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

“Look! A piano!” I gasped playfully, as though it had magically appeared. “Maybe you should give it some love?”


My da laughed and shook his head at my antics. Then he turned his attention to Deacon. “We’d be honored if you’d play for us, son.”


“Just not too much or for too long. Okay? Your hand.”


He smiled at me, and affection brimmed in his eyes. “I know my limits.”


I held his gaze and nodded. When he turned back to the piano, I followed my grandfather into the kitchen. Before the door even swung shut, I heard the opening notes of “O Holy Night.” The piano was slightly out of tune, but Deacon made it sound good. I couldn’t stop the smile.


I snapped my gaze to Grandda’s. “Umm…what now?”


He scowled, but there was no heat in it. “I told you it would help sort out your life. And it seems it has. That Deacon lad? You were seeing each other once, aye?”


Chapter 15