Christmas Lovers: A Night With Brother's Best Friend

Tiffany's POV "Women are the strongest and most beautiful creations I have ever known." These were the words of my ex-husband, James, that first made me fall for him. We’d been in love since high school, inseparable through all the ups and downs of growing up. Right after graduation, we took the plunge and got married. Life with James felt like a dream—one I thought would last forever. In my eyes, he was the perfect husband, a wonderful man, until everything I believed about him crumbled one fateful night. I was seven months pregnant, and it was the day before our wedding anniversary when I discovered him in the arms of my best friend. In one unbearable moment, the future I’d envisioned, the family we were building, the plans for our child—all of it shattered like fragile glass. "Mama, when will we get to Grandma and Grandpa’s house?" My son, Evan, tugged on my sleeve, pulling me out of the painful memories. I blinked back tears, offering him a gentle smile. "Soon, sweetheart," I reassured him, reaching over to tousle his soft hair. His little grin filled my heart with warmth, melting away some of the sadness lingering in me. We were finally returning to my hometown after three years of separation from the life I'd once known. I had promised myself it was time to start fresh, for me and for Evan. Snow blanketed the entire town in a peaceful white layer, and the holiday decorations transformed the streets, reminding me of the magic of Christmas. Our Uber came to a stop in front of my parents' house, a familiar sight that immediately brought comfort. I climbed out, holding Evan’s hand tightly as the driver helped with our bags. "Hey, Sis!" I looked up to see my older brother, Caleb, bounding toward us with his typical enthusiasm. "And my handsome little nephew!" He swooped Evan into his arms, spinning him around until Evan’s laughter filled the cold air. “Careful, Caleb!” I couldn’t help but smile, though my heart swelled with concern. The driver waved goodbye, and I thanked him as he pulled away. "Uncle Caleb, where's the candy you promised?" Evan asked eagerly. "Don't worry, it's inside," Caleb assured him with a wink. "I’ve got tons of candy waiting just for you." He grabbed our bags, dragging them inside with his usual big-brother ease. Stepping into the warm, familiar embrace of my parents' home, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. My mother, Katherine, pulled me into a tight hug, her hands gently cradling my face as she kissed my forehead. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, and I knew mine did too. "I'm sorry it took me so long to come back," I whispered, leaning into her warmth. My father, Sebastian, who had always seemed so Stoic and reserved, surprised me with his open affection. His eyes softened as he held me close, kissing my cheek and giving me a reassuring pat on the back. "Welcome home, dear," he said with a small, tender smile. Evan, in the meantime, had found his way into his grandparents' arms, his tiny fists clutching as many candies as he could hold. "Just one candy, Evan," I reminded him, gently taking the extras away to keep him from overindulging. "Oh, let the kid enjoy his candies," Caleb teased, feigning offense. "Right, because I definitely want his teeth to end up like yours," I shot back playfully, rolling my eyes. Caleb might have been five years older, but he still loved acting like a big kid. I gave only one candy to Evan and took the rest with me. "I'll bring you some hot chocolate," my mother offered, smiling. "It's okay, Mom. You stay with Evan. I'll go freshen up first," I replied, setting down my bag. "Alright," she agreed, glancing affectionately at Evan, who was already settled in and happily munching on his candy. "Evan, remember to be good to Grandma and Grandpa, okay? Otherwise, Mama will be upset," I teased, giving him a playful warning. "I won't, Mama," he promised, completely engrossed in his treat. I shot a warning glare at Caleb, signaling him to behave himself around Evan, and headed upstairs to my old room. Lost in thought as I walked, I didn’t notice anyone approaching until I bumped straight into a solid chest. Before I could catch myself, I stumbled forward—only to be caught by a pair of strong arms. My hands landed on a firm chest, and I found myself face-to-face with a pair of familiar eyes. "Aaron!" I gasped, blinking in surprise. My brother’s best friend—the last time I’d seen him was the day of his engagement, years ago. Now, here he was, just inches away, looking even more handsome than I remembered. "Still as clumsy as ever, Stiff," Aaron remarked, his lips curving into a teasing smirk. There it was—his old nickname for me, one he’d used mercilessly growing up. I narrowed my eyes, feeling both annoyed and flustered as I mumbled, "Let me go, Aaron." "My hands aren’t on you," he chuckled, raising them in mock innocence. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I realized I was the one pressing down on him. Embarrassed, I tried to push myself up, only to lose my balance again. This time, I fell even harder, my lips brushing against his chest—not bare, thankfully, but over the fabric of his shirt. Still, it was enough to make me wish the ground would swallow me up. "Comfortable?" he asked, unable to hide his amusement. I shot him a glare, feeling my face grow warmer by the second. Why would he still tease me even after so many years? I wasn't a young school girl anymore. I was a divorced woman with a child. I finally stood up and so did he. I saw tattoos carved on his fingers and neck too, but couldn't see the full tattoo as it was hidden beneath his clothes. I walked past him, wanting to hide in my room when his words stopped me. "You've become beautiful, Stiff." Was that a compliment or was he just teasing me? But then, such words no longer impressed me. It made me remember how James betrayed me after calling me beautiful every day. "Don't call me beautiful," I snapped at him and ran to my room before shutting the door close behind me.