Perfect Bastard (Mason Creek)

“Mountainside,” I said, not hiding my skepticism.

“I know, but that’s what makes it a hidden gem. I get most of my gifts for my mom there.”

I nodded, trying not to think about my departed mother. I missed her terribly. “Thanks.”

“I’ll check the books and let you know if we can get the work done by Christmas. I’ll let you know by tomorrow. And you know Wyatt works as a freelance carpenter in case you need help.” She glanced at the sander.

“Yeah, I heard. Aiden said he helped him with his renovation.” Wyatt was a deputy in town who worked with Aiden.

When she left, I wondered if I’d have to use contractors from Billings to make my timeline. It hoped to use only locals, to give back, in a way. Plus, I trusted the people I’d grown up with. A plumber from town was coming out tomorrow.

I’d made some progress by the time I called it quits and headed over to Aiden’s as we’d made plans to meet. He arrived shortly before me and had asked for my help with Christmas decorating.

“I never thought this would be me,” I said, as we worked to string lights on the front of the house. “I was usually in some hotel on Christmas with room service and a bottle of Jack.”

“I was working most Christmases. Mom hated that. If I got time, it was a day or two here at the most,” he said, his eyes unfocused like he was back in the past.

“Now you’re Mr. Christmas,” I said with a wide grin. I couldn’t help it with the change in my friend.

“Damn right,” he said.

“We should have beers.” A cold one would be great after all the work I’d done that day.

“I would, but I’m in solidarity with my wife. Plus, I’m the designated driver tonight.”

It hit me. Tonight was the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in town. I’d almost forgotten. “You are going to be one hell of a dad.”

“Thanks. So will you,” he said.

Somehow, I didn’t think that was in the cards for me. I kept that to myself, not wanting to take the joy out of my friend’s eyes.

“Done,” I said as the last of the lights were hung.

“I hope she loves it,” he muttered.

I couldn’t contain a smile. “She’s going to love it.” Though it was still light outside, and we couldn’t get the full effect yet. It would be one hell of a sight when night came.

“I’ll see you there,” he said, referring to the tree lighting in town.

I shrugged. “Maybe.” Then I asked, “Was Ryder able to hook you up? If not, I know some people.” Ryder was getting a custom piece of jewelry made for Aiden to give to Emma for Christmas.

“Yeah. Ryder is waiting on me,” Aiden said, referring to the engraving of the baby’s name, which they didn’t know until he or she was born, as they were waiting to find out the baby’s sex.

After, I headed upstairs and took another glorious shower. When I got out, the house was empty, and I felt restless. I’d lived in a city that didn’t sleep and though I was trying to keep a low profile, I needed out. I got dressed and when I went outside, the lights we strung up were in their full glory. We’d done a damn good job, I thought to myself as I got in my car and took the short ride into town. I had to park on a side street further back from the square because of the crowd.

Everyone was there, as expected. Kids were running around full of anticipation of Santa Claus. Nostalgia hit me like a brick wall. I remembered being one of those kids with Mom and Dad, trying to keep me and my brother from killing each other. I hadn’t liked Mitch much back then. He’d been a nuisance. How had times changed? He and I were as close as Aiden, though our busy lives meant we didn’t see each other as much.

Mom hadn’t liked that. Said we were a family and needed to stick together. Now we were all living in different places, different cities.

That was when I spotted her. She was standing near her kid, who was valiantly making a snowman of the same size as snow lightly fell.

I should do a good deed. I looked between the bar’s booth and the coffee shop both. Which would she prefer? Spotting Emma and wanting to show my support for the bar, I headed in that direction. “Two hot toddies,” I said to the guy behind the table.

Luckily, Emma was talking to Jessie, the owner of the coffee shop, and I didn’t have to explain why I’d ordered two. I hurried off and headed back to her.

“Care for a drink?” I said when I stepped up next to her, close enough to smell the scent of wildflowers.