A yawn escaped his lips as he pulled the blanket closer to him, and snuggled up to Noah. He frowned and opened his eyes, moving slightly to survey the room. They were on the couch, in their apartment, but he didn't remember them having a blanket. In fact he was certain they had fallen asleep without one. His eyes traveled the perimeter of the room, and noticed the presents stacked neatly in the cornier. A soft smile crossed his lips and he turned to find that his husband was awake as well.
"Looks like we were visited by the elves," he said kissing Noah softly on the lips.
Noah smiled. "I guess our secret's out," He chuckled as he shifted too, needing to stretch out his body which had been folded into the same position for too long. "I'd say this was the handy work of your dad and grandma."
"Our dad," Luke corrected, "And our grandma Emma. I'd bet anything that they were here."
"Luke," Noah said pointing at the table in front of them. Their hot chocolate mugs sat untouched, but in between them was a plate of cookies wrapped in saran wrap. "She left us cookies."
"Guess that settles that," Luke laughed and shook his head. "Good morning," He said shyly placing hands on Noah's cheeks.
"Good morning, my husband," Noah said mimicking Luke's movements, his fingers caressing Luke's face."
"You are a dork," Luke whispered as they simultaneously moved closer together. "I love you."
Their lips met in a sweet kiss that tasted of hot chocolate and marshmallow. Their hands slipped down from faces to shoulders, Luke's circling Noah's neck, and Noah's going further to encircle Luke's waist. They stayed like that for a moment, their foreheads touching as they tried to catch their breath. Today, they would restart their lives. They would get reacquainted with the world of Oakdale, and slowly weave their way back into the lives of their family and friends. For the moment though, it was all about being them.
They munched on cookies as they prepared for the day. Noah relinquished the shower to Luke, but not before pulling him in for another wet kiss. Luke's hands rested against Noah's wet chest and he moaned contentedly before pushing him away. "You know if I don't go now we are not going to get out of here," he said swatting at his husband. "Go eat another cookie or something, I'll be out in a bit.
Noah laughed and swatted at Luke's butt as he disappeared into the bathroom. He swiped another cookie and rummaged through his closet for something to pull on. It was nice to be home, to be back in Oakdale around familiar things. IT was even better to actually remember everything about his life, and his love for Luke. As he pulled a fresh shirt out of the closet his eyes lingered on the pile of shirts that rested on the floor. It was just a little frightening to know that it was almost a year to the day that he had found Luke's clothes in that mound. That moment had led to six months of what could only be described as a crazy time. Perhaps chaotic was a better word.
He forced himself to look away from that spot and walked to his bureau instead looking for boxers and jeans. Once he was dressed he sat on the bed and rested his head in his hands, his fingers running through his hair. His hair was a little longer than he was used to wearing it, but Luke liked it that way…and surprisingly he liked it too. Being back with all his memories was proving to be challenging. He had two sets of them now, the lost ones returned to him at last, and the new ones gained over time. There were so many moments that he could recall; some of them happy, some sad and some that surprised him more than anything else.
Knowing what he did now, it horrified him that Randy had taken advantage of him, and that he had almost harmed Luke in the same way as that jerk. It angered him that he had caused Luke a lot of pain…that they had suffered together through so much. It wasn't lost on him though that these incidents, these things that happened during his amnesia had somehow managed to bring them even closer together. Noah knew his love for Luke was the strongest it had ever been…and six months alone together only proved to solidify their connection and their commitment to each other. Noah really was the happiest he had ever been, and he knew without a shadow of a doubt that this was thanks to Luke and their love.
"Penny for your thoughts," Luke's voice met his ears as a cool hand touched his neck. Noah looked up into the chocolate eyes he loved and pulled Luke down beside him.
"I love you," he said wrapping Luke into his arms.
"Do you really think I'm going to let you get away with that?" Luke asked softly. "It's obvious you were thinking about something, babe. Are you okay?"
