A Man for the Holiday

Irvine “Mommy, mommy, wake up!” I groaned, barely stirring. “The plane’s about to land!” Mia's sweet, insistent voice broke through my half-asleep haze. I opened one eye to her eager face, her curls bouncing with every shake of my arm. “Alright, alright,” I muttered, sitting up. “Look!” she said, pointing at the window. White mountain peaks gleamed in the distance. “Mommy, why aren’t we spending the holidays in Vegun?” “To see Grandma,” I replied, smoothing her curls. “And the snow here is something special.” “But we have snow in Vegun,” she countered with a sassy eye-roll. “The snow here is better—like a big white blanket everywhere,” I teased, ruffling her hair. Her expression softened, worry creeping in. “Are we going back to Vegun soon?” I steadied my voice. “Sometimes, when life doesn’t go as planned, we start afresh. Snowridge is our fresh start. You’ll love it, promise.” She nodded, though doubt lingered in her blue eyes. The plane landed, and soon, we were in a taxi heading toward my childhood town. Mia’s excitement grew as she pressed her face to the window, marveling at the snowy landscape. “Mommy, is it really all white, like you said?” “Yes,” I grinned. “And there’s a mountain with the biggest slide ever.” “Really?!” Her gasp of delight melted some of my lingering anxiety. “And don’t worry,” I added. “There will be new friends, new adventures, and plenty of hot chocolate.” By the time we reached Snowridge, the crisp winter air bit my cheeks. The town was as charming as I remembered. Familiar, cozy shops lined Main Street, their windows frosted and decked out for the holidays. The taxi stopped at a quaint 3-bedroom house where my mom waited, bursting with excitement. “Oh, Irvine!” she cried, pulling me into a tight hug before turning to Mia. “And this must be my sweet little granddaughter!” Mia giggled as Grandma scooped her into a warm embrace. Inside, the house smelled like fresh bread and spiced tea. It hadn’t changed—a comforting, rustic haven. Mia, exhausted, quickly fell asleep in my old cozy bedroom. Over tea, my mom’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “So, Irvine, did you bring someone special back with you?” “Mom…” I groaned, already exasperated. She pressed on. “Mia needs a father figure, and you need someone to share the load.” “Mom, we’re fine.” “You can’t do everything alone,” she argued. “And who says she needs a man to do things for her?” The deep voice startled me. I turned to the door to see who just saved my mother. "Oh, thank you, Jesus, Mary, Zeus, and all the gods in heaven," I whispered under my breath, as my brother’s voice cut through the tension. Ben stepped into the room like a towering savior. Without hesitation, I ran straight into his massive arms. “Ben!” I exclaimed, my voice muffled against his chest. “Good to see you, Irvine,” he said, his deep voice warm as he hugged me back, patting my shoulder. At six-foot-something, Ben was built like a giant—broad shoulders, strong arms, and a presence that could make anyone feel safe. “How’s city life treating you?” I asked, pulling back to look up into his familiar green eyes. “Good enough, but I spend time here too. Nothing beats village life,” he said with a wink. “And Mia?” “Asleep,” I replied, rolling my eyes at my mother. “She is exhausted.” Ben chuckled knowingly, his eyes darting toward our mother. “Long trip, huh?” I gave him a look, silently thanking him for his impeccable timing. “You just saved her, you know.” “I’m only looking out for her,” Mom huffed. I took a deep breath, the words threatening to spill out, but I bit them back. How could I gently tell her that, after what happened with Jared, the idea of letting someone in my life again makes my stomach twist? “It’s not that simple, Mom,” I said. “You are supposed to bring a man home for the holidays.” “Have you forgotten what happened to the last man I brought home for the holidays?” I snapped at her. “But you…” “Mom, she just got home. Let her rest okay?” saved by my brother again. “And the holidays are just starting, you never can tell. You might still get that son-in-law you are wishing for,” he winked at me and I sent him a deadly glare. But my mom didn’t look convinced. “You know, your bestie is married.” “What?” My surprise was genuine. “Oh, yes!” Mom’s face lit up. “She moved back here recently. Her husband’s a wonderful man, and they have a little boy. Plus, she’s expecting again!” Lucy? Married and living in Snowridge? That didn’t sound like the free-spirited Lucy I remembered. “I’ll go see her tomorrow. Where does she live?” Mom beamed, clearly pleased. “They are staying in her parents’ place.” Just then, the sound of small footsteps filled the room. Mia appeared at the top of the stairs, clutching her teddy bear. “Uncle Ben!” she squealed, running to him. “There’s my little princess!” Ben swept her up effortlessly. “This is Miss May,” Mia said, introducing her teddy bear with great seriousness. “Well, hello, Miss May!” Ben played along, his deep laugh rumbling as Mia launched into an elaborate tale about her bear’s adventures. I watched them, a warmth spreading in my chest. For a moment, I thought Mom might share my sentiment, but her pointed look shattered the illusion. I knew what was coming next. I ducked into my room, but she followed me relentlessly. “Mia needs a father,” she began, her voice laced with determination. “She has all she needs,” I countered, rummaging through my closet for my ski gear. “What happens when Ben gets married?” I froze for a moment but recovered quickly. “We’ll figure it out when the time comes.” “That time is now,” she pressed. “Your brother has a girlfriend.” I glanced at her over my shoulder. “And that changes nothing. He’ll still love Mia. And me. And you.” Before she could argue further, I grabbed my skis and bolted. The evening air nipped at my cheeks as I reached the lift. The snow sparkled under the setting sun, and for the first time in weeks, I felt a sliver of peace. The lift hummed as it carried me up the slope. At the peak, I paused, savoring the quiet before pushing off. The wind whipped past me, and with each turn and glide, the tension melted away. This was my escape - just me, the snow, and the speed. About halfway down, I leaned into a curve, when—bam!—I collided with a solid wall of muscle. I stumbled, fighting to stay upright, and next thing I know, I fell butt down in the snow.