21. Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-One
Simeon
I shouldn’t have been nervous heading to Maddox and Ravi’s house.
But I was.
I shouldn’t have been worried about how Ryan would cope with the group—especially given how well he’d handled the decorating party.
But I was.
Finally, I shouldn’t have been thinking of him as anything other than a friend in need of finding his way in a strange town and with a different life from the one he’d planned.
Again, I was.
Ryan’s just a friend .
Yet as I double checked my new navy-blue jeans and the forest-green henley that Nanny swore brought out the green in my eyes, I tried to remember to breathe.
Ryan was just a man. A man in need of friends. And, however accidentally, I’d provided him with that opening. Perhaps these wouldn’t be lasting and abiding friendships. Perhaps once he healed he wouldn’t need me—or anyone else—anymore.
Also, tonight, Justin had set up some boundaries. He was still Ryan’s therapist. But if their relationship veered too far into the personal, Kennedy or Avery would take over Ryan’s care. That was a tough line not to cross—mostly because Justin was the friendliest guy in the world. Well, Ravi was even more gregarious. But I understood the counselor’s concerns. He and Ryan had built trust with confidentiality. Losing that over any potential friendship might be detrimental to Ryan’s recovery.
We’d see how the night played out. If enough people were in attendance to keep them apart, it might all be a moot point for now.
I ambled up the stairs and discovered my grandparents in the living room. The distinct smell of garlic wafted in the air. “S-smells delicious.”
“Nothing fancy. There’ll be leftovers when you get home.” Nanny glanced up from the laptop on her lap. “Weather’s going to turn nasty.”
We had a weather channel, but Nanny only trusted the government site—whose information wasn’t always as accurate as might be desired. Also, the station was in Abbotsford and we were over a river and much higher up in the mountains. Abby’s weather station was at the airport—lower than we were.
“S-snow?”
“Yes. First of the year.”
I pressed a hand to her shoulder. “Seems a little early in the y-year, or am I remembering incorrectly?”
“Climate change.” She muttered the phrase as if a curse. She was very much an environmentalist. Up here on the mountain, where we had to haul our own recycling and garbage to the dump ourselves, we were far more aware of packaging and anything else we might be disposing of.
“I p-promise to be careful.”
“Take the Buick.” Bops hit mute on the hockey game. He’d watch hockey while Nanny would watch crafting videos on YouTube with the sound off.
And they were incredibly happy.
I left the snow tires on the Buick year-round because a bit of extra noise in the summer was well-worth not having to worry in the winter. I’d put snow tires on my truck a few weeks ago just to be safe. Winter could come any time around or after Halloween. “I think the t-truck’s sturdier.” This was a conversation we had often.
“You don’t want to get snow in the bed.”
“I can put the c-cover on. I don’t think I’ll be staying that l-long at the party.”
Nanny wagged her finger. “You might have a good time. Don’t forget the cookies I made.”
Despite my protestations, Nanny had insisted on making a massive batch of cookies. Well, several batches. “The k-kids are going to get a sugar high.”
She met my gaze with a devious grin. “I didn’t quite use the amount in the recipe. Enough so the cookies taste good, but not so much that the kids will, as you say, get a sugar high .”
I chuckled. “If the adults d-don’t gobble them up, I’ll make sure the k-kids get some.” She’d made shortbread, gingerbread, and some special secret recipe cookies we called Nanny’s green jobbies. I didn’t have a clue what was in the delicious things, but any kind of icing—even green—was a winner in my book. I kissed her cheek. “I love you.”
“We love you too.” She blinked. “Every day, we talk about how blessed we are.”
A glow of love and light settled in my chest. That warm feeling of being loved unconditionally.
Bops waved. “Canucks are down by three. Say a prayer for the boys on your way out.”
Ah, Vancouver’s beloved hockey team. Desperately in need of a win. The entire Canadian contingent—all six teams spread across the country—needed some big wins. Our drought for the Stanley Cup was just…pathetic. We needed to beat the Americans. “M-maybe this year.”
Nanny snickered. “I don’t think God will hear his prayers.” She gestured to Bops. “But that doesn’t stop him from trying.”
I kissed her cheek, squeezed Bops’s shoulder, and headed into the kitchen to retrieve the containers of cookies. Finally, I shrugged into my heavy winter coat, donned my winter boots, and headed to the garage. I’d be so warm I wouldn’t need the heat in the truck as I drove—but I’d also be okay if something happened to the truck and I had to spend some time in the snow.
The first few flakes fell as I drove down the driveway. We had a snowblower and shovels capable of handling heavy snow. Thank God you’ve been able to do that for them for the past almost twenty years. Taking care of my grandparents meant everything to me. I loved my business. I loved helping people. But all that paled in comparison to the feeling of joy when I took care of the people who’d always loved me unconditionally.
