Chapter 41
One Week Before Christmas
How is it possible I’m this hot when there’s four inches of snow on the ground?
I’m shirtless out here in below-zero weather, sweat running from my forehead all the way down my torso. It feels criminal—but at least Ayden is enjoying himself.
“I think we could go for… four more.”
I glance over my shoulder at him, sitting in the replacement double swing we installed a few days ago on the side section of the patio. He’s bundled up in a quilt, sipping hot cider.
Rolling my eyes, I rest the axe handle on my shoulder. “I expect payment for this show I’m putting on. Maybe an early Christmas gift.”
He smiles, raising his mug before taking another sip.
Giving him a playful wink, I turn back to my endeavor.
There’ve been a few trees near the property I’ve wanted to cut down, and one of them just so happened to be the perfect size for our Christmas tree. I’ll deal with the rest come spring.
Readjusting my grip on the axe, I swing down at an angle, striking the “V” mark I carved out.
Over the past couple of weeks, Ayden and I have grown closer—but it’s still been a nightmare. His ex isn’t pulling any punches.
It started with the box. The contents have still gone unconfirmed, but neither of us are stupid. Thankfully, no more showed up. I can’t help but wonder if Levi thought that by not reporting it, Michael would stop, thinking we were unfazed by the attempt to scare us, or whatever.
The first week of December, police came to question Ayden—and me as well.
They even showed up at my work to interview Dom and the girls.
They attempted to talk with Britt, but in the most legal way possible, she told them to fuck off.
According to Ayden’s legal team, they didn’t find it necessary to get a warrant to force her to speak.
Unfortunately, felony charges were filed against Ayden in Colorado, though the judge has paused signing any arrest warrant. Thanks to solid representation, they’re still pushing for more probable cause documentation surrounding the incest allegation.
My own assault charge was dismissed after Ayden submitted the video of Michael pointing a gun in my face.
Our biggest fear right now—the one that feels too real—is Ayden being extradited back to California. With how quickly everything else has happened, we’re just waiting for that letter.
The lawyer’s confident he can prevent it, but it doesn’t settle my mind. If they send him back, he’ll be way too close to Michael. And I know he could blackmail Ayden into dropping the charges just to keep him there.
And then I’d be heading to prison.
Because I’ll blow that mother—swing—fucker’s—swing—head off.
Crack.
The thump of the tree hitting the ground yanks me out of my goddamn day-nightmare.
There’s no daydreaming here.
Tossing the axe aside, I reach through the branches and grab the trunk. I’ve never really thought about killing anyone. I’m not a fucking psychopath. But I have imagined putting a few bullets in Michael’s head and burying him so far away from civilization no one could find his DNA.
Turning toward the cabin, I drag the tree alongside me.
Ayden watches me with weary eyes. I don’t bother to smile. His ex puts me in such a shit mood, and I haven’t been able to see Britt these past three weeks because of the holidays. My mood swings have been unbearable.
Again, I don’t blame myself for any of it. With Michael, the incident that took Corey, our parents’ passing—it’s a lot.
It feels like far too much for anyone my age to deal with in such a short span of time.
At the steps, I drop the tree and circle around the patio. Ayden has the blanket open, his feet planted to keep the swing from moving.
I slide in beside him, drape an arm over his shoulder, and he immediately snuggles against my side. Once we adjust the blanket, he lifts his legs, and I give us a push to start the swing.
“Mmm, nice and sweaty.”
I laugh, then draw in a deep breath and let it out slow. He mirrors me with a softer sigh, then tilts his head up to look at me. “What do you want?”
Without glancing down, I hum in question.
“For Christmas.”
“Hmm.” I press a kiss to his forehead, rest my cheek against his head, and shut my eyes. “Peace and quiet.”
“We’ll get that…” I love how optimistic he’s become. Over time, I’ve been the one stressed the fuck out—because, truly, I love him and can’t imagine a life without him. There’s so much uncertainty, and too much of it is out of my control…
“Until then,” he continues. “Tell me.”
“Nothing physical, sunshine. I’m not really into gifts. I was making sexual advances toward you earlier.”
He lets out a soft laugh. “Oh, I know. And I also know you aren’t a gift person. Do you want a special dinner for Christmas? I can make Kalua pig like your mom used to…”
The edge of my lip pops, and I squeeze him closer, even if that’s physically impossible.
“We can do a Home Alone marathon.”
I groan teasingly. “Please no.”
His laugh shifts into a snicker. “Isn’t it your favorite?”
“Okay, smartass. I’ll put on Die Hard for you, if that’s the case.”
“Noooo.” He drags out the word playfully. “Okay, okay… It’s a Wonderful Life. Did you guys still watch that on Christmas Eve?”
The sadness in his voice hits hard, washing over me like the sweat had earlier.
“We did.”
“Then A Christmas Story on Christmas Day?”
I slip my hand under his chin, gripping his jaw to lift his gaze to mine. “How about we start making our own traditions? We can keep those, sure… but let’s add something new.”
