Page 57 of Festive Faking
Down here, I was simply Mac, the guy Aspen Sullivan had brought home to meet her folks. I liked flying under the radar, pretending I was some Average Joe. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself, being painted the hero for doing what I could for a few families in need.
I held out my hand, needing the comfort of her touch to explain. Thankfully, she didn’t hesitate, sliding her smooth palm against mine and tangling our fingers together.
“Everyone applauds billionaires for being philanthropists, but if you get a peek behind the curtain, you’ll see how selfish it is. They get massive tax breaks for donating. And don’t forget about naming rights on buildings. There’s no quiet humility; they want everyone to know about their contributions.”
Aspen scooted closer, sensing my need to hold her as I prepared to bare my soul.
“I didn’t earn a single dime of this money. It’s mine simply by virtue of being born a Blaze. How is that any fair when so many out there are struggling to make ends meet? I didn’t get a choice in being rich, just like those kids I bought gifts for have no control over their parents’ financial situation.” I blew out a heavy breath. “I thought that maybe if I did something to bring them joy, to ease their burden, even if only for a brief time, it wouldalleviate some of my guilt over having so much when they have so little.”
She looped her arms around my waist, pressing her cheek flush to my chest, where I was sure she could hear my heart racing.
“Why keep it anonymous?” Her lips brushed my skin as she spoke.
Curling one arm around her back, I stroked down the length of her long hair with my hand. “Because I wanted to do something good for someone else. I didn’t want to taint it by having everyone focus on me. I don’t need the recognition. I’m content to know those kids are going to have an incredible Christmas and their parents are going to have a little extra cushion to get them through the winter.”
Hugging me tighter, Aspen was quiet for a beat. Then came, “Why do you hide this side of yourself?”
That was easy to answer. Going for broke, I said, “Truth. Because I’ve never felt safe enough to share it with anyone else before now.”
When the weight of that sank in, a sharp gasp sounded, but she didn’t say a word.
That was okay. I didn’t need a response; I just needed her to know where I stood, how she made me feel, and that I wanted to be a better person when she was around.
The church was lit by candlelight, giving it an almost romantic vibe for the Christmas Eve service. I sat in a pew with the Sullivans—Aspen by my side—soaking it all in.
My family wasn’t big on religion, so I didn’t find myself inside a church outside of attending the occasional wedding. Andthose were more about powerful families forging alliances that would make them both wealthier as a result. They weren’t about spirituality, and considering how few of the participants valued remaining faithful to their spouse, they weren’t about honoring the sanctity of marriage either.
But like everything else in Rust Canyon, this was about community and inclusion. The little ones were invited up to the front for a reading of the nativity. The candles in our hands had been lit one at a time, passing the flame from person to person, until the interior grew from darkness to light. The hymns were uplifting and joyous, sung loud and clear by all of those in attendance.
The collective warmth settled over my heart, and it felt like home.
When the service concluded, the main lights turned back on, and the congregation was dismissed, but no one went very far. Friends and neighbors mingled, lingering before returning to their homes to enjoy the holiday with their families.
Jett introduced me to a couple by the name of Maddie and Bryan Grant.
Recognition sparked, and without thinking, I asked, “Any relation to Tucker?”
Aspen stiffened by my side, but she remained silent.
Maddie noticed Aspen’s reaction, so she kept her smile muted. “Yes, he’s our son.”
Bryan was oblivious to the tension, chest expanding with pride as he boasted, “The town’s physician.”
Daisy took over the conversation. “Haven’t seen Evie at the bank in a while. Is everything all right with her these days?”
Since I was out of the loop, Maddie took the time to explain to me first, “That’s our daughter,” before replying to Daisy’s question. “She’s found herself back up in Indianapolis.”
“Oh!” Daisy’s shocked expression couldn’t be contained, and it piqued my curiosity.
“Indianapolis,” Aspen mused. “Isn’t that where—”
The smile on Maddie’s face grew brighter as she nodded. “She’s gone home to Jenner. Our girl is back where she belongs and about to become a mama.”
“Well, isn’t that wonderful!” Daisy gushed, clasping Maddie’s hands. “You must be thrilled to become grandparents.”
“It’s truly a blessing. One we’d almost given up hope on.”
They continued to chat, and my eyes scanned the open space, searching for one woman in particular. She’d promised to be in attendance, which I didn’t doubt given her involvement in the church, but I feared that she might’ve left before we got a chance to meet up.