I made it to the end of our street and hung a right.
I turned onto Maddox’s street. Most of the houses were set back behind trees, but a few weren’t. Christmas lights adorned almost every dwelling I saw. That we were nearing Christmas wasn’t lost on me. Almost exactly thirty days to go.
What’s Ryan doing for Christmas? Will he see his dad? Does he ever hear from his mom? She’s alive…right? God, I can’t remember. But surely, after her son was injured, she reached out…
As indifferent, and even abusive, as my father had been, he would’ve come to see me. Possibly berated me for doing something highly questionable…but he would’ve come. I didn’t think I’d ever have the guts to go to war. I supposed if Canada did get involved directly in some conflict, and they needed people…
So I’d offer up a request to the universe that we not have that happen.
Maddox’s driveway came into view. Parking on the street seemed prudent. Then I wouldn’t get stuck on the driveway and need people to move their vehicles if I bailed. When was the last time I went to a party this big? Fortunately, Maddox and Ravi only tended to invite me when the party was, at the most, eight. Well, plus Victor and Violet. Which reminded me that I needed to buy Christmas presents for the twins. What did one buy as gifts for children who appeared to have everything—including love? Most especially love.
Maybe I could ask Justin or Stanley. They had Opal and… Drat. I should probably buy something for Opal and Angus. Angus liked video games, right?
After I grabbed all Nanny’s cookies, I exited my truck. I locked it and set the alarm—because that’s what I always did. The snowflakes were light and fluffy as I walked up the driveway. I wasn’t fooled, though—the weather could turn on a dime. If I was here long enough, I’d likely be super glad I had my snow tires for the drive home.
I spotted Ryan’s car in the driveway, and my insides did a little flip of nervousness. And joy. I was super happy to see him here. He’d said he was coming, but nerves could be tough. A couple of times, earlier this year, I’d nearly called my hosts to cancel. Those headaches I was going to use as an excuse had nearly become real because I could work myself into such a tizzy.
Tizzy.
Nanny’s word.
I was about to ring the bell when the door opened.
Stanley grinned with his brown eyes sparkling. “I saw you coming with your hands full, and figured I’d make it easy for you.”
His smile warmed my insides.
“Now, Opal’s already on a sugar high—I blame Justin. Well, and Angus probably snuck her something as well.”
I smiled back. “C-congratulations again on the a-adoption. That’s…” What’s the right word?
“The best Christmas present ever?”
“Y-yes.”
He took the containers with the cookies from my hands.
“M-more sugar.” I chuckled. “M-maybe just one for Opal?”
“Nanny’s cookies?”
I nodded.
“Oh, yes, she’ll be allowed one of those.”
Chaotic noise drew his attention.
Then he turned back to me. “Thank you for yesterday. For understanding.”
“Of c-course. Best news ever.”
“Yeah. Well, also the day Justin and I officially adopted Angus. That, though, was less…fraught.”
“Papa.” An imperious Opal appeared at her father’s feet. Her eyes went wide at the cookie containers. “Yum.”
Stanley laughed, “Yes, sweetheart. Yum. After dinner.”
She pouted.
“Help me put them in the kitchen?”
“Yes.” She held out her hand for the containers..
He took it, offered me a sheepish smile, then guided his daughter back into the fray. Judging by the noise, I’d guess lots of people were already there.
I bent to untie my laces.
Only to have my face thoroughly licked.
“H-hello Princess Sofia.”
She yipped.
I eyed her. “Did Tiffany c-come?”
“We gave her the night off.” Rainbow’s amused voice caught my attention.
I finished with the laces, rose, braced myself, and toed off my boots. “I d-didn’t realize you’d be here.”
She glanced over her shoulder. From this angle, I didn’t have a view of the main room. “I wanted to warn you…”
“W-warn me.”
“Well, maybe not warn.” Her brow knit. “Maddox just admitted to me that they’ve gone overboard.”
“O-overboard?” That didn’t sound good.
“More than twenty people.”
My eyebrows shot nearly to the ceiling. “Say w-what?”
“Yeah. Apparently he invited some people, Ravi invited some people…” She snickered. “Angus invited someone, and then Ravi felt they had to invite more people…”
“S-should I leave?” I began shoving my foot back into my boot.
“No.” Her firm voice had me stopping.
I pulled it back out.
She leaned in closer. “Ryan’s here. I think he’d be disappointed if you left.”
“O-okay.”
“Now, can I get you eggnog, eggnog with rum, soda, tea, hot chocolate, coffee, or—”
“Tea w-would be lovely.” I smiled. Yes, something to soothe my nerves.
“Great. I’ll be right back.”
She took off and before I could even breathe to center myself, Ryan appeared. “So I played another game with Angus.”
