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

Our apartment is full of happy people, high on the holiday spirit. I’m convinced it will be a fantastic day.


Poe and I both offer to help Mom with the cooking, but she tells us we’d done our part since we were in charge of the shopping and chases us out by snapping a towel at us. Instead, we all hang out in the living room, listening to the mixed playlist and talking over each other and having fun.


Merry and Poe are on the floor, engaged in a competition: who can make the loudest car noises. Dylan—the most restless person in the northern hemisphere—is out for a walk, but if Emily is to be believed, it’s so he can talk to his new girlfriend without being interrupted. Dad has his arms flung around Emily and Granny, and Rob’s gaze is firmly glued to his daughter, making sure she’s not too loud or rowdy.


Except for the missing Eldins. I desperately wish that at least Poe’s mom will show up, but preferably both of them.


“This was a great idea, Auden,” Dad says.


Chapter 27