The most wonderful time of the year is about to get even better.<br><br>On a cold, rainy December morning, Finn’s beloved Grampa, his best friend and rock, makes a friend outside their home who he invites in for coffee. The last thing Finn expects is Nelson, a man with a painful past, who is beautiful and generous and turns Finn’s knees into jelly.<br><br>What starts out as a chance to get out of the rain, soon becomes more as Nelson helps Finn get ready for the Christmas market. They bond over coffee and fabric and Mariah Carey. Can handmade Christmas ornaments and an understanding heart give Nelson the love he’s been denied?

Under the Felt Mistletoe

I groan and hide my face in my palms but can’t help smiling. “I apologize for Grampa. He ishousebroken, I swear.” I look up again, but the rest of my apology dies on my lips as I lay my eyes on Nelson.


The cautious smile from before is replaced with a genuine one and his eyes shine as he looks at Grampa. He straightens his back a little; the movement is barely noticeable, but I can’t take my eyes off him so I see it.


His smile widens even more as Grampa beheads a second gingerbread man with his teeth. I snatch the tin from his hands. I want to be a part of this moment, too. I want that smile directed at me


The cookies are beautiful. Someone—Nelson?—clearly has icing skills. The cookie I pick has a white beard and a jovial smile, and it’s a pity to eat it. But the scent of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is too enticing for me to resist, and I take a bite.


Chapter 3