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

“It’s not crazy.” He keeps touching my hair with reverent fingers. “It’s vibrant. Lively. Just like you.” He lets his hand fall to his side and looks away.


I step into his line of vision. “Thank you. That’s a lovely compliment.”


“I mean it.” His voice gets even growlier when he’s emotional.


He sucks his lower lip into his mouth. “Good.”


We finish the rest of the cider in silence, with our free hands tightly clasped together. His palm pressing against mine is my new favorite sensation.


When my phone goes off in my pocket, I groan. “Who decided it was a good idea to be available twenty-four-seven?” I dig out the offending object. A picture of Grampa’s smiling face flashes on the screen and I show it to Nelson. “I have to take this.”


Chapter 9