Page 74 of One More Yule Log
“Excellent. Come on. Let’s get our party started.”
“Party animal,” he teased, but Gray was glad all was well in their little part of the world. It was time to celebrate.
* * *
Ben watchedthe Christmas lights twinkle, his toes finally warm and his belly full. It had been a hellish drive home, but now he was in and warm and safe with his family.
Gray and Liv had both been a little snarly, but that just proved they loved him. Bump in the road compared to the smell of popcorn and cranberries and the sight of never–before-seen ornaments on the tree. Gray’s mixed well with theirs.
Liv’s Yule log had been a thing of beauty, and he’d taken pictures and oohed and aahed, making sure to take a huge piece. The flavor was white chocolate peppermint mocha… He had a feeling Gray had a hand in that.
Speaking of Gray…
He reached out and put his hand on Gray’s thigh, letting it rest there, heavy and solid.
Gray smiled over at him, the happiness so clear on his face.
“Look at that snow. We’re going to be able to jump off the garage roof soon.” He focused back on the tree. “It’s so pretty, love. Seriously.”
“It is.” The popcorn and cranberries Gray had strung with Liv gave it a homey look, and some of Dale’s sleek sterling ornaments glittered there too. It was like his past, present, and future, and it made him smile.
He hoped that Dale would forgive him, and in his heart of hearts, he thought Dale would. Dale had wanted him to be happy, wanted him to raise Olivia.
Gray grabbed his hand, squeezing. “Should we put Liv to bed? She’s sacked out.”
“Yeah. She’s had a hard day, but it ended well. Tomorrow it’ll be easier.”
“It will. All we have is time.” Gray rose, pulling him to where they’d hung mistletoe from the main light fixture.
“Blessed Yule, love.” He drew Gray in and kissed him, hard.
Gray wrapped around him, arms around his neck, the scents of vanilla and peppermint and popcorn strong. They fit together like hand in glove, both of them relaxed, hungry.
They swayed a little, the kiss going on and on until they were breathless. Then they broke for air, and Ben went to lift Liv in his arms while Gray put the food away.
“Is it still snowing?” she whispered.
“It is, but we’re safe and warm and on break. It’s going to be a great holiday.”
“It will be so pretty tomorrow.” She clung to his neck, so much like when she was three or so. God, he loved her.
“It will! We’ll have a movie day, maybe. Maybe in our jammiesallday.”
“Oh, that would be fun, Daddy. Thank you for coming home.”
“Of course. Where would I be? I need to be here with my family.”
“Well, Uncle Jack can be kinda mean…” She sniffled out a laugh, though.
“Uncle Jack was happy to send me home to be with you.” Silly girl. He hoped that now they could start to repair their relationship with Jack.
“I love you.”
Gray came to join them, smiling down at Liv. “Do I get a kiss good night?”
Liv sat up and hugged Gray tight. “Love you. So glad you’re home.”
“Me, too, kiddo. We’ll have all the fun tomorrow.” Gray bent to kiss Liv on the head.
