Page 41 of Cross Checks

Chase wore a tasteful red Christmas sweater for the occasion, and he was putting the final touches on our table settings when the doorbell rang. “They’re here,” he announced.

I wiped my hands on a kitchen towel and flashed Chase a reassuring smile. “Everything’s going to be great. You’ll see.”

Jensen and Beth stood on the porch with a bottle of wine in hand. “Merry Christmas! Ho ho ho!” boomed Jensen. His voice was full of cheer as they reached out to offer us hugs.

“Sorry to cut the greeting short,” I apologized, “but the ham is ready to be carved. I hope you both are hungry.”

Chase took their coats and led them to the dinner table, already laden with a feast of side dishes. He glanced at me as he headed to the closet, and I gave him an encouraging nod.

After I brought the ham to the table and we all settled in, Chase cleared his throat. “Before we dig in, I have something to share with both of you.”

Jensen and Beth looked at him with expressions of curiosity. Chase took a deep breath. “Well, Hank and I…hmm, how do I say this? We’re more than just friends. We’ve been in a relationship for some time now.”

A brief silence fell over the room, and then Jensen spoke first. “You know, guys, I hate to burst your bubble, but this is kind of an open secret…at least on the team.”

“It what?” Chase’s eyes opened wide.

“Oh yeah,” Jensen continued. “You should see how you look at each other. It’s like when I see Beth with next to—“

She slapped his hand. “We’re all entitled to a few secrets.”

We all laughed. “So, yeah,” Jensen added. “You two are obviously head over heels for each other, and I think that’s awesome.”

Ruth’s eyes sparkled as she reached across the table to squeeze Chase’s hand. “I’m so happy for both of you. It’s wonderful to see two people find love, particularly around the holidays.”

I watched as Chase looked at each of us. I wasn’t sure whether he’d processed everything yet.

“To love and acceptance,” I raised my glass, and we clinked them together around the table.

“Thanks, guys,” Chase replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s amazing to have your support.”

As the evening progressed, the easy acceptance from Jensen and Beth helped the tension in my gut unwind. We laughed, shared stories, and even sang a few Christmas carols in four-part harmony.

“Do you think the rest of the guys will be okay with us?” Chase asked Jensen.

“I know they will be since at least half of them already know. I think you’re worrying about a bunch of nothing. We’ve got those two coaches leading the team, and they can’t get enough of each other. Don’t underestimate the guys. We’ve got your back.”

Late in the evening, Jensen raised his mug of eggnog. “I’d like to make a toast. To Chase and Hank—may your love continue to grow stronger, and may you always find happiness in each other’s arms.”

“Cheers,” Beth added with an affectionate smile.

Chase smiled from ear to ear, “Thank you.”

“Of course, bud. You deserve to be happy, and it looks like you snagged a great guy. Just don’t make him have to save your life again.”

We all chuckled. After bidding Jensen and Beth goodnight, I let out a long breath as I closed the door, nearly overwhelmed by gratitude and optimism. Chase stepped up to me, cheeks still flushed from laughter.

"That went so much better than I imagined," he admitted. "I should never have doubted Jensen would have my back."

I pulled Chase into my arms, hugging him close. "I told you we had nothing to worry about with them." I held his face in my hands. "And I’m confident the rest of the team will offer the same support in time.”

He nodded, and I felt a last knot of tension leave his body as we swayed gently. As I gazed at the extraordinary man I loved with my entire being, I couldn’t wait to see what the future held.

I was sure we’d face some unexpected twists, but we were ready to face anything. Suddenly, my grandfather clock struck eleven.

“Only an hour until Christmas,” I declared. “In my family, if you weren’t in bed by midnight, you’d lose all your Christmas presents.”

“Oh man, I don’t want that. Race you to the bed?”

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