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

His chuckle grows louder, and he throws an arm around my shoulder. “Where did all that fierceness come from? I’m so proud of you.”


I nod, but my adrenaline is still running high as we reach the house, so I open the door, throw off my outerwear, and continue into the kitchen where everyone except Poe, Granny, and Merry are gathered.


With my chin pushed out and my hands on my hips, I glare at them. “If any of you have a problem with Poe being here today, tell me now and we’ll leave immediately. I’m tired of this crap.”


No one speaks for several seconds. Mouths fall open, but their eyes shine with something akin to awe. Then Dad steps forward and clasps my shoulder. “No, son. No problem. He’s welcome to stay.”


The others nod along with him. “Yes,” Mom confirms.


With that, my ire finally dissipates. “Good,” I mutter, shoulders slumping, hands taking up their fluttering again.


Chapter 23