Page 75 of All in December
“Okay, everyone,” I say, grabbing my phone. “In front of the tree. Nash, let’s figure out where to put your phone.”
He sets it up on some books and starts the timer. “Ten seconds!”
I’m sitting on the floor, and Nash settles behind me, one arm slung around my chest as the kids pile in close.
The shutter clicks as the timer goes off.
And when Nash shows me, it’s perfect.
I know, right then, that I’ve found the perfect man who will give me everything I want, like it’s second nature. He sees all of me and doesn’t flinch, and he seamlessly fits into the mess of my life like he was always meant to be here. He’s the steady I didn’t think I’d ever get to have. He gives withoutkeeping score. He kisses me like he’s still in awe that he gets to. He makes me laugh more than I’ve laughed in a long time. He makes the weight I’ve been carrying feel lighter just by sharing the space.
And the thing is, I didn’t even know how much I needed all of that until he gave it to me.
I’ve given my sexuality more thought over the last couple of days, and honestly, I’m still figuring it out. Maybe I’m gay and not bi, but the label doesn’t matter as much to me as this truth: I’m in love with a man.
A man who makes me feel more seen, more wanted, and more myself than anyone else in the world.
All that matters is that he loves me and my son like he was always destined for us.
He’s my forever.
Epilogue: Nash
ONE YEAR LATER
Being back at the ski resort in December sparks so many happy memories. This time it’s just Caleb and me, though. My partner, my person, the best thing I’ve ever found waiting in a ski line.
Tess and her boyfriend of the last seven months or so have all three kids for the weekend, and we couldn’t have asked for a better co-parenting setup. She’s been more than accommodating, making space for Sam like he’s always belonged, and easing some of that unspoken worry Caleb carried about blending our families.
Not everyone has shown that same acceptance, though. When Caleb came out to his parents this spring, their reaction went about how he expected. They didn’t take it well, but instead of letting it crush him, it finally gave him clarity.
He realized how much hiding had given them control. For years, he shaped his life to avoid conflict, always trying to make everyone else happy while carrying the weight of their expectations. Finally saying the words out loud stripped thatpower away. Losing them hurt, but hiding had cost him far more.
That’s when he understood that freedom isn’t about who accepts you. It’s about learning to accept yourself.
He also proudly labeled himself gay.
To say I’m proud of him is an understatement.
Over the summer, Sam and Caleb moved into our house. It may seem quick to most people, but for us, it’s never felt that way. It just felt right. Ever since we went all in December of last year, we’d known this was it. Sam’s settled into school with Emma and Benji, and the three of them are thick as thieves.
Now, Caleb is standing a few feet ahead of me on his skis, adjusting his gloves, the tip of his nose already pink from the cold. His goggles are pushed up on his helmet as he gets ready to get in the lift line.
“You ready?” I ask, nudging him gently as I slide up next to him.
“I’ve had two coffees and two Tylenol. That’s as ready as I can be.” He laughs.
God, I love him.
We ride the lift up and spend the morning taking slow runs since we don’t have the kids to chase down the mountain. By midday, we’re both worn out and cold. Caleb glides to a stop beside me at the base, cheeks flushed under his helmet, breath puffing in little white clouds. He flips up his goggles. “One more run then lunch?”
I nod, hoping he can’t hear how hard my heart is pounding. “You read my mind,” I say, aiming for casual, even though I’ve been nervously waiting for this all day.
He falls into place beside me in the lift line and smiles up at me. The chair lift brings us back up the mountain, and mynerves are on fire as my fingers toy with the edge of the ring box hidden in my coat.
We’ve discussed remarrying a few times, and Caleb has been vocal about wanting to get married again “one day.” And I want to show him how good marriage can be with the right person.
“Follow me,” I say to Caleb once we get off, skiing toward a perfect slice of solitude that sits off the main run. It’s a little pull-off with a bench and a stunning overlook with unobstructed views. It’s the perfect place to ask him to spend forever with me. When we ski over, I unclip my skis and take off my helmet and goggles. Caleb does the same, looking at me, confused.