Noah sighed and pressed his forehead against Luke's for a long moment before he spoke. "I'm just overwhelmingly happy I guess. I mean I keep thinking about all that we've gone through…and I everything I did when I couldn't remember you or us…and it just really makes me think, you know?" He pulled away to look at his husband who just nodded before getting up to get his clothes.
"You know," he said as he pulled a blue sweater over his head, "Yesterday marked a year ago that I told you what happened. Seems kinda funny that we ended up sleeping on the couch, since that's where we were all that weekend."
"Yeah," Noah said biting his lip. "I remember. And I recall that you were so scared. At first I thought you were scared of me, but I realized as you told me what was going on that it wasn't me at all."
"Never you, Noah," Luke said coming to sit beside him again. "Even this year, I wasn't scared of you exactly…just of-"
"Just of what happened," Noah finished. "I realize that, it's just almost surreal to realize that we don't have to worry about that anymore. And I keep trying to reconcile the fact that…"
"No, Noah don't go there. Please, don't do that. You didn't know."
"But I should have."
NO," Luke shook his head. "You were taken advantage of, Noah. He manipulated you and I refuse to let you blame yourself for that."
"The fear in your eyes, Luke…that day when you said 'you're supposed to love me' I think it broke my heart. And thinking about it now, and knowing that I almost betrayed you in that way…"
Luke's hands touched his face, caressing, soothing as their gazes locked. "You are the sweetest, gentlest man I know. I've forgiven you for that day…I know it wasn't your fault specifically. I know you love me, Noah. Now you have to forgive yourself. It's Christmas," he added when Noah tried to protest. "It's a time for Joy and bliss and happiness. We deserve that, Noah…you deserve that. Do you believe me?"
"Yes," Noah said smiling despite himself. There was no way he could resist Luke.
"Good, now let's go find us a Christmas tree."
"What about this one?" Noah asked pointing at a particularly large pine.
"Maybe when we move into a house that would work," Luke laughed. "I don't think we can get it into our apartment though."
Noah smiled. Moving had been one of the many topics to come up during their vacation. It was definitely something they were considering…but nothing concrete would be decided until after the New Year. "Okay then," He said as he scanned the tree lot, "What about that tree."
Luke looked where Noah pointed and smiled. "I think that one is perfect," he said getting closer to inspect it. "It's just the right size, it smells heavenly, and I think it would look perfect covered in tinsel and lights."
"Did you boys find something you like," Mr. Shaw asked coming to stand beside them.
"Oh yes, sir, we like this tree. It's just perfect for our apartment."
Mr. Shaw chuckled. "That seems to be a popular tree today.
"Excuse me," Noah asked confused.
"It's already been sold fellas. The couple who wanted it had to go get a truck to pick it up."
"You're kidding," Luke said sadly.
"Afraid not. A nice elderly couple, real sweet like. There they are right there."
Luke and Noah looked, and Luke's face lit up when he saw who was walking towards them. "Grandma!" he exclaimed as he walked toward her.
"Well hello there," Lucinda said letting go of George to give her grandson a big hug. "Let me get a look at you. You look so fit and tan," Lucinda praised standing back to look him up and down. "And you, my dear boy," she said pulling Noah into an embrace. "When did you boys get back? What are you doing here?"
"James didn't tell us you were back," Dr. McPherson stepped up to shake Luke's hand then Noah's."
"We got back on Saturday night," Luke explained.
"And we were up until Sunday afternoon when we finally fell asleep," Noah continued.
"So today we're trying to get back on Oakdale time instead of Italy time." Luke finished.
"Well it is definitely great to have you home, Darling. Both of you, I missed you dreadfully, just dreadfully."
"From what we hear you've had company though," Noah teased. Luke elbowed him lightly in the ribs and grinned. George patted Lucinda's hand as her cheeks tinted just a little.
"So I hear you want to buy this tree?" Luke said gesturing at the tree they had picked out. "Noah and I were looking at it too and we love it."
"Well then I guess that means we both have good taste, Darling," Lucinda said laughing. "George what do you think? Should we let them have the tree?"
"Well," George said pretending to think about it. "They are just returning, and it is the right fit for their apartment…and seeing as we were going to buy it for them anyway."
