I did not come home for Christmas to fall for a younger man.

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I came home because my soon-to-be-ex-husband bought diamond earrings for his assistant.

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Merry Christmas to me.

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I expected snow.

I expected family.

I expected awkward questions.

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I did not expect Joshua.

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He used to be the sweet boy next door.

My brother’s best friend.

The kid who followed me around like I hung the moon.

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Except he’s not a kid anymore.

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He’s six feet, four inches of confident, flannel-wearing temptation who looks at me like I’m the only gift he wants under the tree.

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He says I’m not too old.

He says I’m not broken.

He says he’s not a boy anymore.

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But in a town this small and with my heart this bruised, wanting him feels like trouble.

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And this Christmas I’m not sure I’m strong enough to resist him.