He looked so damn proud of himself.
“T-that’s great.” I’m proud of you too .
“Angus says we can show you an easy game. He’s got a corner staked out for us. But you say hi to everyone you want to. Did I hear Rainbow’s getting you a tea?”
Mutely, I nodded.
“I’m going to grab an eggnog. I’ll bring your tea as well.” With that, he was gone.
Slowly, I stepped into the great room.
And nearly had a panic attack.
Okay, take it one person at a time.
Closest to me was a cluster of adults I recognized. Fortunately, the shyest member of the group caught my gaze.
Marnie, the assistant librarian, smiled. “Hello Simeon. So nice to see you in a social context.” She leaned against the much-taller man beside her. “I don’t think you’ve met my husband, Jake McGrath.”
I grinned. “N-nope. But my grandparents l-love watching him.” I pivoted my gaze to the handsome reporter.
He smiled back, his blue eyes shining. “Always love to hear I have fans.” He leaned in. “I’m covering the anchor desk next Saturday and Sunday. Only tell your grandparents.”
Oh wow . “Uh, t-that’s exciting. I’ll watch as well.” Because, frankly, as depressing as the news could be sometimes, watching this gorgeous man was never a hardship.
He shook my hand.
“Oh.” Marnie laughed. “This is Simeon. He’s a great handyman. Fixed a leak in my basement once.”
She’d been terrified to go downstairs. I’d quickly diagnosed and resolved the problem. She’d also clearly been terrified to have a man in the house. At least she’d known me from my visits to the library.
Jake nodded. “Well, I hope we have your number. After all the years I spent overseas reporting on wars, I’m not particularly handy around the house.”
“C-call me whenever.” I hesitated. “H-have you spoken to Ryan?”
Marnie cocked her head, then her green eyes widened. “That would be…interesting.”
Jake gazed back and forth between the two of us.
“Ryan’s just back from f-fighting in Ukraine. I d-don’t know if he’d talk to you, but…” What are you doing? “He…”
“Sure. I can.” Jake met my gaze. “Whatever he’s up for. No pressure.”
“O-okay.” I wasn’t certain about this, but something told me I had to try.
Jake yanked his phone from his back pocket. “Sorry, I…” His voice trailed off.
“Okay, sorry, but I have to share.” He held his phone out to Marnie.
She snagged the phone and gasped.
To my surprise, she passed the phone to me.
Jake’s niece sat on a couch and held the most adorable baby who had tufts of blond hair.
With a smile, I handed the phone back to Jake.
Marnie cuddled against him. “I always have a problem leaving Nate alone. I only work part-time, and he’s in a great daycare, but…” She blinked.
“He’s a-adorable.” I blinked too. “I d-don’t spend much time around b-babies.” I glanced around. “W-where are Victor and Violet?”
“I think Ravi said they went down for a late nap. They’ll probably be up any moment.” Marnie glanced around. “How they can sleep through this noise, I have no idea.”
The cacophony wasn’t quite as bad as I’d expected—especially given the number of people in the room.
Then I spotted Ravi and Maddox each carrying a twin down the stairs.
Victor rubbed his eyes. Violet squirmed.
Opal toddled over to greet them while babbling somewhat incoherently, but clearly excited.
I caught Marnie grinning. “I can’t wait until Nate’s that age.”
Jake wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Soon enough.”
“Hey, Simeon.” I recognized my friend Everett’s voice, and I turned.
The lawyer stood about my height and always had the broadest smile. His dark skin was a contrast to his crisp white shirt, and he wore a navy tie with…reindeers…?
“Christmas s-spirit?” I grinned. “I t-thought we were casual.”
He laughed. A heartwarming sound. “This is casual. You should see me in a suit.”
I didn’t point out that I had. We’d attended a dinner party, and he’d just come from the office. He looked damn good in a suit.
And although he was gay as well, we’d never been attracted to each other. I considered myself lucky, though, to have him as a friend.
He gestured to the guy standing next to him. “Have you met Quinton?”
I hadn’t. Although how I’d missed him before now, I wasn’t certain. The adorable man wore the most garish Christmas sweater I’d ever seen—a huge Rudolph face with the nose, made of something or other, sticking out. He also wore antlers. On his head.
Slowly, I shook my head. This guy…this Quinton…was to be the first stranger tonight. To my relief, I knew everyone else.
“Great.” Everett offered me his megawatt smile. “Quinton’s a nurse over at the Abbotsford hospital. He works with Ravi.”
“Who tried to set me up with this guy.” Quinton slung his arm around Everett’s shoulder.
Or tried to. In reality, the Asian man was several inches shorter and not nearly as broad as my friend.
Oh dear .
“Hey Simeon, how are you doing?” Adam came up on my left flank. “I see you’re meeting Quinton.”
