The Geek Who Saved Christmas

by Annabeth Albert

“Paul.” Brandon gave me a stern look. “You gave up two decades of your life for me. I can shovel a little snow.” My eyes burned, and all I could do was nod. Under the table, Gideon grabbed my hand, laced our fingers together. “And when it gets to be too cold, Elaine and I will escape to an island.” Brandon laughed like he knew I was struggling to keep my composure. “Maybe drag you along.” “I’d pay to see Paul in swim trunks.” Gideon offered me a gentle smile. “See?” Elaine’s grin hadn’t wavered. “It’ll all work out.” “Yeah.” I exhaled hard and clung to Gideon’s hand like it was the one thing keeping me from drowning. I managed a rough nod for Brandon and Elaine. “Thank you.” “No, thank you.” Brandon continued to hold my gaze, his brown eyes way more solemn than usual. I’d told Gideon that I said thank you because I didn’t want to miss my chance. Maybe Brandon was doing the same thing. I’d do it all over again, fight to keep him, make all the same sacrifices, and more, and I’d do it without any thanks. But still, him saying it mattered. Under the table, Gideon squeezed my hand. Funny how “thank you” came so easily to me while other words were so big and scary. I could thank Gideon later, tell him how much it meant to me that he’d given Brandon and me this time together, that he’d helped me make Brandon’s dream come true. But thank you wasn’t entirely accurate either. I didn’t merely appreciate Gideon. And he deserved to know the truth in my heart.