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21

RAIN

“I don’t understand,” Ollie said, putting cards into netted bags. “John is fixing everything from the fire, adding a glass ceremony room, another reception room, and he’s doing it all before Valentine’s Day? It took a year for them to put up the steakhouse on Main Street.”

Owen squinted. “He knows the right people.” Adding candies to the bags, he passed them to Rain, who tossed in bottle openers with Marci and Isaiah’s wedding date on them.

“Even with the right people he should-”

“It’s bribes, Sunshine. He’s paying everyone off.” Finn gently took the bags from Ollie, keeping the assembly line going as Marci appeared at the head of the table, looking over their progress.

“Good job, everyone!” In a cute white wraparound dress, Marci shone as the bride-to-be. With less than two months to go, she’d assembled everyone she could to make wedding favors and help out with the planning, and Isaiah had volunteered Bar None for it, making it somewhat of a working party.

“How many of these do we have to make?” Emma asked, eyeing her tinned soy candles as more bags approached.

“Three hundred and fifty. But my family is splitting the work.” It was true, her parents, siblings, and cousins had amassed quite a pile at their table. Emma grunted something about competition but Rain was too busy wondering about Mason to listen. Marci had snatched him up as soon as they’d walked in, wanting to go over the shot list, and Rain had been relegated to wedding-favor duty. “Drinks, anyone?”

“Are you driving?” Finn looked at Ollie, who nodded. “I’ll have a beer.”

“Can I get some fries from the kitchen?” Ollie asked sheepishly and Marci’s smile widened.

“Of course, hun.”

“I’ll take some fries too,” Rain stated, bumping Liam’s shoulder as he sat down next to him. As part of the wedding party, Liam had also been kidnapped but Marci must’ve let him out early for good behavior.

“Hello, Rain. I hear you’re the photography assistant on this job.” Liam’s eyes flicked to Owen, who winked at him.

“Yep! I can’t wait. If the weather is warm enough, I might be able to get some drone shots.” A bunch of bags hit Rain’s part of the table and he stuffed bottle openers in them.

“You can’t shoot in the cold?” Liam helped with the last few.

“Not with the drone we have but I’ll eventually get one that can.” He’d been eyeballing a few but they were pricey.

“If you do fly it at Marci’s wedding, let me know. Oh, and thank you for the gift cards and the flowers, you didn’t have to do that.” Liam blushed prettily, genuine gratitude in his eyes

“Of course I did. You’re the reason we got to keep the house!” Rain stated, like Liam was being ridiculous for thanking him for a thank you.

“I’m glad. But really, it was Ms. Chauhan who did all the work.”

“And we would’ve never had a chance with her or even known about her if you hadn’t hooked us up.” Bumping his shoulder again, Rain enjoyed the way Liam’s blush deepened and so did Owen because he drifted to their side of the table, sending the assembly line into chaos just so he could kiss Liam on the head.

“Hi, Angel. Helping out?”

“Kind of,” Liam giggled, jumping up to hug him, and Rain wished he could do the same with Mason.

As if Joyce had somehow heard his plea, the empty chair beside him filled and the familiar scent of darkroom sage teased his nostrils. Turning, he smiled, raising an eyebrow that asked Mason where he’d been, and Mason’s eyelids fluttered, which was his way of rolling his eyes.

“The bride’s mother had an extended shot list. You were better off here.”

“Oof. You poor thing.” Rain grabbed Mason’s hand in both of his own. “Thank you for taking one for the team.”

“Here you go!” Marci plopped a bunch of drinks on the table as Isaiah handed Ollie and Rain their fries, and Rain dug in, watching as Owen started and looked at his phone.

“Is something wrong?” Finn asked.

“Yes.” Owen pursed his lips in frustration, his arm around Liam. “Another candidate withdrew after talking to John.”

“Typical,” Marci huffed, hands on her hips.

“Candidate for what?” Getting back together with Mason had pushed Rain out of the loop on The Pointe’s news, and he refused to read the thousands of messages that had piled up in the group chat, so he was behind the times.

“Ma?tre d’” Emma stated and Rain whipped his head from her to Marci.

“Are you leaving? The place will crumble without you!” he blurted.

“You are so right, hun, because it would,” Marci laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m not leaving but there will be three rooms at The Pointe now. I could use a break and I’m going on my honeymoon soon. Who’s going to run things while I’m away?”

“I wish we could twin you,” Owen sighed.

