Page 113 of When in December

In a few hours, it would be the end of my contract. At midnight, technically, I’d have no more reason to be inside thiscabin I’d poured so much energy and work into the past few weeks.

“You’re staying tonight,” Aaron rephrased, more finality in his tone as he turned me around to face him.

I nodded, not second-guessing. Because, really, I didn’t want to leave.

“I’ll stay,” I said. “Go back out with your family. I’m going to finish cleaning up in here.”

“I can help.”

“No, go ahead,” I encouraged. “I’ll only be a second.”

After some hesitation, he headed back into the dark living room, where the movie was still playing, so that I set up brunch plates and hot chocolate mugs for easy access tomorrow. However, Aaron didn’t get far, stopped by the door, where I could overhear him and Sarah.

I paused my work as I listened.

“Thank you,” Sarah said to her brother softly.

Aaron responded with one of his small scoffs, as if dismissing the conversation before it even began. “I didn’t do anything.”

His sister didn’t relent. “You did. You know, it wouldn’t be awful if you stuck around. It wouldn’t be the worst thing to let yourself be happy where you are for once.”

He sighed. “I’m … happy.”

“I can see that. I think you’re telling me the truth too,” she said.

“I am.”

“I just—I don’t want you to lose it.”

He didn’t reply.

“I don’t want to lose you either,” she continued.

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s obvious,” she insisted. “Anyone who’s walked through this place, let alone spent more than an hour with you two, could see that she isn’t just doing her job anymore.”

“That isn’t any of your business.”

“You’re right; it isn’t. But I know you, and I know that unless I say something, you’re going to ruin whatever it is that you’re creating here because you’re stubborn.”

“There’s nothing to ruin, Sarah,” said Aaron. “She has things to do. Jobs to accomplish.”

“I’ve never thought of you as someone who’d stop a woman from enjoying work,” his sister replied with just enough snark.

“I’m not,” he mumbled.

“So, what’s the problem? What’s making you want to leave still?”

I couldn’t help but listen in closer because I too, was curious about what the answer was.

“Nothing. I’ve decided. After this is all over, I’m selling this place now that it’s fixed up. So, enjoy it. I’m moving on. Starting fresh. I think we all deserve that. Don’t you?”

“I think my kids would like to get to know their Uncle Aaron more than they’ve been able to. I think I’d like to spend more time with my baby brother.”

Aaron stuttered as he tried to come up with something to say next, but he was interrupted.

“Mom!” Liana called out. “Can we please open one present tonight?”

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