Page 17 of My December Darling

Everyoneoohsandahsas the forty-foot tree is lit.

My sister stares up at it like a kid opening their presents on Christmas morning, and even I find myself entranced for a moment by all the twinkling lights. Despite the chilly air hitting us, a warmth spreads through my body as I remember the countless Christmas seasons we stood here with Gabriela holding my hand while Mami and Papi had their arms wrapped around each other.

Gabriela breaks the moment with an excited clap as she turns to face Aiden and me. “So, what do we want to do first? Sleigh ride through the town? Hot cocoa by the fire? S’mores?”

“Whatever you want.” Aiden tucks my sister into his side to protect her from the wind coming off the lake while I’m stuckblowing on my mitten-covered hands to feel something other than the early signs of frostbite.

You won’t be alone forever,I tell myself.Just for now.

“Should we go ice skating?” Gabriela’s eyes light up.

I remember the last time I sprained my ankle and wince. “Um. I might pass on that one, but you should do it if you want.”

“Actually, I think I know the perfect activity.” Gabriela grins.

I decide to trust my sister and hope for the best. “Lead the way.”

6

LUKE

Aiden and I have kept a healthy competition going ever since we were first-years in medical school. Without him and his annoying habit of betting on everything, I’m not sure I would’ve made it past the massive purge that takes place halfway through the fall semester when people realize their dream of becoming a doctor was better left unexplored.

Since then, Aiden and I have found different ways to keep our rivalry going: sledding, snowball fights, pond hockey, ice skating. The list is endless, including us agreeing to participate in today’s gingerbread house competition. When he mentioned the idea weeks ago, I told him I would be there, prepped and ready to kick his ass.

I never thought to check with him if Catalina would be joining us, mostly because I wouldn’t mind if she does. Maybe that in itself would signal to my best friend that something is different between us because I’ve made a habit of doing otherwise. But if he’s noticed, he hasn’t asked why.

When I arrive at the tent that smells of gingerbread cookies and freshly made icing, Aiden, Gabriela, and Catalina all look at me like I’ve lost my mind.

“Did you seriously bring a level?” Aiden gapes at the tool in my left hand.

“You have no right to judge me here.” Aiden has gone above and beyond in the past to win our bets, including taking private vocal lessons to beat me in a fundraiser karaoke competition, so he shouldn’t talk.

Catalina, who is dressed in a jade green sweater that complements her golden skin and brown eyes, peeks over at the Ziploc full of supplies in my right hand. “Are those tongue depressors?”

“Yes, and if you report me to HR for copping supplies, I’ll deny it until my dying breath.”

Her tightly pressed lips are slowly curling at the corners. I swear I’m becoming obsessed with the idea of getting this girl to smile, even if it never lasts longer than a few seconds.

Her brow arches. “And the cotton balls?”

“Strictly for decor purposes.”

“Of course.” She glances away as if it could hide that amused sparkle in her eyes. I’m tempted to tug on the red velvet bow clipped to the back of her head to gain her attention again, but I refrain from the childish idea.

Gabriela looks over at Aiden and announces, “You’re so going to lose.”

He pulls her into his side. “Have a little faith in your fiancé.”

“You need a miracle is more like it,” Catalina grumbles under her breath, stroking my ego without even knowing it.

“Should we even bother trying?” Gabriela asks her sister.

She shrugs. “Probably not.”

“What if we let the boys have their silly competition while we go check out?—”

“Don’t go,” Aiden cuts her off. “We can make things interesting and split up into teams.”

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