“So does Isaiah,” she smirked as some of the table snickered. “But I get it, the job is difficult. We need someone who has managerial and hospitality experience, who doesn’t fold under pressure or large personalities, who knows how to please even the toughest customers, and on top of that they need to be super organized.”

“Not a tall order at all,” Emma stated with a wave of her hand. “I’m glad I make cakes.”

“Yeah.” Rain picked up a few more fries, grinning when he saw Mason snatch one from the corner of his eye. “Who knows somebody like that? I mean-”

Realization him like a bus and the fries fell from his hand, scattering across the table.

“Wait, I think I do know someone.”

“Tristan!” Rain dove across the threshold, hugging him before he had a chance to step inside.

“It’s good to see you, kid. Merry Christmas.” He patted Rain on the back and took a look around, his eyes resting on the stained glass above the door. “This is a swanky house!”

“I know, right?” Rain stood aside, letting him in. “There’s, like, a zillion hidden rooms in this place.” He hung Tristan’s coat and the second his hands were empty a shopping bag full of gifts was shoved into them.

“Tristan, you didn’t have to!” To Rain, his presence was more than enough.

“It’s the holidays, kid!” His light brown eyes softened with joy. “And it’s not all for you, greedy. There are gifts in there for Mason and Mouse too - and speak of the devil, there she is! Hello, sweetheart, I missed you!”

She wound herself around Tristan’s legs, giving him plentiful meows that told him she felt the same. Picking her up, he scratched her under the chin while studying the painting by the stairs.

“That is intense. I feel like I’m in that garden. Do you know who the artist is?

“My grandmother.” Mason, who’d been lurking in the living room, came forward, eyes hesitant. “This was her house.”

“Was?” Tristan gave him a solemn nod. “I’m sorry for your loss, and for the art world’s loss as well. She was incredibly talented.”

“…thank you,” Mason said with a slight grin. After a beat, he held out his hand. “I’m Mason.”

“Tristan.” They shook warmly, and Rain tried not to pump his fist because he always knew that they’d get along; they both had quiet souls. Besides, Rain often spoke about how he owed a lot to Tristan because he’d kept Rain as sane and safe as possible growing up, and Mason’s eyes had always lit up with interest whenever Rain mentioned him.

However, when Rain had first asked about inviting Tristan over for the holiday, Mason had been unsure. Since Rain had lived with Tristan during the not-breakup, Mason had been worried that Tristan would dislike him or have a poor impression of him, and Rain had to explain that Tristan didn’t have the ability to hold grudges.

“Just so you know, I caught the exhibition a few days after it opened.” Tristan put Mouse down and she settled right next to him. “Honestly, I’m glad I wasn’t there on opening night because I shed a few tears. You made Rain look ethereal.” Extending his arm, he gathered Rain up, squeezing him against his side, and Rain felt like a kid again in the best way.

“He does that himself. Rain makes my job easy.” Mason’s intense gaze held nothing but love.

“Look at this man with the correct answers!” Tristan stage-whispered to Rain. “No wonder you’re smitten.”

Mouse trilled as if she agreed and Rain barked out a laugh, feeling his cheeks burn.

“I am smitten.” He enjoyed how Mason’s lips twitched, slightly curving into a smile. “ Anyway , you should show Mason the pictures from your hike!”

“Kid, I am not even close to the level that he is.” Tristan put his hands up, waving them as he chuckled.

“I want to see them,” Mason insisted with an unexpected level of enthusiasm and they all sat at the dining room table, next to the real painting of Mason on the porch as a boy. Now that the house was theirs and Mason’s family was no longer a threat, Rain had encouraged him to display it and he’d readily agreed.

“Is that you?” Tristan looked back and forth between Mason and the piece. “She truly knew how to get to the root of a person. I guess it runs in the family.”

Mason’s eyes widened a bit, but then he grinned softly. “I wish I had half her talent.”

“Shut up, Mason, you have all her talent.” Rain kissed him on the cheek and while Tristan showed off his photography skills, Rain went into the kitchen where he’d been keeping their dinner warm. Since Mason wasn’t a cook and Rain could only make basic things, they’d ordered in from Rain’s favorite place, and once he’d plated everything and brought it out to the table, Tristan let out a long whistle.

“You are spoiling me,” he stated, heaping potatoes onto his plate. “Once again, thanks for having me over. I’m so glad that you two worked everything out. I’ve never seen Rain this happy.”

“Tristaaaan, you’re giving big dad energy right now.” Rain could feel his cheeks burning as he slathered a roll with butter.

“My life’s goal is to keep Rain happy,” Mason declared in his low, serious tone. It hung there for a few seconds before Rain remembered to close his mouth.

