Page 55 of Moody's Grumpy Holiday

So…why December?

Well, I wasn’t afraid of it anymore. I wasn’t afraid of losing or being left behind. No more tears, no more sadness.

I had Hudson now. And he had me. There would be no more grumpy holidays. Only joy.

“Santa and the sassy elf has been overdone. Santa and the cowboy has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” I pointed at the lights. “That one is crooked.”

Hudson fixed the light in question and hopped off the ladder, pulling me into a sneak-attack hug and fusing his mouth to mine. We broke apart with a laugh and stared at each other as if in wonder.

“You’re the best Christmas present I’ve ever received.”

“Ever? Better than the Xbox console you coveted in your teens?” I teased, snaking my arms around his waist.

“A thousand times better. No comparison.” He traced the pad of his thumb across my bottom lip. “I love you, Moody.”

“I love you, too.”

And I would forever.

I’d learned to let go of hurt and sadness. It hadn’t been easy…until Hudson. And now…I craved this life—the silly stories, the quiet nights, the laughter.

I believed in second chances and happy endings. I believed in the spirit of the holidays…with hope and love.