Comfort and Joy

How much love does it take to heal the wounds of hate? Sam and Charlie have been together over a decade, and their commitment to each other has only grown stronger through the years. But love is not always easy, and eighteen months after a violent assault, their fairy-tale relationship is still struggling. Charlie can�t shake the lingering fear of attracting more violence by displaying affection, and is angry at himself for not getting past it. Sam would do anything to help Charlie feel better�if only he knew what that was. The century-old farmhouse in Northwest Oregon is the perfect place to spend the holidays with Sam�s family, but it was their refuge after the attack, and it still holds painful memories of those difficult first months. Christmas should be a joyful time, but even being surrounded by people who love him isn�t enough to make Charlie feel safe. He could try to keep to himself, but even if Sam agreed to give him the space he needs, Sam�s warm and loving family might not. And even though they agreed not to exchange gifts, Sam has a surprise up his sleeve that he hopes will make everything merry and bright. But he may end up more surprised than Charlie before the week is out