Page 51 of Baran
Baran took a cautious bite of his slice, savoring the melted cheese and crisp crust. Across from him, Miss Charlotte was already talking about gifts.
“You sure know about clothes and gifts.”
“It comes with practice. What about you? Any ideas for Darien?”
Baran frowned, feeling the weight of the question. “I…don’t know. He’s already done so much for me. What do you even give someone like him?”
Miss Charlotte smiled gently. “Something personal. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy. Just something that shows you’ve been paying attention.”
Baran stared at his pizza, mulling it over. “This is my first Christmas,” he admitted after a moment.
Miss Charlotte’s expression softened. “I guessed as much,” she said. “It’s a special time, you know. Not just the presents but being with people who care about you.”
Baran glanced up, meeting her kind eyes. “It’s…different. I’m not used to this.”
“That’s okay,” she said warmly. “You’re allowed to feel that way. Just take it one moment at a time.”
“Can I ask you a personal question?” Baran asked.
“Yes, what would you like to know?”
“Why did you move here?”
“That is a personal question, but I’ll answer it. A long time ago in Scotland, when I was in my twenties, I met a man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. We had plans to marry and start a family. Then my fiancé was tragically killed ina car accident, leaving me heartbroken. I found it difficult to stay in the village where his memory was everywhere. I saw an ad for help in New York, so I moved away and never regretted it.”
“I’m so sorry that happened.”
“Thank you. I worked for Darien’s parents and practically raised him.”
“What was he like when he was a child?”
“He was a bright, shining star. He was loved by everyone. He was, and still is, loving, kind, and generous. His father was not pleased with him, but his grandparents and mother fussed over him.”
“Where are his parents now?”
“They live in Wainscott, which is in the Long Island area, and travel a lot.”
The conversation shifted to lighter topics, but Baran couldn’t stop thinking about her words as they finished their meal. Christmas wasn’t just about the gifts or the tree—it was about being part of something bigger, a kind of belonging he wasn’t sure he deserved but was beginning to hope for. After their pizza, they finished shopping, then had the driver take them home. Daddy Darien was already there.
Chapter Twenty-five
Darien
The snowstorm had leftthe city blanketed in ten inches of white, transforming every corner into a winter wonderland. Darien watched the men shuffle out of the shelter, bundled in mismatched coats and scarves. He had rented a bus for this trip—something to bring a little joy to their lives, a break from the usual. As Baran climbed into the window seat, Darien gave him a quick grin and sat beside him. The bus was already brimming with chatter, the men’s laughter warming the frosty evening air.
The idea of including Baran on Christmas Day with his parents had been on his mind for a while, and he had to bring it up. Taking a deep breath, he decided now was the time. “Hey, Baran,” Darien began, trying to sound casual. “How would you feel about visiting my parents in Wainscott on Christmas Day and spend the night?”
Baran looked up, a mixture of disbelief and uncertainty on his face. “Your parents? In Wainscott?”
Darien nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. “Yeah. I think it would be nice for you to meet them. They’re really looking forward to meeting you.”
Baran hesitated, looking out of the window, then at Darien. “I don’t know. What if they don’t like me? What if it’s awkward?”
Darien reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Baran’s. “I understand your concerns, but my parents are kind and open-minded. They had their own struggles when I came out, but they’ve come a long way. They’re eager to meet you.”
Baran looked into Darien’s eyes. “You really think they’ll accept me?”
“I do,” Darien said firmly. “They care about me, and they’ll see how much you mean to me. They’ll see the amazing person you are.”
