Page 114 of Deck the Fire Halls

And so the night went on.

I caught Rob talking with Chuck for a long while, but he spoke with everyone, and man... to see him smile.

In his coat and toque, a scarf, and his pink cheeks, the sound of his laughter. It took my breath away. And I even saw him almost slip a time or two, Gunter quick to steady him, or Ren.

That made me smile too.

Because he’d done more than finda community here. He’d gone and found himself a family. A group of friends so beautiful, so welcoming, they couldn’t be anything but family.

And I was included in that.

Sure, I’d been included before. Colson and Ren and Clay had always welcomed me, invited me to watch a game, and as a single guy, new to town, I’d always appreciated that. But it felt different now. The whole group just collected Rob and me into their clutch as if we’d always been there.

It was a great feeling.

“You wanna be careful,” Chuck said, giving me a nudge.

“Hey,” I said. “Didn’t see you come up. What might I wanna be careful about?”

“The way you’re looking at him,” he said quietly. “People might think you’re in love.”

I snorted. “Pretty sure that ship has sailed.”

“I’m damn sure it has.” He was smiling, until he looked around at the whole townsfolk and he shook his head. “I cannot believe the people here, ya know? Not just here tonight, but in this town. Everyone’s been so great, so kind and generous. Can’t believe how lucky we are.”

I clapped his shoulder. “You’ve worked hard for this community. You deserve it.”

He smiled and shoved his hands in his pockets. “You sure you’re okay staying over at Rob’s? You know that’s not what we expect?—”

“I know,” I said. “And believe me, I’m very okay with it.”

“Rob invited us over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. To join you guys. Hope that’s okay?”

Damn, that made me so freaking happy that he would do that for them, that he would do that for me. “Of course!”

He was quiet a moment. “I’m really happy for you, man. He’s a good guy.” It was unlike Chuck to be serious, but given his last week, I’d seen this side of him more these last few days than in the entire last few years. “And you deserve someone who loves you as much as he does.”

Oh.

Damn.

“Thanks,” I said. “He’s kinda great.”

Then he rolled his eyes, the serious Chuck gone and the old Chuck back. “Jesus, that’s what he said andexactlyhow he said it.”

I nudged him with my elbow. “You back at work next week?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. I’ve missed all the stupid shit you say.”

He laughed until he sighed. “I better go find Delaney. She didn’t want to come tonight but I convinced her. All her friends swarmed her and headed for the churros. First time she’s smiled without crying in a week.”

“She’ll be okay,” I offered. “You both will.”

He gave me another clap on the shoulder. “Yeah. We will. Merry Christmas, Soren. See ya tomorrow.”

“Yes, you will.”

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