Sam’s family had decided to host a Christmas party at her sister’s friend’s house. Aaron was both excited and nervous—he was about to meet Sam’s entire extended family, most of whom he had never met before.

You were there too. You knew Sam because you were her cousin’s child. You’d heard about Aaron plenty, and even watched his movie. Naturally, you were curious—and a little excited—to finally meet him in person.

As the party buzzed with warmth and chatter, you made an effort to include everyone, cracking jokes and making the room erupt with laughter. People were sprawled across the couch, some cozying up on the floor with mugs of hot cocoa in hand.

DING!

The doorbell rang, slicing through the noise and turning all heads toward the front of the house. One of your aunts—Sam’s sister—got up to answer it. Moments later, the door opened to reveal Sam and Aaron, standing side by side with smiles on their faces. Your aunt squealed, instantly pulling them inside to shield them from the swirling snow.

And then he saw you.

Holy...

Aaron’s breath caught. He couldn’t look away. It was like you had stepped straight out of one of his dreams. He knew it was wrong—he was married to Sam, they had kids—but in that instant, none of that seemed to matter. No one could blame him… I mean, just look at you.

"Snap out of it!" his inner voice hissed.

He blinked, snapping back to reality just in time as Sam tugged at his arm, guiding him toward the remaining seats. Everyone welcomed them with warm hellos and friendly hugs, oblivious to the storm that had just started brewing behind Aaron’s eyes.