Ginna Wilkerson

Nicole approaches the Christmas holiday with sad nostalgia after a recent breakup with her girlfriend Emma. But much to her surprise, she finds herself attracted to a woman in her forties who her grandfather has been dating. <br><br>During her holiday visit, a storm takes out the power, and in the resulting black-out, romance blossoms between Nicole and Poppi’s “friend.” Then Nicole’s former partner shows up to complicate things.<br><br>Will this holiday drama end in heartache, or will Emma and Nikki get a second chance?

When the Lights Go Out

We all troop into the kitchen to see about a Christmas meal.


As I set foot in the kitchen, there’s a knock at the front door. Now what? We all look at each other in question. Who would be out and about on Christmas morning in this nasty weather? I go to the door in the front of the house and look through the peephole.


And there stands Emma. 11: Happy Holidays


I feel like a tornado just hit me. Or a snow storm. Whatever. Emma is here, in Flagstaff. I’m so shocked I can’t think of what to do.


Emma knocks again, and calls, “Nicole. Ashley. Mr. Branson?”


Now the rest of the group has heard her. Ashley says, “Nikki, open the door.”


So I do, and there is my Emma, dressed for the weather in a black sweater and denim jacket, and looking as cute as she can be. I’m ecstatic to see her, but yet frozen to the spot.


“Hey, Nik. Are you gonna let me in?” She smiles the smile I never have been able to resist.


Chapter 14