Page 62 of A Winter Redemption

“And we have news,” Ketho said, smiling at Jarne.

“That’s right. We’ll be staying in Ores,” Jarne said. “We’ll build a cabin when the weather warms.”

“Don’t worry, Rhorton will help,” Ketho said. “Neither of us knows how to build a cabin.”

“That’s great news!” Edwin smiled.

“You should come around for a celebratory dinner,” Sinoe said.

“We’d like that,” Ketho said.

They made plans, Jarne took his tea, and they continued.

“You all right?” Ketho asked. “You look thoughtful.”

“I have friends now. I’ve never had friends before.” Jarne smiled. “It’s nice.”

They bought honey-smoked almonds and stood at the bottom of a snow-covered hill, where children, and a few adults, tobogganed down the slope.

Ila and Ethred flew down the hill with squeals of delight. When they reached the bottom, they immediately ran to go again. “Hi, Uncle Jarne! Hi, Uncle Ketho!” they called out as they passed them.

Jarne froze. “Uncle? I’m not their uncle.”

“You’re their family,” Ketho said. “And uncle is probably easier than whatever you technically are.”

Jarne nodded, waving at the girls with a lump in his throat.

“And there are Sero and Aryn,” Ketho pointed.

Sero and Aryn stood at the top of the hill, each with a toboggan and one of the boys. After getting into position, they slid down the hill, and the boys’ excited laughter and screams filled the air.

His family. Jarne’s family.

Jarne took a deep breath, and the scents of the festivities filled his nostrils. “I want to make a perfume that captures the smell of this day. Perhaps I’ll call it Winter Solstice.”

Jarne wanted to capture the scent so he could remember just how he felt right this minute. A fragrance that would remind him of friends, family, a home, and the man he loved.

“That’s an excellent idea.” Ketho wrapped an arm around Jarne’s waist. “You could even sell it at next year’s festivities.”

Jarne stared at Ketho, his throat tight.

Ketho smiled. “You look happy.”

“That’s because I am.” Jarne laughed. “I am happier than I’ve ever been. And I’m in love.”

The corners of Ketho’s eyes crinkled.

“I can’t stop thinking how lucky I am that I caught the eye of an annoying stranger just a month ago,” Jarne said. “He sat across from me at my table and wouldn’t leave me alone. No matter how much I glared at him.”

Ketho laughed.

“That moment changed my life,” Jarne said. “You changed my life.”

“That moment changed my life too,” Ketho said. “Thank you for not giving up on me. Happy Solstice, my love.”

“Happy Solstice.”

Then Ketho kissed him. And Jarne poured all the love and hopes he had for their future into that one kiss.

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