"Seriously?" Noah asked amused.
"Yes, of course Darling," Lucinda said with a wave of her hand. "George and I already have a tree decorated. We wanted your home to look like Christmas whenever you chose to return from your sojourn abroad. This was all planned. You two just spoiled it."
"Grandma," Luke protested.
"You will not refuse your grandmother this privilege, I want to do something great, something great for my two grandsons and that is what I am going to do. "Mr. Shaw, George will help you get that tree into the truck, Darling.
"Are you happy, Grandma?" Luke asked when she turned to face them again.
"I'm very happy, Darling. Very happy indeed. George is a wonderful man. Do you approve?"
"Yes Grandma, I definitely approve. I'm good with any way that would keep James in the family. And I can tell that he makes you happy, and that makes me happy for you."
"Everything alright over here?" George asked coming up behind Lucinda.
"Everything is good, Dr. McPherson," Luke said smiling. "I just wanted to thank you for making my grandma happy."
"And for keeping her company while we were gone," Noah added."
'IT was my pleasure, Noah," George replied.
'You all hush," Lucinda said in her take charge way. "We have to get that tree back to your home. You guys have some decorating to do."
"Is she always like that?" George whispered to Luke and Noah as he watched Lucinda head toward the car.
"Afraid so. But something tells me you can handle her."
"I heard that," Lucinda called back to them. The three men laughed as they quickened their strides and caught up to the fiery woman. Lucinda was right; they had a tree to decorate.
"Remember this one," Luke asked holding up a medium sized red bulb with script written across it. Noah smiled and took the ornament from his husband.
"We got this in Venice," he said. "I think I can even recall the day we bought it, and there's a blue one that matches it."
"Yeah, right here," Luke held up the blue bulb and fingered the word. "Merry Christmas with all my love, Noah," He translated.
"it was great that we found the little shop that could inscribe them like that," Noah remarked as he hung his on the tree."
Luke took great care hanging the bulb before reaching into the box of ornaments. "We will definitely have to go there again," he agreed. I think that was my favorite little shop."
"What's that," Noah asked pointing at the ornament that Luke was holding. "It looks like a crippled gingerbread man."
"Yeah," Luke said smiling fondly. "It was my first ornament…I made it in school. Faith broke it a few years ago by accident…I remember telling her that it was okay because even with a broken leg the gingerbread man could still go on the tree. "
"You're such a good big brother," Noah said admiringly. "What's the story behind this one," he picked up an ornament that looked familiar though he couldn't quite recall why.
"That is a replica of the farm," Luke explained. There's a picture of the farm after a snowstorm, and Dad decided to get an ornament made out of it. That one belongs to you, every family member has one."
"I'll get it," Noah said in answer to the doorbell. He handed the ornament back to Luke who stood to follow Noah to the door. "Hey, guys," he greeted James and Maddie who were bearing gifts.
"Come on in," Luke added pulling Noah away from the door. We were just trimming the tree. Want to help?"
Maddie sat her stack of presents on the table and settled down on the couch. James followed suit and whistled at the tree.
"Nice," he said a smile lighting his face. "And of course we'll help. Decorating the tree is fun. Dad and I used to string popcorn ropes every year, and he'd tell me stories about where all the ornaments came from. "
"That's what we were doing when you came in," Luke admitted. "It sounds like Christmas for you was like it was for me, only with less people."
James chuckled. "I'd say that is about accurate yes. Did you bring home ornaments from your trip?"
Noah pointed at the red and blue bulbs hanging on the tree. "These are from Venice," he explained, and we picked up things from Florence and Rome too. There are some stained glass ornaments from Sicily that Luke has wrapped up over there."
"These are amazing," Maddie exclaimed, taking the ornaments Luke handed her. "The attention to detail is incredible," she praised as she showed one of the pieces to James.