Quinton radiated joy as he gestured to me. “New BFF.”
Adam’s smile was always a little awkward because of his facial scars, but he still managed a competent smirk. “Up to your old tricks, Quinton?”
“Moi?” The man pressed a hand to his chest. “I would never try to create mayhem and chaos.”
Everett, Adam, and Adam’s fiancé, Dean—who’d just joined us—all laughed uproariously.
Quinton tried for mock offense, but I couldn’t have missed the glint in his eyes. He stuck out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Simeon. I can’t believe our paths haven’t crossed before. Because, trust me, I would’ve remembered you.”
“I, uh, d-don’t spend much time in town.”
“Well, we’re just going to have to change that. Can I take you to a movie on Tuesday night? The new Hugh Jackman film is playing and, oh my God, is he not the most handsome—”
“We’re here.” Hillary, Maddox’s sister’s voice rang out as her three kids—her twin girls and younger brother Oliver—all piled into the room. Hillary’s wonderful, and long-suffering, husband, Steve, brought up the rear.
Hillary’s twins barreled over to their cousins, Victor and Violet, whose grins increased.
Oliver headed straight to Angus.
Huh. I’d thought Ryan said he’d be with the young man.
Suddenly, I felt someone brush against me on my right flank.
“Are you going to introduce me?” Ryan’s voice, to my surprise, was tight.
I turned to find him with a smile plastered on.
Is he in pain? He doesn’t look happy. Or comfortable. My first instinct was to guide him away from the group—to get him somewhere by himself. I couldn’t, though. Not without drawing attention to him. Still uncertain, but needing to respond, I tentatively smiled. “Q-Quinton, Everett…this is my f-friend Ryan.”
Ryan brushed against me. “Good friend.”
Heat flushed my cheeks, and I couldn’t really blame the fireplace on the other side of the room…especially since it hadn’t been turned on. This room was plenty warm with just the sheer volume of people.
“Well Simeon’s good friend Ryan, I’m thrilled to meet you.” Quinton stuck out his hand.
After a fraction of a second, Ryan shook it. “Nice to meet you.”
“And are you new in town? Because I haven’t seen you around either.”
Ryan shifted. “I, uh, tend to keep to myself.”
“Except when you’re being Simeon’s BFF, right?” Quinton’s megawatt smile matched Everett’s.
“Oh, Simeon, there you are.” Rainbow’s voice broke through.
I turned to face her, finding it awkward with Adam on one side and Ryan on the other. Almost like they were flanking me. Protecting me.
From who? Quinton? I’d have pegged him as pretty innocuous.
Finally, I managed to turn.
Rainbow held out an insulated travel mug. “Hot. Be careful, okay?”
“Y-yes. Thank you so m-much.”
She grinned. “My pleasure. I’m handling the drinks—which feeds my need to be useful while protecting me from all the socializing.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “I love these guys, but after yesterday, I’m pretty wiped.”
Ah yes, the decorating party at the ranch. Half the people here had been there yesterday as well as—plus all the Dixon sisters had joined the festivities. Healing Horses had been a bit of a madhouse. This place wasn’t much better.
Rainbow met my gaze. “Did you want to help in the kitchen?”
“Oh, I was going to show him Angus’s game.” Ryan had turned away from the other men and now was incredibly close to me again. He didn’t wear cologne, but he had a woodsy scent. Which had to be my imagination, because when would Ryan have been out in the woods?
“That’s fantastic. I’m sure Angus will love more attention. Although he seems to be doing well with Oliver.” Rainbow grinned. “Those two are always thick as thieves. So nice to have friends. Although I think Hillary refers to Angus and Opal as her niece and nephew, even though they’re not blood.”
“F-friendship can be as thick as b-blood.” I might not have long and abiding friendships, but as I gazed across this sea of people, I spotted many strong connections of people who didn’t have familial ties. People I’d grown closer to in the last few months.
“You w-wanted help?”
Rainbow waved me off. “You go and play games. I can rope Quinton into helping.”
“Yeah, I’m sure he’d enjoy it.” Ryan’s voice bit.
Not a lot.
But enough for me to notice.
If Rainbow did, she didn’t comment. “I’ll snag him now. I’ve got some hors d’oeuvres coming out of the oven. I have to make sure they’re not too hot. Quinton will be happy to help taste test.”
I flashed to the man with the ridiculous sweater and, for just a moment, wondered what was underneath. I didn’t often think of guys in terms of what they looked like…but Quinton had me curious.
Ryan slapped my shoulder, nearly jostling my arm with the tea. He winced. “Oops.”
“D-do you have a drink?”
“Yeah, an eggnog that I should finish. Let’s go find Angus.”
I offered Rainbow a genial smile. “T-thank you.”
She waved me off. “Go have fun.”
“Yes.”