Bartholomew Jay Westwood, or simply Jay, is a suit fanatic. They're easily his one indulgence. He owns one in every color, which makes it nearly impossible to pick one for an upcoming holiday party. The only one that seems suitable is white, and he originally bought it for a Halloween costume three years ago. But he can't quite bring himself to wear it and settles for another number from his vast collection.<br><br>Unfortunately, tragedy strikes after he stops to pick up a last-minute gift. But the incident takes place outside his favorite suit shop, The Well-Dressed Man, and waiting inside is none other than expert tailor Walden Conway. He might have just the thing Jay needs, and it may be more than a suit.

The Tailor

He felt like he wanted to cry. He fought the urge to give in, turning his gaze skyward. By now, the snow had stopped falling, the heavy blanket of clouds breaking up in a few spots and allowing the stars to peek through. The bright and beautiful moon refused to be shadowed any longer. Walden relaxed a little more with each passing second, the panic he felt inside easing from his body. To him, for as long as he could remember, winter nights held a certain charm, almost like the cold made the stars burn with more passion in hopes they might provide the chilled residents of earth with a touch of heat. An absurd notion, he knew, yet one he conjured up in his youth and continued to hold on to even now.


Chapter 9