While she waited, Tia gazed at the large Christmas tree in one corner, visible from two windows on the outside. She didn’t think she’d ever seen so many ornaments on one tree. There was a garland with lights and ornaments decorating the mantel and stuffed elves arranged on several of the bookshelves, as well.

Aiyana came back a few minutes later with a tray that held two mugs, whipped cream bobbing on the top, and a plate of cookies. “I made these last night and thought you might like some.”

The cookies were dipped in white chocolate and topped with crushed candy canes. “I’ve never seen this kind of cookie before. Is it a family recipe?”

“I guess you could say that. I’ve been making Candy Cane Cookies for so long I don’t remember where I got the recipe.”

Tia nearly groaned in delight at the taste. They were soft and thick like a sugar cookie, with the crushed candy cane on top adding a minty crunch. “Wow! These are delicious.”

“I’ll have to send some home with you. And maybe you can take a plate to Seth. I made extra because they’re his favorite—when he’s not being a Scrooge and refusing to enjoy the holidays,” she added with an impatient roll of her eyes.

Tia lowered her half-eaten cookie so that she could talk with an empty mouth. “I know that his wife died at Christmas.”

Aiyana sobered. “Yes. Three years ago. It was tragic. Shiloh was such a wonderful person.”

“He obviously loved her a great deal.”

“When Seth falls, he falls hard. And he’s as loyal as they come.”

Did that mean he’d never be able to get over his wife? Tia took it that way—and yet he’d just kissed her in the pool. She supposed that was why she’d made her way over to his mother’s. Not only was she lonely and looking for companionship from someone she could trust, she also craved greater insight on her new neighbor. “How long were they together?”

“Since high school. She was his first serious girlfriend, but they’d only been married a short time when she got sick.”

“I’m sorry that happened.”

Aiyana’s lips curved into a sad smile. “So am I. I miss her, but he’s the one who has really suffered. He lost her right when he was making great progress with putting his past behind him. I’d never seen him so happy.”

“His past—you mean when his mother gave him up?”

“Yes.” She took a sip of her cocoa. “He was six years old when he was essentially abandoned, old enough to remember it—and feel every bit of the rejection.”

“I read about that on Wikipedia,” she admitted.

“Did Wikipedia mention his two brothers?”