Noel Bright has been seeing Wes Rivers since February and, as the holidays approach, Wes wants to ask Noel a question.
Though a same-s*x relationship has been a new experience for the gruff police captain, Noel thinks -- with encouragement from his sister -- Wes is ready to take the next step in their relationship. Wes has plans to go to Maine for Christmas to see his family and Noel anticipates he will be invited along, but when Wes asks him to pet sit instead, and admits his family knows nothing about their relationship, Noel begins to rethink how serious Wes is about him.
When Wes’s plans change and he stays home after all, Noel does his best to make both of their spirits bright for Christmas.
Chapter 1First Week of December The strains of “Joy to the World” blared from Noel Bright’s cell phone as he approached the café. He stopped on his way in, turned around, and stepped away from the entrance. His sister’s perky face appeared on his phone. “Erin?” “Well?” she asked, breathless. Noel laughed. “I haven’t even met with him yet. I just got to the café.” “Oh.” Erin definitely sounded disappointed. “Is he already there, do you think?” He glanced around the parking lot and saw the police SUV marked Haydon Cliff PD parked a few rows down. “Yeah, his car’s here. He’s always on time.” Erin squealed. “I can’t believe he’s going to ask you.” His stomach flipped a little. “Erin, I don’t really know that’s what this is about. It’s probably wishful thinking.” His boyfriend, Wesley