They continued admiring pieces as they decorated the tree. Sometimes they laughed, sometimes Noah or Luke shared a story about the decoration and why it was so special. Luke made hot chocolate for them and they polished off the cookies Emma had left for them. The lights were strung, and the tinsel sprinkled around, and finally it was time to hang the candy canes. The small apartment was full of fun and laughter and music when Maddie insisted that Noah lead them in singing Christmas carols. Noah couldn't remember ever having so much fun at Christmas time. Even last year paled in comparison because as wonderful as it was to spend that time with Luke, the events leading up to, and after Christmas made the event bittersweet.
"You forgot some ornaments," Maddie said reaching over for a box that sat on the table.
"Oh those were meant to be last," Luke explained as she opened it. Maddie pulled out an ornament shaped like a video camera with Noah's name written on the front. That's Noah's first ornament."
"It was a gift from Luke's family, though I'm sure it was Luke's idea," Noah laughed.
"There's a green and red striped tie in there too," Luke said, plus a notebook and Pen ornament that Dad had made when I published my first story in school. "
"Well I have something you guys can add to the box," James said as Maddie continued to pull out what Luke called the crème de la crème of ornaments. "We have this on our tree too." he explained pulling a wrapped ornament out of his pocket.
Luke opened it and burst out laughing. Noah moved to his side and a big grin crossed his face as well. "What in the world?" Luke said between giggles. "How did you do that?"
"I took a picture that my dad took and had it made," James shrugged. "Hope the laugher means you like it."
"Oh James, we love it," Noah said. "I think I remember the picture this came from too.
"It's going to go on the front of the tree, just like the four musketeers should," Luke said hanging the piece beside Noah's video camera. He pulled James over to give him a hug, which Noah caught on camera. Maddie insisted that Noah get in a picture with the boys, and then they all wanted a picture of their whole group in front of the tree. "Wait let me throw the lights," Luke said taking the camera from Maddie before he flipped the switch. He set the timer and ran to join his friends. They had to try three times before they got the perfectly timed picture. The first time, the camera flashed while they tried to position themselves. The second time, James sneezed and Maddie turned her head just as the camera flashed. The perfect picture proved to be James standing behind Maddie, his hands on her waist. Noah stood beside him, their shoulders touching. Luke stood right in front of him and Noah had wrapped his arms around his neck. Luke had his hands on top of Noah's and he was smiling as Noah rested his chin in his hair.
They stood on the porch for a moment, their arms laden with packages, their eyes focused on the scene unfolding inside the house. Holden was setting the table for dinner. Natalie was helping in her own bouncy way. They could hear Faith's voice, but couldn't make out her words, and there was no doubt that Emma's kitchen was full of delicious smells. Luke balanced his packages in one arm and knocked on the door that would take them into the house. Christmas Eve at the farm was always a treat, and this year they were going to be the main surprise.
When Faith opened the door she was startled to find what appeared to be two pairs of legs, and arms holding packages. She tilted her head to the side for a moment and then tried unsuccessfully to peek over the packages to see who held them.
"Can we come in, Faith," Luke asked laughing at his sister's efforts. She stepped back, a grin spreading across her face as she held the door open for Luke and Noah to walk in. As soon as they set the packages down on the island Faith attached herself to her brother and held on tight.
"Oh my god you're here." she said looking up at him. "I've missed you so much."
"Noah," Natalie shrieked as she ran into Noah's waiting arms. "You came back!"
"Hey there, birthday girl," he grinned and hugged her close.
"You remembered my birthday?" Natalie said excitedly. "Does that mean you remember everything else too?"
"Luke could have told him when your birthday was, silly," Faith said moving away from her brother to get a turn hugging Noah. "That doesn't mean he remembers everything."
"But he does," Natalie insisted. "Don't you, Noah?"
Holden smiled as he watched Luke and Noah with the girls. They were always very good with them, and it was obvious that Natalie and Faith both adored them immensely. Luke wrapped his arms around Natalie, giving her a kiss on the cheek, and Noah was whispering something in Faith's ear that made her laugh out loud.
"Alright girls, give Luke and Noah some room to breathe."
"Awww Daddy," Faith and Nat said at the same time.