Meeting Mason’s eyes, Tristan nodded.

“Another correct answer.” He tried the turkey. “This is amazing, guys.”

“It’s takeout.” Rain couldn’t be more grateful for the subject change.

“Still amazing.” Tristan ate another forkful. “As long as it’s not instant noodles, peanut butter, or granola bars, I’m good.”

“Way too much of that on the trail, huh?” Sampling the food, Rain tried not to hum as it melted in his mouth.

“Yes. And after eating dry ramen-”

“You ate it without adding water?” Mason interrupted and Rain stared at him in shock, not used to seeing him interact normally.

“All the time.” Tristan’s expression indicated that it wasn’t tasty. “You’re so hungry by the time you hit the northern states that you barely want to stop for water. You want to make miles and calories.”

“Did you like the thru-hike?” Mason followed up, cutely invested.

“Asking the important questions!” Tristan smiled, but it had an edge. “It was hard as hell but I had the time of my life. I think coming back to the regular world and working behind four walls every day is harder than doing the trail.”

“How is the hosting going?” Rain asked, taking the opportunity to steer the conversation because he had a surprise gift for Tristan, if he wanted it.

Tristan smiled fully, with teeth. “I hate it. It’s toxic and stifling.”

Putting down his knife and fork, Rain steepled his fingers, looking at Tristan over them.

“Would you consider working in weddings and events?”

Tristan chuckled. “As what? The ring bearer?”

“As ma?tre d’” Rain stated simply, flattening his hands on the table.

“Ma?tre d’? For a wedding hall?” Tristan frowned in thought, stroking his beard as he stared at the table. “Why are you asking? Does The Pointe need someone?”

“Yes, and I think you’d be perfect for the job. You’d get Tuesdays and Wednesdays off, so it’s great for midweek hiking, the place gives you these crazy benefits, and I can vouch that it’s not boring.”

“I’m aware. It was like wedding hall gossip hour when you stayed with me.” He gave Rain a loaded half-grin. “But would it be okay with the higher-ups if we worked together?”

“It’s fine,” Rain snorted and Mason huffed, echoing him. “There are at least fifteen couples on staff if you include the servers, and Finn just got his brother a job as sous chef. You and I being related is no big deal.”

“Okay. I’ll look into it.” A glimmer of hope flashed in Tristan’s eyes and Rain couldn’t be more pleased with himself.

“Yay!” he clapped his hands, dancing in his chair before picking up his phone and typing. “Here’s Owen’s number. Call him after the holidays. I’m serious, Tristan. He’ll want to talk to you immediately.”

“Again, you’re spoiling me, kid.” Tristan reached out, chucking him under the chin and they resumed eating. The rest of the dinner went wonderfully; in fact, Tristan ended up staying longer than any of them had expected and once the door closed behind him, Mason looked truly sad to see him go.

“I like him,” he stated, watching Mouse bat around the large catnip fish that Tristan had gotten her.

“I knew you would.” Sobering, Rain took a deep breath; now was the perfect time. Since they were still upstairs, he gestured toward the living room, trying to look like he had no ulterior motive. “Can we sit down in there? I um…I have something to give you.”

“Yes.” Mason paused for a few heartbeats. “I have a present too.” And in full Mason style, he vanished around the corner, making Rain giggle, which eased his nerves a bit.

“Do you have to take more pictures?” he called out, grabbing the box he’d hidden under the couch, and when Mason came back with a large red and green shopping bag, he wore a slight smirk.

“You will remind me of that moment for the rest of my life,” he grunted as both of them sat down, facing each other.

For once, the silence between them was awkward and Mason tilted his head, picking up on Rain’s hesitation and thankfully taking over. Thrusting the bag forward in both hands, he dropped it in Rain’s lap.

“I hope you like it.” Somehow, Mason’s expression didn’t match what he was saying. He seemed on edge about this gift, as if he were nervous too, but he had nothing to worry about. Rain would take anything he had to give.

“I’m sure I will.” Sifting through the shiny silver tissue paper, Rain pulled out a stunning new backpack. Smaller than his old one, it was updated with more pockets and stylish zippers. Spinning it in his hands, Rain checked it out from all angles.

“I know you’ve had your bag for a while but one of the straps is falling off,” Mason stated, and Rain’s eyebrows rose as he studied the gift further. “And this one has a place to put your pepper spray.” Mason pointed out a loop on the outside and Rain touched it, grinning.

