Page 123 of It's a Wonderful Knife
“We got a tree,” Max said, looking happy. “And we didn’t have to cut it down ourselves.”
“I’m speechless.”
It only took a few minutes, and the guy returned with a huge, gorgeous tree. It was so fresh to the touch, no needles fell when I ran my fingers along the branches. “This is stunning,” I said.
“I agree.” The guy laughed. “Hope you two have a merry Christmas.”
“Thanks,” Max said, closing the door behind the guy.
I went back into the living room to admire the tree. “She’s a beaut.”
“She is. Even I can see that.”
“That was awful sweet of Mona to do that for us.”
“She’s probably trying to circumvent you asking for a refund by being nice.” He smirked.
I laughed. “Nah. She’s just good people.”
“If you say so.”
I grinned and tugged him over. I wrapped my arms around him, and we stared at the tree. The fresh pine scent filled the room, and I felt a nudge of contentment. “We’re going to end up having a good Christmas after all, Max.”
“It’s my first Christmas with you,” he said softly.
“Yep.”
“I… I think next year, we should just stay here in Rainy Dale.”
“Yeah?”
He nodded. “I like the idea of being home for the holidays.”
His use of the word “home” took me by surprise. “You feel like Rainy Dale is home, Max?”
He hesitated. “I think I finally do. The idea of River trying to run me out makes me furious. I was here before him. I belong here more than him.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. “Are you the same man who has threatened to leave town since the day he first arrived?”
He turned and slipped his arms around my waist. His smile was an odd mixture of affectionate and bewildered. “Honestly, Royce, no. I’m not that same man. I don’t think I even grasped that until this moment.”
My chest ached at the warmth in his voice. “I like you either way.”
“And that’s how I was able to change.” He winced. “Not that I think I’m perfect.”
“I think you are.” I kissed him and then said, “River can go jump in the lake. You’re not going anywhere, Max.”
He nodded. “No. I’m not.”
Epilogue
Max
When Monday came. I didn’t go to River’s clinic to work. How could I face him without strangling him? I had no idea how to be around him without wanting to do him bodily harm. So I gave Girdy extra time off, and I stayed home. Normal people took time off around the holidays, so I decided to do the normal thing.
When Christmas morning arrived, I woke up in Royce’s arms. He kissed me gently and whispered, “Merry Christmas, Max.”
“Merry Christmas.” I smiled up at him.