"Your father's right, let the boys have some air," Emma said stepping away from the stove. She wiped her hands on her apron and gave each of the boys a hug and a kiss on their cheeks. "It's good to have you boys back. When did you get home?"
"It's good to be back," Luke said moving forward to hug his dad. "I've missed everyone…we both did."
"Is it just me or does it seem really quiet around here," Noah commented. "I could have sworn last year it was a little more…"
"Chaotic," Luke finished his husband's sentence. "Where is everyone, Dad?"
"Well, Aaron and Ali were here earlier. They will be very sad that they missed you. You'll see them tomorrow. Jack took Carly and the kids to Montana for Christmas, and Brad is on assignment."
"And Mom," Luke asked softly. "Am I right to guess that her choice extends to the holidays as well?"
Holden frowned and shook his head sadly. "Your mother's not even in the country, Luke. She won't be back until January."
"Business or pleasure?" Luke asked crossing his arms. Noah instinctively placed a hand on his husband's neck, massaging to ease the tension.
Luke allowed himself to relax and he didn't blink at the fact that his dad didn't answer his question. Just as he was about to speak again, a small pair of arms attached themselves to his legs. He looked down and his face brightened at the sight of his little brother. He knelt down and held out his arms, laughing as Ethan barrowed into them. "How's the best godson/little brother in the world huh?"
"Dood," Ethan replied, wrapping his little arms around Luke's neck."
"And I suppose you're going to tell me you've been a good boy right?" Luke asked smiling. Ethan nodded emphatically. "Does that mean you want a present then?"
"Dyess!" Ethan exclaimed raising his hands into the air. "Pweasents, pwease Wuke."
While Luke entertained his little brother, Noah asked Faith and Natalie to help him get the presents into the other room. He warned them not to run less they drop something. And Luke heard him tell them not to peek.
Dinner was filled with questions and stories. Everyone wanted to know about Italy and all the sights they had seen. Luke spoke of the rich history of Rome and Florence, touching on all the other cities they visited as well. Noah told of all the buildings and people that they met, and he promised to show them the video footage at a later date. Faith liked hearing about the paintings and the statues they saw, and Natalie clapped her hands and grinned every time her big brother started speaking Italian when he was explaining something.
Dinner was followed by Emma's Dutch Apple Pie and then the family gathered in the parlor to open gifts. Everyone got to open one present from beneath the Christmas tree. Then Natalie became the center of attention as everyone gave her birthday gifts.
"We have one more gift for you, Nat," Luke said picking up one of the packages he and Noah had brought from home. "As the birthday girl you get to open your gift from Italy first. We have something for all of you."
Natalie clapped her hands and accepted the package from her brother. She made quick work of the wrapping paper and uncovered a small purse.
"Grandma look," she said holding up the pink purse for everyone to see. "Thanks Luke and Noah." She gave each of them hugs. "I feel so grown up!"
Luke chuckled. "That was primarily the point. "None of the toys suited you, and we both agreed that it's beyond time we treated you like a big girl." Natalie beamed and looked down to examine her purse some more.
"Faith this is for you," Noah said handing over a similar package. Just like Natalie she ripped into it, and was pleased to find a hand bag of her own.
"Look inside," Luke instructed.
Faith looked, inside and smiled, immediately standing to give her big brother a tight hug.
"Just don't spend it in one place," Luke whispered to her before she hugged Noah too.
Emma received a handbag too, and she gushed over it for a few minutes, tears spilling from her eyes as she hugged both of them. "I don't believe I have ever had a purse this nice," she said feeling the leather, and placing the strap over her arm. Noah exchanged a look with Luke and squeezed his hand. They had spent at least fifteen minutes trying to find the right bag for her. They wanted it to be elegant yet simplistic, and they thought she deserved something nice.
"Dad, we wanted to get you something nice," Luke explained holding out a small box for Holden.
"And we wanted to give you a message," Noah explained as Holden opened the box. Inside was a watch with an Italian leather band. HE turned it over to read the message which was written in Italian.
"It says Sei Ill migliore papa. Gratzie," Luke explained. "You are the best dad, thank you." He translated."
