Page 34 of A Winter Romance
He had pinned on his own Solstice gift. He didn’t know if Sero would still want him to wear the Solstice berries, but he had pinned them on just the same. He needed their strength. Odara had wished him luck as he set off.
It was a little before dawn, which wasn’t particularly early on the shortest day of the year, but the village was already abuzz with excitement and energy. People laughed and talked as they set up their stalls in little wooden huts. The smells of roasted nuts and spices drifted through the air, mixing with the peaty smell of the smoke from the chimneys. A group of humans stood huddled, talking together beside a large pile of snow.
If he weren’t so worried, he might stop and watch, just taking it all in. But right now, all he could think about was Sero.
Please let him forgive me.
Laughter reached him. The blacksmith, Ulrich, stood beside his reindeer as several children patted her. The big man lifted one of the children into the air and placed her on the reindeer’s back. The child squealed, a smile illuminating her face.
At another time, Aryn might think it sweet, but not right now. He ducked between the huts and people but couldn’t see Sero anywhere. Perhaps he was still at home.
He glanced at the ugly loaf he carried.Why couldn’t it have come out better?
Odara had stood by him, giving him instructions, but without Sero’s gentle, calming presence, he’d just kept making errors, getting the ingredients confused, spilling flour, and adding too many berries, which he then needed to pick out. He hoped it tasted good. Or at least tasted better than it looked. He grimaced. He doubted it.
He continued until he reached Sero’s cabin. Aryn took a deep breath, preparing himself to approach. The door burst open. Sero appeared, carrying a tray of baked goods. Aryn froze at the sight of him.
Sero stopped mid-step. He had bags under his eyes, his lips set in a firm line. He stared at Aryn, eyes blank. What Aryn wouldn’t give for a smile, a kind word, or any indication that Sero didn’t despise him.
Aryn opened his mouth, but no words came out. His voice deserted him. Sero’s eyes dropped to the loaf in Aryn’s hands, and his brows furrowed.
“What is that?”
“It’s a loaf,” he said. “A Solstice gift. I baked it myself. For you.”
“You baked it?”
Aryn nodded.
Sero stared at him, silver eyes guarded. “Come inside. I need to put this down if we’re going to talk.”
It wasn’t an acceptance of his apology, but at least he hadn’t slammed the door in Aryn’s face. He followed Sero inside, carrying the ugly loaf. Sero placed the tray on his kitchen counter. He turned, folding his arms across his chest. He didn’t speak.
“I’m sorry.” Aryn took a step closer. “I’m so sorry. I never should have assumed you’d want to move with me to Bordertown.” His gaze went to the loaf. If he looked at Sero, he might lose his nerve. “And I shouldn’t have suggested you change to impress my parents. That was idiotic.”
Aryn took a deep breath. The smells of baked loaves, spices, and sugar filled his lungs.
“I never wanted to make you feel like I look down on you. I don’t. I think you are a wonderful baker. I think you are wonderful and that you are perfect and you don’t need to change a thing about yourself. I’m sorry. I just…” He shook his head. “I’m so sorry.”
“Aryn.” Sero sighed. “It’s not only your fault. I also made assumptions. I assumed you’d want to stay here.” He rubbed at his forehead. “And I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have said those things about your parents. It was cruel.”
“Cruel but true. They always treat me like I’m a failure, like I’m not good enough. But when I’m with you, I don’t feel that way at all.” He took a tentative step towards Sero. “I feel like I’m enough.”
“You are enough,” Sero said. “You are more than enough. And I think you’re pretty wonderful too, just the way you are.”
Aryn let out a breath, his muscles relaxing.
“I’m going to miss you when you go back,” Sero said, tucking a strand of Aryn’s hair behind his ear.
“What if I’ve changed my mind?”
“Changed your mind?”
He nodded and held out the worst loaf that Sero had probably ever seen. “I made this for you. Odara told me that it means love and dedication, and a desire to look after and nourish someone. I know I hurt you, and I’m so sorry. But I want to stay.” Aryn swallowed. “I care for you so much. More than I have ever cared for anyone. I want to look after you and be with you here in Ores if you’ll still have me?”
“But what about Bordertown?” Sero asked, but something like hope burned in his eyes.
“There isn’t anything for me there. I want to stay here. I want to build a life with you. I’m in love with you, Sero. And—”
