Sometimes the right gift can be life-changing ...<br><br>On the solstice, Rory’s grandfather gives him a pocket watch he claims will have Rory’s life sorted and his problems solved by Christmas. Rory starts out skeptical, but when he reconnects with an ex he never thought he’d see again, he has to admit there might be some holiday magic at work after all.<br><br>Deacon’s life is in shambles, and he’s returned to Syracuse for a fresh start. Running into Rory again feels like much more than a coincidence, and neither of them can deny the passion between them is still smoldering. With the watch behaving oddly at just the right moments, Rory and Deacon might receive the gift of a lifetime ... if they’re willing to accept it.

A Timely Gift

“Mhmm. Gregor had a whole host of students, ready and willing, needing someone to guide them. I jumped at the chance, moved back here, and….” He shrugged. “Here we are.”


I studied him, really looked at him, and saw the contentment in his face—happiness even. Back when he was studying hard and practicing five hours a day, he still made time for his mentor’s younger students and helped them hone their craft. He gave them something to aspire to.


“Well, then.” I finished my latte with a long drink and set the cup on the table. I fiddled with a napkin so I would have something to do with my hands. “Sounds like everything worked out, then.”


“It did.” Deacon cleared his throat and waved a hand. “Enough about me. What have you been doing with yourself?” He eyed the scrubs pointedly.


“Of course.” Deacon’s smile was warm. “You said that once you got your degree in biology, at your parents’ request, you’d get your certification.”


Chapter 5