“That’s great. I still carry it but I haven’t held it in a long time.” He hadn’t used a lot of things in a while, including his old pack. In a way, that bag was sentimental to him; it had seen him through a lot. But maybe it was time for a change. He didn’t need an emergency bag anymore because he didn’t need to flee at a moment’s notice, and to be honest, it was an awesome backpack. The more Rain explored it the happier he was.

“I love it,” he grinned, fishing through an inside pocket to check its depth when he realized that there was something in there. Grasping at the slippery steel, he pulled it out, the bag falling sideways to the floor as his eyes went wide and his heart practically thumped out of his chest.

This was the bracelet he’d been admiring a few weeks ago, in Joyce’s bedroom.

“Mason…” Rain stroked it for a moment before his head snapped up and he held it out. “I can’t accept this. It was your grandmother’s.”

“She’d want you to have it. It’s just sitting on her dresser. It will look much better on your wrist.” Reaching up, Mason closed Rain’s fingers around the bracelet and Rain lowered his hand, looking at the piece again.

“Yeah?” He had to ask one more time, because in all truth, he wanted to keep it, and when Mason made a soft affirmative sound, Rain threw his arms around him. “Thank you, Mason. This means a lot to me.” Shyly, he pulled back, holding it out again. “Help me put it on?”

A short growl left Mason’s mouth as he took the bracelet from Rain’s palm, pecking the underside of Rain’s wrist before replacing it with silver and locking the clasp. The air between them intensified, and Rain leaned in, placing a slow, sweet kiss on Mason’s lips before reaching for his present.

“Okay, now I have something to give you.” Doubt began to rear its ugly head. When the idea had popped into his mind, Rain had thought it was brilliant but now he worried that he’d overstepped.

“What’s the matter?” Mason asked, and Rain shook himself.

“N-Nothing.” He handed it over. “Here you go. Merry Christmas, Mason.”

Mason stared at him for a few seconds, as if he were scanning Rain’s brain, and then his attention slid to the small golden box in his hands. Taking off the lid, he put it aside and stared at the DVD and jump drive nestled in the tissue paper.

“What is it?” Picking up the disc, he read the label aloud. “Precious Memories…”

Standing, Rain took it from his hands, turning on the TV and DVD player. While there was a file they could watch on the drive, Rain thought that using a television instead of a computer screen would make the whole thing more impactful.

Holding his breath, he placed the disc in the tray and sat back down, one hand fiddling with the end of his ponytail as the other pressed play on the remote.

It took a few seconds for the video to fade in and although it was grainy and jumpy, by Mason’s sharp intake of breath he could tell that it was his grandmother. She stood in the yard behind the house, next to a smaller weeping willow, and with her dark hair and youthful face she looked a little like Mason.

“I know what you’re thinking and I’m sorry if I crossed a line but Dylan knows a videographer who transfers eight-millimeter films, and I thought it would be great if he could put together all the clips where she was alone.”

“…it’s all just her?” Glassy eyes glued to the TV, Mason’s voice quivered and it shook Rain’s heart.

“Yeah, it’s all just her.” On the screen, Joyce twirled in her dress, vibrant and alive, and Mason let out a sob.

“Thank you.” All of a sudden, Rain was crushed in a hug. “Thank you so much. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to see what was on the films but…” He looked up at her once more, the light from the television reflecting on his wet cheeks. “But it’s like she’s with me again.”

Beaming, Rain blinked away his own tears. “I’m so relieved because at first I thought it was a great idea, and then I started second-guessing myself.”

Pulling back, Mason’s brows rose as if to say Oh that’s what it was but then he wiped his face and gave Rain a second gift, another one of his happy smiles, the kind that transformed his entire face and reflected in his eyes, and Rain never wanted to blink for fear of missing even a millisecond of it.

“I love this. Thank you, Rain. You’ve done so much for me. You’re my muse and inspiration. You fought to keep this house. You help me with my business. And you gave me this.” Mason grasped both of Rain’s hands, linking their fingers together. “But most of all, you opened my heart. With you, I feel complete.”

Joyce waved from the screen, blowing a kiss at the camera as if she were reaching across time to give them her blessing.

“Mason…” A wave of warmth washed through Rain. “I didn’t believe in relationships or romance or any of that stuff, but I’ve never been so happy to be wrong. And you’ve helped me too, more than you’ll ever know. You’ve given me safety. You’ve given me a home.” Gently, he leaned in, kissing Mason’s lips, excited to do that again and again for the next hundred years. “And you showed me, without a doubt, that love is real.”