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

I set the casserole on the trivet on the table, found the corkscrew, and opened the wine. I’d intended to serve a chardonnay, so the glasses were already on the table. But his Chenin blanc was even better. After I poured the wine, I served us both a generous helping and sat down.


Deacon took a cautious bite in deference to the heat, and he closed his eyes as he savored the morsel in his mouth. “God, that’s good.”


“Thank you. I cheated a little with the sauce and used canned soup as the base, but still, it’s pretty good.” I took my own bite and loved the way the flavors melded on my tongue.


Chapter 8