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

“The neighbors have a dog,” I said by way of explanation as I gathered ingredients. Deacon chuckled.


“Step up. Want some water?” Apollo called from his perch. Then he sang, “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle bells.”


“I can put him in his room if he’s too noisy,” I offered.


“Hell no. He’s better entertainment than TV.”


Apollo picked at his food for a minute and ate a few bites. Then he made that sex groan again, and I dropped an eggshell into the batter I was mixing. Deacon laughed so hard he had to brace himself on the counter.


“Shut up,” I grumbled, but I was smiling, too.


“Don’t worry, Rory. I like that sound coming from you.”


A pleased feeling spread through my stomach. It only intensified when Deacon stepped up and wrapped his arms around me and turned me so he could kiss me. I melted against him and was only vaguely aware of Apollo barking in the background.


Chapter 14