Will a decade-old family feud and long held secrets stand in the way of love? Auden Whipple is searching for a bit of peace and quiet from his loud family when he stumbles across the neighbor, Porter Eldin. Porter is scorching hot on a freezing Christmas Day, and nothing like Auden expected. A moment shared by the creek begins a relationship that surprises them both. As the Christmases pass, Auden and Porter’s relationship deepens. But the obstacle of the unresolved conflict between the Whipples and the Eldins makes Auden worried. Worried to tell his family of his new-found love, worried that the conflict will come between them. Can two men truly in love help mend fences that have been broken for too long? Can the holiday spirit help Auden and Porter find their happily ever after?

Four Christmases

Despite the chill in the air and the snow on the ground, I’m warm. I can’t think of a better way to spend an early December morning than walking with Poe, holding his hand and drinking the cocoa he’s learned to make to perfection. We don’t have to talk; just hearing him breathe next to me is enough.


When we step into the park—it’s not big: a bunch of trees, a playground, and a couple paths where the nearby residents like walking their dogs—and catch sight of the lit Christmas tree, I laugh and bounce on my feet, unable to contain the giddiness any longer. A deep, satisfied sigh escapes me when we stop next to it. Poe releases my hand and wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close, and presses cold lips against my cheek.


“Thanks for bringing me here,” I say.


I nod. I know he would. “Next year, I want a tree.”


“We need a bigger place to live first.”


Chapter 19