His smile shines with hope, and though sadness lingers in his watery eyes, he holds it back.
“I’d like that.”
“And, sunshine, I hate to sound cliché here, you’ve given me the greatest gift. One I waited for over ten years to have.”
A shaky breath escapes him, lips pressing together before speaking again. “You can’t say sweet shit like that.”
I shrug. “Better get used to it.”
He brings his hand to my cheek, brushing over the light stubble.
We’ll make traditions, write them down, photograph them, and leave them for whoever takes the cabin after us—whether that’s Alysa’s children, if she chooses, or the next buyers. Our life will fill these walls until our dying breaths, and I’m excited for every second of it.
“Thank you, Keo.”
Really, I should be the one thanking him. He’s the only one who can pull me back when I start to sink into a dark place.
God… I really love this man.
Humming softly, I nod. “Anything for you.”
Meeting him halfway, I press my lips to his, pulling him closer, and holding him flush against me. I wish I’d had this from the moment I met Ayden, but I’m ready to make up for lost time.
He leans away, a weary smile greeting me. “Alysa comes tonight…”
“She does.”
“You ready for this?” I should be asking him that.
“Yeah. I am.”
I slide my hand through his short hair and rest my forehead against his. “A new start. Your sister will understand.”
He lets out a shaky breath and nods. “Thanks.”
“You got it, sunshine. Now, let’s get the tree up—and me a shirt on.”
“Mmm… yes to the first one. Keep the shirt off.”
“Now who’s insatiable?”
Ayden’s pacing.
He’s been at it for the past hour, ever since Alysa called to say she’d picked up her rental. Clover keeps trailing after him, trying to get his attention, but he’s too wound up.
I let him be. No point in trying to ease him right now.
His eyes finally meet mine, finding me perched on the armrest of the couch. He takes a deep breath, but it doesn’t stop him from bouncing on his toes.
“How’re you so calm?”
I shrug. “I’ve seen her every year. Those nerves about seeing family went out the window a while ago.”
“No, Keo. I mean… telling her about us.”
Again, I play it off, acting nonchalant.
“I don’t understand you—” he cuts himself off as headlights slice through the dark outside. His head jerks toward the door, and he immediately rushes for it.
“Shoes,” I call after him. He retreats just long enough to slip on my boots, then bolts outside. A soft hum rumbles in my throat as I follow at a slower pace.
Those two have always been so close—which is just one of a million reasons the allegations against him involving her disgust me.
I step onto the porch just in time to see his twin climb out of the car and run around it. She throws herself into his arms, and my heart warms at how happy Ayden looks holding her.
“Lefty.” His voice comes out somber.
“Oh, righty, thank god you’re here.”
“Where the hell else would I be?” He steps back and looks her up and down. “Come on, we’ll get your bags in a minute.”
There’s no argument, and the two of them head toward the house. She looks up, and the moment she sees me, she squeals. “Kee!”
“Hey, Aly.”
She tries to sprint up the stairs but slips, thankfully catching herself before face-planting on the wooden deck. Her momentum carries her toward me, and I catch her flying hug without hesitation.
“Mmm!!” Her arms tighten around my neck. “God, I’ve missed you.”
I smile, watching as Ayden comes up right behind her. “I missed you, too. Let’s get inside and out of this damn cold.”
I step back and set her down past the threshold of the door. Immediately, the feline begins yowling. She moves quickly to Clover, petting her.
“It feels so good to be back here.”
“All together,” my sunshine says as he moves toward her. “I know I’m a bit late, but—”
“None of that.” She stands, quickly wiping away tears that were about to fall. “Dad and Leilani wouldn’t have wanted any sadness on our first Christmas back together.”
Slowly, I move over to Ayden, who drops his head and nods. “Alright. How was the flight?”
“Good. How’re you two? I’m happy to see you’re… getting along?” There’s insinuation to her tone, and one look at Ayden, I can tell he’s completely lost to his panic.
She turns her attention to me, then to her brother.
“Yeah. We are. Totally getting along.”
A soft “huh” escapes her, and she steps further into the living room. “Keoni, can I ask you? How’re you two doing?” She places her hands behind her back and smiles.
I reach Ayden’s side and drape an arm over his shoulder. “Better than ever.”
Then I turn him and press my lips to his without a single moment of hesitation.
Age 21
Christmas Eve
“I kissed Ayden.” I rub my hands over my face. “Technically, I kissed him back, but that’s not the point.”
“What’s the point, Keoni?” Alysa asks, scooting closer to me on the porch steps.
“That I want more of it. Of him…”
She rubs my back in small circles before resting her head against my arm. “I feel like you both have been dealt a shitty hand in the love department… I’ve known for a long time about your feelings for each other. Kinda hurts that you both hid it from me—or thought I wouldn’t even notice.”
I chuckle, pressing my forehead against my forearm. “Life fucking sucks.”
“I know… I’m sorry, Kee…”