“It’s Christmas enthusiasm, not an obsession.”
“Oh, I see.” I smile at her rationalization. “So, how did your enthusiasm for Christmas start?”
“Well, it’s my birthday, December 24th, so I’ve always loved this time of year.”
“Wait. It’s your birthday on Christmas Eve?”
Summer’s smile is adorable as she shrugs. “Yeah.”
Noted. A Christmas birthday fits her perfectly.
“Since it’s my birthday month, celebrating the season feels like I’m celebrating me all month long.” Her mouth twists into a grimace. “And not just me. Also, the birth of our Lord and King.”
“How kind of you to share the holiday with Him.”
“I know Christmas isn’t really about me andmybirthday, but I still love it.”
“You would be the type of person who loves their birthday so much they celebrate for an entire month.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being excited I was born.”
“I completely agree.”
“Wait.” She looks at me with skepticism behind her stare. “You completely agree?”
“Yeah, I love birthdays.”
“Hmm.” Her focus turns forward again.
“Does that surprise you?”
“A little.” Her shoulders lift. “Justin would hardly let me celebrate his birthday, so I just assumed you’d be the same way.”
“There’s a lot about me and Justin that is different.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed.” She peeks at me but doesn’t elaborate.
Now, I’m dying to know what differences she’s noticed and how she feels about those differences, but I don’t ask because knowing all of that doesn’t help anything. Her liking Justin more than me sucks. But if she likes my differences better, I can’t go behind my brother’s back and pursue her. So basically this is a no-win situation.
“I see your family up ahead.” I nod toward the seventeen-foot tree made out of old skis.
Summer grabs my hand without hesitation and all I can think about is how great it would be if she were really mine, if I weren’t pretending to be Justin right now. But really, I’m not pretending. I’m completely myself around her and her family. The only thing that’s fake is my name. And I guess my job. And my backstory. Okay, there are a few things that are fake. But the feelings and relationships I’m building are genuine.
“Hey!” Her sisters cheer when we walk up.
“You made it just in time,” her dad says, waving us over. “Bob Irvine is about to light the bonfire.”
I give Summer a side smile. “I can’t believe I’m going to see the real Bob Irvine in action.”
“You should feel blessed.” And although I know she’s only teasing, blessed to be here is exactly how I feel.
Janet walks toward us, leaning in for a hug from Summer. As she pulls back, her eyes drop to our linked hands. Summer wasn’t lying when she said her mom watched our every move. Because of that—and that reason only—I tug Summer so she stands in front of me, unlocking our fingers. I wrap my arms around her shoulders, hugging her from behind. She lifts her hands, placing them on my arms, and rests her head back on my chest. I let my cheek fall against her head. The smell of her shampoo drifts up to me and strands of her hair tickle my chin and lips as I hold her. It’s perfect.
There arejustifiable reasons for this position.
It helps show Summer’s mom that Justin cares for her daughter.
It’s cold outside and cuddling close together is a proven method to stay warm.
