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Anything not to be alone.
As Alex stepped into the parlor, the smell of funeral home hit him. It was the same at every location he’d ever been to, some subtle potpourri intending to soothe but only serving to remind all those present that they were here to honor the deceased. For the first time, he found himself wondering how long it would be before he was here paying respects to his own family.
To his mom.
Alex stood before that damned Christmas tree, hands curled into fists, refusing to lose it before he’d even made it into the room where Tom’s family waited. He could do this. He could do this.
Someone walked in behind him, and a rush of cold air swept past Alex. On the breeze was the faintest hint of cinnamon and vanilla, and his mind immediately went to Mia.
Oh, the cruelty of it all.
He closed his eyes, trying to rein in his emotions as he listened for their footsteps to pass him by. But no sound followed. A moment later, a hand lit on his shoulders.
He glanced sideways to find Mia standing beside him, concern on her brow.
He just stared, stunned. She was here? But why? What had changed?
“You okay?”
Alex shook his head, too caught up in emotion to say anything. Slowly, as though she feared she might spook him, Mia’s arms circled around him. At her touch, Alex felt a whole host of additional emotions surge through him. Support. Strength. Courage.
Love.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
“I’m here,” she said softly, stroking his back. “And here is where I’m going to stay, until you tell me to go.”
Alex pulled her tighter to him, resting his cheek on her crown. “Fat chance of that happening.”
“I’m so sorry I overreacted, Alex.”
“And I’m sorry I lied. It won’t happen again, Mia. I promise.” He drew back to cup her cheeks, drinking the sight in. “I love you.”
Her gaze grew watery. “I love you, too.”
He kissed her softly, then pulled her to his chest. They stood there a long moment, Alex drawing strength from his ray of sunshine. A thought dawned on him, then, one he felt he needed to clear up.
“Surprises are still okay, though, right?” He met her wary gaze. “I mean, life would get pretty boring without the excitement of a surprise or two now and then.”
Mia chuckled. “Yes, of course surprises are okay. Just try not to go overboard, all right? My orderly heart might not be able to handle too many at once.”
“Fair enough.” His gaze shifted to the end of the receiving line, slowly receding into the next room. He’d faltered before, but with Mia at his side, this time he was ready. “You know, Tom warned me not to fib to the ladies.”
“Tom sounded like a pretty smart guy. What else did he tell you?”
“To live a life with no regrets. It’s what set me in motion to come back for you.”
“And I’m so glad you did.” She stretched on her tiptoes to kiss him softly.
You and me both.
Alex took Mia by the hand. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to his family. They’re pretty amazing people, too.”
He looked to the star, glimmering at the top of the tree.And Tom, wherever you are, thank you.
Epilogue
Mia stood inher living room, straightening ornaments while waiting for Alex to finish his shower. So far, her first Christmas without Brooklyn there hadn’t been nearly as awful as she’d expected, all thanks to Alex. He’d driven up to Bourbon Falls the afternoon of Christmas Eve and cooked them a gourmet meal before Brooklyn left for her dad’s house. Then he and Mia spent the evening sharing wine and stories from Christmases past before the fire. Once the yawns started, he led her to bed where they’d made love and fallen asleep in each other’s arms.
