Page 154 of Something Like Winter

the old painting had been before Allison took it, hung the one Tim had

recently completed. The colors and spirit were the same as the painting

from so long ago, but now the emotions flowed freely, no longer denied.

Tim had poured all of those feelings on the canvas, choosing two hands

instead of hearts, the fingers intertwined. One hand was clearly his own,

the other what he remembered of Ben’s. Glancing down, he saw that his

memory hadn’t failed him. Ben raised his hand as if seeing it for the first

time, and Tim gently took hold of it, adjusting their fingers, weaving

them together until they matched those of the painting.

“I love you, Benjamin Bentley. I should have told you that twelve

years ago. I’ve always loved you.”

Tim looked into Ben’s eyes and saw uncertainty, maybe even fear.

Once upon a time, it’s what Ben must have seen when looking into his

own. Tim didn’t let it dissuade him. Ben had taught him how to bring a

heart out of the dark. Tim could finally do the same for him. “What now?” Ben asked.

“Now we start over.”

Tim leaned forward for a kiss, only bridging half the distance. The

rest was up to Ben—had to be his choice. Ben closed his eyes and leaned

forward, their lips touching, and they were teenagers again. Time had granted them mercy, turned back the clock, and given them a second

chance.

“Wait,” Ben said, pulling away. His cheeks were flushed. “This is

going so fast.”

Tim chuckled. “Twelve years later and you think a kiss is too fast?”

Tim leaned forward again, and this time the kiss lasted longer. But then

Ben fell into him, clutching arms around his torso and hiding his face

against Tim’s neck. He could feel tears against his skin.

“I know,” Tim whispered, wrapping arms around him. “I mean, I

don’t know, but I can imagine.”

This had to be weird. Ben had kissed Jace for years, had kissed him

last, and maybe what he was doing now felt like betrayal. Or maybe it