Page 55 of Heartbreak Hill

GRAYSON

Grayson trailed his fingers down Reid’s left arm until he reached her left hand. He lifted it up and admired the ring he had placed on her third finger almost two months ago. Sunlight shone through the partially opened blinds in Reid’s room. Her ring sparkled and created a kaleidoscope of lights on her wall. Every time he caught her admiring the ring, he felt proud.

Everything felt right between them. And he was grateful for this second chance at life. It allowed him to do the one thing he had put off forever ago—fall in love—and he was so in love with Reid. He regretted not telling her years ago.

She smiled but kept her eyes closed. Grayson kissed her ring, and then her. “Merry Christmas.” Technically, they had one more day, but this would be the only time they were alone. They’d travel to his parents’ house tonight, open presents in the morning, and then head to Luther’s. It was important to them that they spend as much time as possible with their families. Next year they’d flip-flop and spend Christmas Eve and morning with Luther, and then head to his folks’ place. After everything that had happened with Grayson, he and Reid planned to live in the moment. They’d take nothing for granted, and that included the holidays, visiting their parents regularly, and spending time with each other.

“The weatherman said it might snow,” he said, groaning.

Reid’s eyes opened. Her brown orbs gleamed with excitement. “Seriously?”

He gave a one-shoulder shrug. “It won’t stay, fortunately.” This was the drawback of living in a cold climate but not one cold enough to snow during the winter like the states north of them. In years past, they’d spent some long weekends skiing in New England, where they were guaranteed to find fresh powder almost daily. If it wasn’t natural, the resorts made it. Now the thought of going felt like a chore.

“Since when do you not like the snow?”

Grayson thought about her question for a moment and shrugged again. “I don’t know. This sense of dread filled me when I said it might snow. Before ...” He paused and thought about the heart beating in his chest, wondering if it had something to do with his current dislike for the white stuff. “I guess I don’t like it anymore.”

Reid sat up on her elbow to look at him. “What else is different?”

“Not my love for you, if that’s what you’re wondering.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

“Good to know,” she said as she dangled her ring finger at him.

“I don’t know. I think most things are subtle, but some definitely catch me off guard. The other day, at the grocery store, I walked down the aisle and absentmindedly put a can of sauerkraut in the cart. I hate sauerkraut, or I did.”

“That’s strange. Maybe you should bring it up with your therapist at your next appointment. Make a list as they happen so you don’t forget.”

“Yeah,” he said as he pulled her to him. “We should go to Vermont next month and go skiing. Do you think Pearce would want to come with us?”

“But you just said—”

“You still love it, and I’ll relearn to love it,” he told her.

Reid kissed Grayson. “Are you only inviting Pearce because he has a car?”

Reid blushed and Grayson kissed her.

“Yeah, that’s why I’d invite him too,” he said, laughing. “I’ll ask. Do you want to make a reservation? Even if he doesn’t go, we can borrow my mom’s car or rent one for the weekend.”

“I’ll book something.”

Their relationship was easy. Almost too easy at times. They’d fallen into a quick routine, one Grayson didn’t even question. After they’d been engaged for a week, Reid had asked him to move in. He accepted and was able to sublet his apartment until his lease expired. The only real issue they had was the size of the apartments. Neither place was overly big, and both were far too small for two people. He’d donated or put into storage the majority of his things, and Reid had boxed up seasonal clothing—items she wouldn’t need until spring or summer. They were determined to make the living arrangement work until after the wedding, and then they’d look for a house.

The “making it work” part lasted all of a month before they put their names on the list for a two-bedroom apartment with more space in the same complex. Neither of them wanted to leave the building where they lived. It was close to the train station and easily walkable to downtown, where they could do some shopping. Having full access to a gym was a bonus, as was the washer and dryer. The internet was free, and the complex had controlled access, something that was hard to come by with other buildings.

After the first of the year, they would meet with a wedding planner. Luther had told Reid to plan her dream wedding and to not worry about the cost. When she jokingly said they would elope, Luther was hurt. Grayson promised his future father-in-law they would in fact have a wedding in DC or the surrounding area, and Luther would walk his daughter down the aisle.

Reid wanted a springtime wedding, someplace where the cherry blossoms would naturally cover the aisle. Neither of them had any friends with children, so having a flower girl or even a ring bearer would be out of the question, and neither of them wanted to wait years to get married. A year from next March or April, they’d become husbandand wife. They’d yet to settle on a date but knew it would be after the holidays.

“Merry Christmas,” she said in shock. “I can’t believe I didn’t say it back.”

Grayson couldn’t help but roll his eyes. Reid insisted on returning sentiments each time he said one to her. It was one of the many things he loved about her. He moved on top of her and settled between her legs, keeping most of his weight on his elbows.

“This is the best Christmas of my life,” he told her as he pressed his lips to hers.

“We haven’t even had it yet. What if you hate my gifts?”

“You’re the best gift of my life,” he told her and then paused. “Minus my heart, but because of it I can love you freely and without reservation.” Grayson pressed his lips to hers again and then deepened the kiss.

---