The Halls and their guest spent an hour singing carols, punctuated by glasses of eggnog and Keeley's baked treats. Aaron didn't know most of the lyrics, resorting to his phone, a sight both funny and sad. Keeley hadn't realized how bleak holidays must have been for him as a child; his unfamiliarity with popular Christmas songs highlighted this. No wonder he'd been indifferent to her festive enthusiasm throughout their relationship—he'd lacked the positive Christmas experiences to care. It was just another day.

He might have immense wealth, but his life felt stifled. He couldn't pursue his dreams—if he even had any—or enjoy simple pleasures. His parents controlled everything. The only time Keeley witnessed him defy them was when he married her—a decision both regretted almost immediately.

In her past life, she and Aaron had married two years prior. Why hadn't he succumbed to his parents' pressure and become engaged to a socialite? Unless…he already had.

As far as Keeley knew, he spent his free time with her or texting her. He didn't have time for a real girlfriend, but that didn't preclude a formal engagement to someone he didn't care for.

She frowned, her attention drifting from the movie. A quick glance at Aaron showed him seemingly happy and relaxed, though his expression remained neutral. She sensed a difference; his aura felt altered.

Was he engaged to someone else? If so, why hadn't he told her? Was it because he liked her and wanted their companionship to continue?

Keeley knew their friendship was temporary. Once he married his socialite, she'd return to her life as if nothing had changed. She'd accepted this. So why the sudden regret?

She would miss him. She hadn't anticipated that. After he left, she would miss Aaron Hale. When had that happened? He'd re-entered her life, unexpectedly reaching her heart. Keeley wasn't stupid; she didn't like like him, but she'd definitely notice his absence. How strange.

For the second time that evening, Keeley wished he were a "normal" guy. When he inevitably left, would she find someone as kind?

Feeling oddly bereft, she scooted closer, their thighs and shoulders touching. She'd savor this.

Aaron stiffened before hesitantly moving the arm she'd pinned to his side, resting it on the couch back. Over the next few minutes, it inched closer, eventually resting around her shoulder.

She shot him a questioning look, which he ignored. She would have asked what he was doing if her father hadn't been engrossed in the movie.

Keeley settled more comfortably into his embrace. She'd lost her mind! Why was she allowing this? It only encouraged something impossible.

Robert fell asleep before noticing his daughter's predicament. She remained in Aaron's embrace until the movie ended. They might as well exchange gifts while her dad slept.

"Hey, I want to give you your present now."

"Later; I'm comfortable here."

She sighed. Of course, he'd make it difficult. "Aaron, I promise we'll watch another movie right after. It'll only take a couple of minutes."

"Alright. But I get to open yours first."

She hopped up, freeing herself, and retrieved her gift. "Okay, so this is kind of dumb, but…"

"I'm sure it's less dumb than you think," he said, tearing open the wrapping.

He pulled out a white mug Keeley had decorated with a Sharpie, "#1 Errand Boy," surrounded by purple and yellow stars. To make the Sharpie permanent, she'd baked the mug according to an online tutorial.

Aaron stared at the mug. She felt self-conscious. Maybe an inside joke wasn't ideal.

"I told you it was dumb. I'm sor—"

He pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her hood. "Don't apologize. I love it."

"Really?" she asked doubtfully, peeking at his face.

His expression was soft, his dark blue eyes unusually warm. He meant it. She felt shy and looked away.

He reluctantly pulled back, handing her his gift. "Here."

She gasped. It was the newest iPhone, already in a fun case—something she would have chosen herself.

"How did you—"

"I saw your post about your broken phone. It only cost a few hundred dollars; just switch your SIM card."

Keeley was tempted to scoff at "only" a few hundred dollars, but admitted it wasn't his most expensive gift. And she needed a new phone. His timing was perfect.

"Thank you! This will really help! The case is awesome, where did you get it?"

"Online."

"It's exactly what I would have gotten," she admitted. It was strange how well this Aaron knew her, unlike her previous Aaron.

Robert reappeared, holding mistletoe. Keeley hadn't realized he'd woken. How long had he been listening?

"Look what I found," he said innocently. "You know what they say about mistletoe."

"Dad! Where did you get that?!"

"It fell off Mrs. Orne's wreath. Go on, a quick kiss on the cheek. It's bad luck if you don't."

Oh, she'd get him later! Face flaming, she glanced at Aaron, who was nonchalant. He raised an eyebrow, daring her.

Keeley tiptoed and kissed his cheek. "There!" she said, red-faced. "Can we watch movies now?"

Aaron and Robert exchanged a glance before simultaneously saying, "Sure."

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