said, coming around the corner with a smile. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail, and she wore the traditional dark jeans and polo shirt that boasted the name of the store. “Thanks for coming in.”
“This place is fabulous.” Peter hugged her. “I can see why you’re so excited to make it yours.”
“Yeah. It’s the second love of my life.” She smiled as Rosa came out, holding a wrapped package.
“Thanks so much, dear. Have a Merry Christmas.” She took the package, setting it gently into a bag with some other things before leaving.
“You’re wrapping gifts?” Peter asked her as she sighed.
“She taught me. It’s a big thing this time of year.” Rosa grinned at Taryn before looking at us. “What do you think?”
“This store is great. It has charm,” Peter said as Taryn smiled a proud smile.
We asked what we could do. Several people were shopping, and Taryn asked us to help them as best as possible. She would ring them up, and Rosa would wrap stuff. We got to work helping the customers select last-minute gifts, including books and some of the novelty items the store offered. Rosa wrapped about half of them, impressing Peter.