Page 59 of A Siren Song for Christmas

“Then I’ll be back tonight.” Trent smiled and walked towards the door.

Malachi grinned and followed. He very much wanted more time with Trent. In fact, when they were separated, he found himself yearning for the young man’s company.

And tomorrow morning, he’d have to rise early to go to the lake. He’d actually skipped doing it the previous week, and he’d then put it off for a couple more days, as he’d not wanted to give up his mornings with Trent.

But he really should go tomorrow. Some of his plants were running low. And soon the surface of the lake would freeze, and he’d be unable to replenish them until it thawed.

Still, he found himself reluctant to lose their time together. Then an idea popped into his head.

“I am going to the forest tomorrow morning. I usually go once a week and harvest aquatic plants from the lakes and rivers. Would you like to come with me?” Malachi asked.

“Really?” Then Trent’s face fell. “I have work.”

“Right. Of course.” Malachi paused. “But I head off before dawn and don’t get back too late.” He frowned. “Although, I’d probably still get back later than when you’d normally leave.”

Trent stared at the floor. “I suppose I could try and work something out with my siblings. I mean, I never ask for time off.” Trent smiled. “Yes! I can do that. I’m sure it will be fine! I’ll come with you to the lake.”

“Excellent.” Malachi stepped in close. He leaned down and kissed Trent. “Until tonight, then.”

“Until tonight.” Still, Trent lingered, staring up at Malachi. Finally, he turned and left with a wave. “Bye.”

“Goodbye.”

And with Trent’s disappearance, Malachi couldn’t help but notice that the light in the emporium dimmed a little.

Chapter

Thirty

By the side of the lake, Malachi packed away the mayaweed.

Trent stood, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

“Cold?” Malachi asked.

Trent wrapped his arms around his chest. “A little. I don’t know how you aren’t frozen through. You were the one swimming in the lake.”

Malachi chuckled. “Sirens can handle colder temperatures.” He reached for his clothes.

“Obviously.” Trent watched Malachi dress, gaze sliding over his torso.

Normally, if Trent gave him that sort of look, Malachi would get Trent naked in seconds. But considering Trent’s lips were currently blue, Malachi thought that would be a bad idea. “I appreciate you coming with me today.”

“Thanks for inviting me.” Trent looked out over the lake. “I don’t come to the forest often in winter. It’s lovely.”

Malachi stood and followed his gaze. A flock of geese flew across the flat surface. Soft sunlight glinted on the water.

“It is.” Malachi never really appreciated the beauty of the lake. It had always been bleak and dull. Even in summer, he’d not noticed it.

But today, he perceived the water shimmering in the breeze. The air smelled crisp. The white snow gleamed. The birdsong, melodic and sweet, even made him smile.

Since Trent had entered his life, he’d started to notice the beauty that existed in the world.

It was amazing the difference a friend could make.

Two jackalopes sprinted across the snow. They paused for a second, raising their heads to look around, ears twitching. Then one dashed off and disappeared amongst the bare tree-trunks. The second one followed.

Trent turned to him. “Do you miss the ocean?”