Page 23 of Brighton

I dozed off and barely remembered Daddy wiping me down. Though when he lay beside me, I instantly curled up against him and fell into a deep sleep.

“Merry Christmas, baby boy.” The sweet sound of Daddy’s voice was how I woke up the next morning.

“Merry Christmas, Daddy.” When I opened my eyes, his smile was the first thing I saw. “Where did you get the Santa hat?” Which was literally the only thing he had on.

“From Santa, of course.” This man was silly and I freaking loved it and hugged him tight. “Are you sore?”

The muscles flexed and I cringed. “Yeah, a bit. But it was totally worth it.”

Daddy smiled. “We’ll have to keep an eye on that. Ready to put on your new jammies and open presents?”

I had the overwhelming urge to squeal but managed to keep it in check. “Yes, please.” We dressed and took care of our morning routine then met his mother and Suzette downstairs.

“Merry Christmas, Mother,” Daddy kissed Laura’s cheek and I did the same. “Merry Christmas, Suzette.”

“Merry Christmas, boys,” Laura said. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Mother, I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I’ve literally spent every Christmas of my life with you.” Laura blushed at Daddy’s sweet words, they were both beyond adorable. I looked forward to many more Christmases spent here. Her home was gorgeous, warm, and welcoming, and I adored her and Suzette already.

“Breakfast is nearly ready,” Laura informed us. “Why don’t we do stockings while we wait?”

I ran out to the living room to see our four stockings filled to the brim. It took all the restraint I had not to grab mine and dump it on the floor to plunder the treasures inside. “Here you are, sweet boy. I’ll trade you for a kiss.” I jumped up and kissed Daddy and snagged my stocking.

“Daddy!” I blurted it out without thinking. “Sorry.”

“Dear boy, Mother knows of our lifestyle. You can call me Daddy or Edward wherever we are. The choice is up to you.” Daddy really was the best.

“Look, Santa brought me tubby toys.” Daddy had called it a tubby before, but that word hadn’t sunk in with me before now. “Duckies, and frogs, and boats.”

“Oh my,” Laura chimed in, adding to the merriness as we all chanted. “Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my.”

There was also a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and box of sweet treats along with a super big candy cane. “Wait until after breakfast to eat that.” Daddy must’ve caught the gleam in my eyes as I contemplated ripping it open and snarfing it up.

“Breakfast is ready,” Suzette called out from the kitchen.

The four of us filled ourselves on omelets and cinnamon toast. With coffee in my system, I had even more energy than I had before we ate. “Okay, Brighton can barely sit still. I think we need to do presents,” Daddy informed the group, and I took off like a car at the starting line and beat everyone the tree.

“Daddy, you play Santa. You already have the hat.”

“Thankfully, not the belly,” Daddy patted his gut. “Do I?”

I shook my head, “Nope and even if you did, you’re still perfect to me.”

He bent down and kissed me. I’d already planted myself cross-legged on the floor in front of the tree. “I love you, sweet boy.”

“I love you, too, Daddy. Now, those presents aren’t gonna find their rightful owners by themselves.” Laura and Suzette laughed, Daddy shook his head and handed them out.

“One, two, three!” Daddy shouted as we dug into them. Well, I dug into mine while they watched. It was like being on stage, but I couldn’t care less. I had presents to unwrap after all.

“Oh shoot,” I ran upstairs and came back down. “Laura, I’m so sorry I forgot. I brought you a bottle of rosé as a thank you and here’s your gift.”

“Thank you, Brighton. That was generous of you.” She opened the envelope. “You know the way to my heart.” She stood and hugged me, and it was just as warm and wonderful as Daddy’s hugs.

“You’re welcome.” I’d gifted her with a six-month subscription to the wine of the month club.

I finished opening my gifts. Daddy had given me new footie pajamas, a stuffed bear dressed like an accountant with a felt laptop, glasses, and a shirt and tie. “Oh my god, this is freaking adorable.” I cuddled him tight and knew he’d be my new bed partner right next to Ollie on the nights Daddy was at his place.

Daddy waited until I was done to open his gifts. I could barely contain myself waiting for him to open the one from me. “Brighton,” he gasped. “This is by far the most thoughtful gift anyone has given me.”

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