Home for Christmas by Kristin Holt

aware of his nearness, of the heat emanating from his body. “Because of you, this Christmas has been wonderful. When I’m with you, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
    Miranda watched the dying flames in the earth and held her breath. “You know how to flatter a girl.”
    Hunter tucked his fingers into Miranda’s hand, brushing his thumbs over her knuckles with a tenderness that made her pulse leap and blood rush through her ears.
    “I meant what I said, Miranda. I’ve meant all of it. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I thought so when we were kids in school, when you were to be my brother’s wife, and I still feel that way.”
    Heady pleasure warmed her, pulsing through her tired limbs, making her head swim.
    “I can only imagine what Warren would’ve said if he knew I admired his bride-to-be. They say it’s a sin to covet your brother’s wife, but I did it anyway.”
    Miranda wet her lips. “I had no idea.”
    “I couldn’t very well tell my brother’s bride-to-be that I had romantic feelings for her, now could I?”
    She felt laughter bubble up from inside her. Of course she remembered Hunter from those years. He’d been kind, friendly, just Warren’s little brother. He’d never given any indication he had feelings for her.
    Warren’s Choice seemed a lifetime ago; faded and ancient with Hunter at her side. She kept her gaze on their joined hands, wondering--marveling--at this turn of tides. In less than a week, she’d miraculously changed from hesitant to return and determined to stay away from the Kendalls, to finding she wanted to spend as much time as possible with the best Kendall of all.
    Hunter brought a fingertip to her jaw, slowly turning her to face him. He caressed a calloused thumb over her cheek, the touch sending a delicious shiver coursing through her. Firelight reflected in his eyes as he leaned closer, ever so slowly.
    “I cared for you then, and I care for you now.” He swallowed, uncertainty evident on his handsome face. “I promised you I’d tell you precisely where we are with our friendship. No games. No wondering. No surprises.”
    He paused. Brushed her cheek with a kiss as light as butterfly’s wings. “The more time I spend with you, the stronger my feelings have become.”
    That light kiss felt so wonderful, her heart raced, leaving her lightheaded. The near-darkness gave her courage. Sitting beside Hunter, acknowledging the affection had turned to something much stronger, she decided to return his honesty in full measure. “I feel like I’ve experienced a miracle. In my Christmas letter, I told you my feelings for you are changing into something so strong it scares me. That was the truth.”
    His features softened with wonder. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to hear that.”
    She thought of the girl he’d loved, the one who hadn’t loved him in return. He’d risked much in confessing he cared for her, even if there had been no words of love. Not yet.
    “I have something for you.” He reached into the space between the cushion and the sofa. “After witnessing your family’s gifts to each other, I realize it isn’t much.”
    He fingered the gift, hesitating.
    “I didn’t expect you to give me a thing. You’ve already given me so much.”
    “I haven’t given you anything.”
    “I don’t want for anything. There’s a difference,” she said, “between needs that are physical and tangible and obvious to the eye--like the coats you gave the Johnson boys and the food and clothing you took to Nances--and a soul that hungers for things without substance.”
    She’d hungered for affection; he’d given her more than she had room to contain. It all seemed too wonderful, too perfect. Doubt crept in, making her wonder if an overdeveloped sense of empathy lurked behind his loving words. It would be just like him to try to heal the damage Warren had caused.
    He pressed the gift into her hands. “Open it,” he whispered.
    With heat