Noah frowned when Holden stood without a word and left the room. "Was it something we said?" he asked turning to hishusband.
"Dad doesn't like to wear his emotions," Luke explained. "I think we may have overwhelmed him with the gift but it's a good thing. He'll be back."
Just as Luke predicted, Holden returned to the parlor a few minutes later with a smile on his face. He hugged both boys and thanked them for the gift and the praise. After presents Emma insisted that they sing Christmas carols.
"Okay girls time for bed," Emma announce after a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells.
"Awww grandma," The girls exclaimed at the same time.
"Luke are you and Noah staying the night?" Faith asked.
"We were planning to, yes," Luke smiled.
"NO sleep until Noah sings Silent Night," Natalie insisted.
"Would you like to sing it with me?" Noah asked.
Luke smiled as Natalie nodded and came to sit on Noah's knee. He started in on the first verse, and everyone listened, quickly getting caught in the rich tones of Noah's voice and the message behind the song. Natalie's voice joined in on the second verse, and Noah stopped momentarily to allow her to sing solo.
"Christ the savior is born," Noah's voice rejoined Natalie as he hugged her close. "Christ the savior is born." He kissed her cheek and they sung the first verse over and the rest of the family joined in.
Luke joined Noah and Natalie on the couch and Noah put his free arm around him as the song ended. "Sleep in heavenly peace," they sang. "Sleep in heavenly peace."
"He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night." Luke closed the book and smiled at the sight before him. Little Ethan lay snug as a bug between his two sisters, each of whom had a protective arm around him. They were fast asleep and he kissed them each on the forehead before standing to leave the room. He headed back downstairs, and wasn't surprised to hear chatter coming from the Parlor.
""It sounds like we missed a really good pageant," Noah remarked as Luke entered the room. "Hey,. The kids asleep?"
"Yep, they were out before I finished the story. Where's grandma?"
"She went to get some sleep," Holden explained. "I was just telling Noah about the pageant."
"Sorry we missed it, Dad," Luke said frowning.
"It's not a problem, Luke. The girls don't know you were home, and I know if they had known you would have tried to come. You must have been exhausted though."
"We stayed up until at least noon on Sunday," Noah explained. "We were watching movies…"
"And drinking hot chocolate," Luke added. By the time we went to sleep, we knew there was no way we would be going anywhere."
"And When James called at six…I was only partially aware that I talked to him. I think it was six anyway," Noah grinned sheepishly. I don't think I was even coherent when I talked to him."
"Well I for one am glad that you're back. This has been the best Christmas gift." Holden smiled. "I missed you."
"We missed you too, Dad. A lot. It was nice being away, but I'm kinda glad we're back."
"Yeah," Noah agreed. "And I wanted to thank you sir. I mean I don't think there are words really that can express how touched I am that you welcomed me into your family."
"You don't have to thank me for that, Noah."
"Could I apologize for running out of here that first day then?" Noah laughed. "Well I guess actually it wasn't here but I am so sorry about that sir. You were being nice to me and I bolted."
"Well I've met your father, Son. I think I would have bolted too. Kindness can be overwhelming when you aren't used to it."
"So how are you, Dad?" Luke asked. "Are you taking care of yourself?"
"Shouldn't I be asking that question of the two of you," Holden countered.
"We're fine," Noah answered for them. "But I'm with Luke, Dad. How are you since…"
"Since the divorce was finalized," Luke asked softly. "I hate bringing that up tonight…but it's just too weird, you know? You guys went through so many near divorces and separations…I knew this one would go through but," he shrugged sadly and looked down. Noah wrapped his arm around him and kissed his cheek.
"I know its hard son, but it will be okay. And I'm fine, the kids are great and your mother…she's moved on. This was what she wanted, and I'm not going to let her ruin our holiday. You guys are here, Aaron's engaged and everyone is healthy. I couldn't ask for more."
"We feel the same way," Noah assured him. Luke smiled and nodded, resting his head against his husband's as they shared a quick hug.
