Maxi was one of Aiyana’s biggest benefactors. He donated huge amounts of money to help keep the school running, which was how he’d first become aware of Seth’s work. Seth also contributed to the yearly fundraiser. His mother auctioned off a piece of his work at the end of the night as the grand finale, and Maxi had bought several of those pieces, as well as others—some paintings, too—directly from him.

“Why would you be surprised? Maxi and I talk on the phone occasionally, and we’re always friendly if we see each other in town, but I don’t know him quite as well as you do.”

Seth didn’t know him all that well, either. Maxi emailed him or called once in a while. He was always interested in what Seth was doing next. But their relationship mostly revolved around Seth’s work. They’d never hung out together. Since Shiloh’s death, Seth hadn’t really hung out with anyone.

He didn’t correct her, however. He just hoped she wasn’t offended that he’d chosen to stay here instead of with her. He hated the thought that it might make her feel bad, but he’d known he wouldn’t be able to hold out for the entire three months she needed him if he didn’t have a place where he could retreat. Being around his family, seeing his brothers so happy and busy with their wives and children, only made him feel empty by contrast. And last year he’d learned just how much Christmas could exaggerate that effect. “You’ll love it.”

He thought of the woman staying in the guesthouse but decided not to mention her. He’d run to the store, before he slept, and have a key made. Then he’d walk it over and forget about her—as much as he could.

“Okay. Eli and Gavin are eager to see you, so call me when you get up.”

“Sounds good.” He had seven brothers he’d grown up with since he turned fourteen, but none were genetically linked to him. The one thing they did have in common was that they all came from tragic backgrounds, and Aiyana had adopted each one of them after they’d first been a student at her school. Only Eli and Gavin, the two oldest, still lived in town. They worked at New Horizons with Aiyana. The rest were spread out, pursuing their own interests or going to college, but most would be returning for Christmas within the next two weeks. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Seth?”

He could tell by the change in her tone that she had something serious to say. “Yes?”

“I ran into Shiloh’s mother the other day.”

His throat immediately tightened. “And?”

“She asked if you were coming home for Christmas.”