Page 114 of A Game Of Love

“Well, yeah,” Bishop says like it was obvious. “He lost two limbs on the battlefield. He bled out fast.”

“Dude, you're morbid,” Toby comments with amusement. “It's Christmas. Put some pants and a smiley face on it and call it a day.”

“Says you.” Bishop points to Toby's cookie. “Yours looks like it’s trying to take a shit.”

Toby glares at Bishop while I try to be a nice girlfriend and hold back my laugh.

“It’s not that bad,” I manage to say.

“What's wrong with my cookie?” Toby asks, sounding offended.

“Nothing is wrong with it,” I insist.

He looks at me like he doesn’t believe me. “Whatever,” he grumbles, picking up his cookie and biting off the head. “Better?” he asks around a mouthful of cookie before tossing it back onto the plate.

Bishop reaches over and squirts red icing along the edge where the head used to be. “Now it is.” Bishop chuckles. “Our cookies are war buddies.”

Toby snorts out a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re fucking crazy.”

I can’t help but laugh now.

“Kids are weird,” Chase mutters before shoving a cookie into his mouth.

“You're one to talk.” I laugh. “Mom, you better stop him, or he’s going to puke.”

Mom’s eyes widen. “I didn’t even think of that. Come on, Chase, let’s get you to bed.”

“But I don’t wanna,” he whines, listening to Mom anyway as she pulls him to his feet. “Oh!” Chase says really loudly. “Are you trying to get me alone? You naughty girl.”

“Oh my god. Gross.” I cover my ears as my parents chuckle.

Once we’re done with the cookies, we clean up. Then hang out with the parents for a little while, listening to Christmas music, laughing, and talking. I snuggle into Bishop and enjoy every moment of it. My cheeks hurt from smiling for so long.

But after a while, I feel bad when I look over at Toby, who's sitting across the couch from me. I want him next to me, me in Bishop’s lap, my feet on Toby’s lap. Cuddling with both my men and hanging with our family.

“I’m getting tired. I think I’m gonna head to bed,” I tell the room.

“Yeah, I think we’re gonna go to bed too,” Bishop says, standing. He looks down at Toby.

“We are?” Toby questions. Bishop stares at him hard. Like a light bulb tuning on, it clicks. “Oh, ah, yeah. Night, everyone.”

“Where are you going?” I ask Toby once we’re done saying goodnight and leave the living room.

“Ahh, to my room?” His answer comes out more of a question.

I bite my lip, shaking my head. “No, you're not.” I grab his hand. “You're with me tonight.”

He gives me a crooked grin. “Oh yeah?”

“Yup.” I smile up at him. “I want both my men tonight.”

Toby and Bishop share a look. It’s like they’re communicating silently, sending a thrill down my spine. What's a better Christmas gift than having both my men. Together. At once.

Merry Christmas to me.

The next morning, we all head into the house in our PJ’s.

“What are you two doing!” I gasp, eyes widening when I find the twins next to the tree, three gifts each already opened.

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