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Alec obeyed, sitting on the hearth and still taking everything in. Christmas carols were playing

softly, and there was an open bottle of wine on the kitchen table—two glasses, already poured.

He removed Alec's shoes, placing them near to dry. He then took Alec's hands into his own,

rubbing them briskly. "You're freezing. We need to get you some better gloves."

"I don't understand."

"These are cotton. You need wool."

"No. I mean… I thought you were mad at me."

Tyler was on his knees before him, his expression soft, sweet. "Why would I be mad at you?"

"Because I took off… running back to my shitty ex."

"You thought he was gonna hurt himself, right?"

"Yeah," Alec said, "But I should have known better."

"You're a good man, Alec."

"No, I'm not. You are… not me. I'm terrible. And I look awful."

"No, you don't." Tyler laughed. "How would you even know?"

"I just do." Alec frowned. "I look awful."

"Maybe a little pink and runny from the cold, but that's all."

There was a box of tissue on the mantle and Tyler used one to wipe Alec's nose.

"Why didn't you answer my texts? My call?"

"Oh… that's what this is about." He stood and went over to the hall tree, rummaging through the pockets of his coat. "I never got them. I was having a situation of my own. Bessie had her colt. I didn't make it to the show Tuesday night either."

He crossed back to Alec and placed his cell phone into Alec's hand. It was crushed, the screen

cracked beyond use.

"So you smashed your phone?"

"No. I was taking pictures of Bessie. When the baby breached, we had a red bag situation.

That's when a foal—"

"Whoa!" Alec held his hands up. "I get it… a complication."

"Yeah. So I had to drop my phone and assist the vet. Meanwhile, Brandy got curious… came in

and stepped on it."

Alec stared at the smashed device in his hand.This…he thought.This tiny crushed

communication device has been a huge part of my misery for the last forty-eight hours.

"But, wait. How did you know whatIwas doing?"