Page 6 of Christmas for Keeps

“Why do you think I’m still in Boston?”

“Because nowhere else would have you?”

We kidded around for a few minutes, and I enjoyed his laughter. It had always warmed my heart. With the ice broken, I figured I could ask a few questions; Connor and I had known each other too well to be shy.

He must have felt the same way, because before I could say anything, he asked, “Why did you move to Stowe? The last thing I knew, you were still at Columbia.”

“After we… well, I’d decided to stay in New York.”That was close. Watch what you say.“But things changed after I finished my master’s degree. Without assignments and classes, I couldn’t find any inspiration. A friend and I came here to see the autumn leaves, and that was all it took. Halfway through the weekend, my mind was teeming with ideas. I knew I had to live here, and I only went back to the city long enough to pack my things.”

He’d replaced his flirty grin with a thoughtful smile. “That’s a cool story. Vermont’s stunning.”

“It is, in every season. I’m in the middle of painting a beautiful house in the winter. All this snow might give me a new perspective.” I had a feeling it was seeing Connor that would give me a new perspective. My batteries were already charging faster than they had in years.

“You’re very talented. You know I’ve always loved your work. The painting you did for me is still on my living room wall.”

My heart lurched. “That’s… thanks.”

“I always told you how great you are.”

Yeah, I’m so great you couldn’t even tell me we were over.

Fuck!It was time to change the subject before I said something like that out loud. “What about you? Are you still in Boston?”

“Yes, but I moved to an apartment after I started teaching.”

“You’re teaching now? I was so sorry you had to…” I stopped to swallow. “And you’re in an apartment? The last time I was there, you thought you might stay in the house until we moved to the… Fuck, I’m sorry, Con.”

He blew out a long breath and ignored the awkward things I’d said. “You knew the house was rented, and with both my parents gone, there was no reason to stay. After that year taking care of Dad, I needed to live somewhere else.”

Connor’s mom died while he was still in college, and his dad got sick a year later, right after he graduated. Since he had no siblings, he went home to care for his dad. “I understand. Do you like your place?”

“It’s nice. Not what I’d planned on, but… well, you know, life happens.”

“What grade do you teach?” He’d always been passionate about working with kids but postponed teaching while his dad was sick.

“Second.”

I chuckled. “Wow, you’re a brave man. I’m sure you kick ass, and all the kids love you. You like it as much as you thought you would?”

“Even more. The kids are so sweet, and it’s awesome seeing them grow and learn.”

“That makes me happy. I always knew you’d be good at it.” I focused on the road, trying to decide what to say. “You ever think about leaving the city? We used to dream about living in the country somewhere.”

God, I can’t help myself.

Again, he ignored the awkwardness. “I’d love to get out of Boston, so I’m thinking about looking around for next year. I just need to figure out where I want to go.”

“Must be lots of places looking for good teachers.”

A blast of wind shook the SUV, and Connor gave a surprised whoop. I instinctually reached for his hand, and he didn’t resist. Once I had it, I didn’t know what to do but hold on. “You always loved children,” I said. “Remember how we talked about having a family together one day?”

Oh shit.

He gently pulled his hand away. “Yeah.” Looking out the window, he said, “Sure I do.”

“Still want a family?”

“God, Zach!” He sat quietly for a few seconds. “It would be nice someday, but… How are your parents doing?”