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

She nods, and the worst tension disappears from around her mouth. “Martha,” she says.


“This way, Martha.” I lead her into the living room, where half of them seem to be trying to out-sing Granny and the rest are too busy laughing at the crazy Christmas choir to notice us.


“You’ll have to excuse us,” I say. “We’re a little kooky.”


“It looks like you’re having fun.”


“Mama!” Poe’s voice cuts through the noise and makes everyone turn their heads toward us. Poe leaps off the couch, crosses the floor in a few long strides, and sweeps Martha into his arms. I step around them to give them space and sit next to my now-silent grandmother on the couch.


Everyone tries to make it seem as though we’re not staring, while never taking our eyes off the warm hug happening in front of our eyes. When Poe finally lets go of his mom, we’re all grinning like lunatics.


“I’m so glad you’re here, Mama,” Poe says, and Martha’s already red cheeks darken even more.


Chapter 28