Once Upon a Second Chance (Once Upon a Holiday Story #1)

Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

Daniel

I knew just offering to pay for Aaron’s car to be fixed would result in him putting his foot down. He was a proud man, and I admired him for who he was and all he’d gone through. Sure, I hadn’t come right out and offered him a way to work it off, and that was because I’d secretly hoped he’d just take the gift. But I had a plan B.

“I’m not sure I’m good at much.”

“Ha, I don’t believe that for a minute.”

Aaron sighed. “If I was successful, I wouldn’t be living in a shitty car.”

“Success is subjective. All I’m asking is, if you were roaming around town offering to help people here for some money, what would be your go-to job?”

He gazed at the ceiling and pursed his lips. They were full and a soft pink, very kissable… Stop it, Daniel, for fuck’s sake. He’s too young, and you don’t even know if he’s gay…and hello, very vulnerable.

“I’d probably see if anyone needed help shoveling or cutting firewood.”

“That’s a perfect place to start. The grounds where the festival is being held have a lot of pathways so people can walk through easily to get to rides, vendors, and other activities. I’m sure they’re covered under snow.”

He nodded. “Okay, I can help clear that up.” Aaron appeared a little more receptive, but I wanted him excited about it. I didn’t know why, but seeing him happy felt like the ultimate goal.

“Can you build things?”

He lifted a shoulder. “I mean, it depends. If you’re referring to a vendor stall, probably; if you’re asking if I can build a house, no.”

I chuckled. “Fair enough. No, we need to build a small stage where the mayor speaks and later, it’s where Santa will be greeting kids.”

Aaron’s brows rose. “I couldn’t do that alone, but I follow directions well, so I can help.”

I clapped my hands together. “Then it’s settled.”

“Is it?”

“Sure is. I’m gonna put you on the Cleanup and Building Committees.”

“Comm…now, hold up. Can’t you just point and tell me where to go? I don’t think mingling with the townsfolk is a great idea.”

I huffed. “Nonsense, it’s the best idea I’ve had all week.”

“I doubt that. I mean, why do there have to be any committees?”

I stood and made my way out of my study and toward the living room, where the fire was dying and needed to be stoked. Aaron was on my heels.

“There are a bunch of committees that work hand in hand. You have the Cleanup Committee, and they will shovel the walkways and parking areas. Then you have the Building Committee—they get the stalls and everything built and ready for the vendors. There are others like food, decoration, and so on. When they work together, everything goes smoothly.”

“I’m sure with how close Christmas is, they’ve already figured out who is doing what.” By the expression on his face, he thought he’d bested me…Foolish man.

“They have, though extra hands are always needed. But…” I grabbed the poker and stabbed at the wood. The flames rose, and I turned to smile at Aaron. “You don’t have to do anything. Take the fixed car as a gift.”

The second the smug grin slipped from Aaron’s face, I could have danced in victory. Instead, I put the poker back and moved to my armchair to pretend to read my book.

“I can’t do that, Daniel.”

Humming, I opened my book. “Then what do you propose?”

There was a pregnant pause and I fought with myself not to look up, but I was being super cool pretending to read, man.

“Fine, I’ll take the job.”

I slapped the book shut and stood. “Fabulous. I’ll call Hank and let him know he has another helper.”

“Hank! The sheriff who wanted to throw me in jail until the storm passed?”

I rolled my eyes. “He didn’t want to throw you in jail; he offered to let you ride it out there, and Hank’s in charge of the Cleanup and Building Committees. Of course I have to let him know.”

He rubbed his hand over his face. “Working with the sheriff. What could possibly go wrong?”

“Nothing is going to go wrong. Hank’s a great guy. I’ve known him since we were kids. Trust me, he’ll appreciate the help. There is a ton of snow and very little time.”

He bent down to pet Mayhem, who was meandering between his legs. “When do I start?”

“I imagine our mayor will give the all-clear by tomorrow. After that, everyone will meet at the community center and chaos will ensue.”

“Okay, what can I do in the meantime?”

“Do?”

“Yeah, to pay for the car? Need anything done at your house?”

“ Pfft , no. But we can watch more movies, play a board game, bake?”

He slow blinked. “Seriously?”

“Seriously. What’ll it be?”

Every one of Aaron’s expressions was adorable. I knew he wanted to do things, and he probably hadn’t had time to relax and just have fun in longer than I could guess. I really wanted to give him some joy, not only because it was that magical time of year, but also because I needed it too. I was tired of being lonely, and Aaron was great company.

“Whatever you want, I’m game.”

Aaron, I noticed, wasn’t keen on making choices. Likely afraid he’d pick something and I’d tell him it was too much, or maybe he was too much. That was ridiculous, of course. I’d add it to the list of goals I had: get Aaron to make a choice.

“Let’s bake some cookies. We can bring them to the festival meeting; everyone will appreciate it.”

He followed me to the kitchen, and I listed off everything I needed. He grabbed milk, butter, and eggs with ease since they were obviously in the refrigerator. The other things were harder, but he soon figured it all out with my guidance.

“We’ll need to make enough for everyone even though I’m sure others will bring something. Three bowls, three kinds. We’ll do snickerdoodles, peanut butter, and chocolate chip.”

“Okay…I’m not the best baker, Daniel. Tell me what to do.”

I handed him an index card with my gran’s chocolate chip recipe. “It’s all right there; that should be easy.”

He read it carefully, his lips moving as he did, and I was once again mesmerized by that mouth.

“Seems easy enough.” He put the card down and began mixing things. I snapped out of it and decided I’d do the peanut butter ones first.

“Can I ask you a question, Daniel? It might be too personal, so feel free to tell me to shut up.” Aaron was stirring everything in the bowl, and I was grinding peanuts with my mortar and pestle.

“Okay.” I chuckled.

“How is it you’re alone? No wife, kids, nothing?”

That was a bold question for sure. Aaron had asked it, not knowing if I was maybe a widower or what answer he’d get. I chose to be honest and transparent with him. I couldn’t figure out why I wanted to be, but the man was easy to talk to.

“I’d never have a wife. I’m gay.”

Aaron didn’t flinch, just nodded.

“I’m not even sure anymore if I’m alone by choice or not.”

“What do you mean?” Aaron poured chocolate chips into his bowl.

“I was in love once, thought it was forever, and maybe it would have been. I let him walk away, never stopped him, nor did I chase after him.”

Aaron looked up, a frown on his handsome face. “What happened?”

I took a deep breath, the ache in my chest thudding in reminder of what I’d done.

“He asked me to marry him, and I said no.”