One Bright Star by Kate Sherwood Read Free Book Online Page B

But they both let it go in the name of Christmas peace. Dan pointed at the quilt. “And, look, who’s this little guy? Is that Smokey?”
    “It’s the barn colors, too,” Robyn said, scooting off her seat on the couch to sit on the floor next to the quilt. “Evan, there’s no way you made this.”
    That was a good point. Evan had already given the baby an iPad loaded with educational apps, which meant he was supposed to be limited to home-made gifts…
    “I didn’t screen the images onto the fabric,” Evan said quickly. “Obviously. But I took the pictures, and I sewed the squares together. Then I got some help with the quilting part.”
    Chris wasn’t sure whether to believe it or not. “Since when do you sew?”
    “Since Dan made up a crazy rule about only one store-bought gift.”
    “Damn, Evan.” Dan sounded like he was getting a little choked up. Jeff had made his picture book, Anna had crocheted a sweater set, Tat and Robyn had crafted a mobile out of origami swans… the gang was showing their love, and Danny was always a bit fragile about that sort of thing. Luckily he had a tried and tested strategy for distracting himself when he was feeling too emotional. Dan turned to Chris and said, “What’d you make him?”
    “I bought him a single present. Your rule isn’t that everyone has to make a gift.”
    “And where is that single present?” Dan raised an eyebrow.
    Well, that was awkward. “It’s at home. I was going to bring it over after our trip…”
    “Uncle Chris didn’t bring you a present, RJ. That one, right there. With the dark hair. He’s the one who didn’t bring you a gift. Your first Christmas, but he didn’t bring you anything .”
    “Ryan didn’t bring anything either,” Chris said.
    “Thanks, dude. Way to throw me under the bus.” Ryan smiled at Dan. “Maybe we could stuff some cash in an envelope.”
    “Cash is just for weddings,” Dan replied primly. He was clearly feeling better, now. Much more in control.
    Which meant it was time to throw him off his game again. “Speaking of weddings,” Chris said, and looked at Ryan for permission.
    Ryan’s smile was almost shy, and Chris squeezed his hand. “We’re going to have one. Eventually. When it gets legal in California, Ryan and I are getting married. We’re engaged.”
    The silence lasted a little too long. They’d been dating for quite a while, and, sure, Ryan was the only guy Chris had ever been with, but he’d been with plenty of women. Enough to know that he felt something unique, and powerful and special. Why wasn’t anyone saying anything?
    “Congratulations,” Tat finally managed. “Oh my god! Congratulations! This is so excellent!”
    Robyn rolled easily to her feet and leaned over for cheek kisses. “That’s wonderful. I hope you don’t have to wait too long.”
    “It really is wonderful,” Anna said sincerely. “Congratulations.”
    But there was something else going on. Dan was staring at Chris, and he looked strangely fierce, way too intense for simple surprise. Jeff and Evan both said the right things, but they were keeping an eye on Dan, too, obviously aware that he was reacting strangely.
    “Danny?” Chris finally said. “You okay down there? Got anything to say?”
    Everyone was quiet for a moment, then Dan nodded slowly. “Congratulations,” he said. He sounded sincere, but it was clear that he had more on his mind. Chris leaned back into the cushions of the couch and braced himself for whatever was about to come.
    ***
    “Really,” Dan said. He knew he wasn’t giving Chris the reaction he’d expected, and he felt bad about that. He needed to pull it together. “Congratulations. I’m really happy for both of you.”
    “But…” Chris prompted, his face still and ready for anything.
    “But nothing,” Dan said firmly. He kissed RJ on the top of his head as if he were sending him off to war, then nodded in Chris’s direction and smiled at Ryan. “But nothing,” he