"Holden smiled too. "I think this is just as good a time as any to give you guys your gift," he said standing to retrieve an envelope which he handed to Luke.
"What is it?" Luke asked sitting up straight so he could open it carefully.
"Read it and find out," Holden said sitting down. He watched as Luke opened the letter and handed the envelope to Noah who looked for other contents. He pulled out the key and peeked over Luke's shoulder to read.
"What is it Luke?" he asked as his eyes scanned the page.
"It's the deed to my great-grandfather's house," Luke said surprised. He looked at his dad and looked at the key Noah held in his hand, and back at his dad. "Is this for real?"
"I talked it over with Cal," Holden responded. "He was more than happy to let you have the place, Luke. It is sitting unused…and has been since Jade left, and I can't think of more suitable occupants then you two."
"We were just talking about possibly moving," Luke said looking at his husband, amazement clear on his face.
"I think Dad is trying to hone in on our bond or something," Noah joked. "This is incredible though, sir…are you sure? I mean we were thinking about it…we weren't going to make any decisions until the New Year, but…"
"No buts Noah. The property is yours, whether you chose to move into it today, next week or next year. It's the perfect way to start off fresh. I know you guys have a lot of good memories in your apartment, but I also know there are things that you'd rather forget as well."
"That's for sure," Luke bristled. He folded the deed and placed it back in the envelope along with the keys. "Thanks Dad," he said giving his father a hug. "We'll think about it. Moving would mean that we'd be closer to you, too which I am sure will be a plus."
"I didn't even think about that," Holden said feigning innocence. "Okay, so maybe the thought did cross my mind. But you boys know that whatever you decide…I'm behind you 100 percent."
"So what do you think?" Luke asked as they held each other in the darkness. They had talked to their dad for a little while longer before retiring to their bedroom. This year there was no question of how close they would lay. Luke easily slid into Noah's arms and turned out the lights, both of them thinking about the gift Holden had given them.
"Well we were thinking about moving," Noah said, his fingers idly stroking Luke's hair. "That's on the top of our list of things to discuss."
"Mmmhmmm," Luke said, his eyes closing as he relaxed under Noah's gentle ministrations. "The cottage is very nice, and it has a fireplace."
"That does sound nice," Noah admitted.
"And, it's close to Dad too," Luke yawned.
""I think he likes that idea," Noah chuckled. "I kinda like it to…we really should consider it."
Luke looked up, causing Noah's hand to fall down to his arm. "I love you."
Noah kissed him softly and wrapped his arms tighter around him. Luke settled against Noah's chest and closed his eyes again. "I love you too, Luke. Merry…" He stopped as he felt the rise and fall of Luke's chest. It made him smile and he kissed the top of his husband's head. "Merry Christmas, Love." He whispered as he too gave in to sleep.
Noah spent the morning videotaping the girls and Ethan opening presents in front of the Christmas tree. Natalie had come into their room at 6am insisting they had to get up and see all the presents Santa had left for them. The stockings were hanging on the mantle, each emblazoned with the name of each family member. Noah smiled as he recalled them putting those up just hours ago it seemed. He even had one with his name on it, placed right where it belonged, beside Luke's.
Various family members stopped by over the course of the day, everyone was glad to see Luke and Noah back and they ended up sharing stories about their trip, not that they minded. For Noah the best part was seeing Luke's' face light up whenever he spoke about Venice and gondola rides. Luke's smile was forever imprinted in his mind and even still he was determined to make sure he saw more of it.
After many gifts, pleasant conversation and Emma's Christmas brunch, Noah pulled Luke out into the cold brisk December air. Christmas with the family had been a blast, but it was time to go home…to their home for their own brand of Christmas tradition. It started to snow as they travelled home, and Noah noticed that Luke slowed his pace as they reentered the city and made their way to the apartment. He watched his husband carefully, knowing exactly what he had to be thinking at the moment. It was a white Christmas, just like it had been last year. Luke would be holding his breath hoping that history did not repeat. Noah was determined that it wouldn't, and there was no reason that it should. Still his husband's fears were important and not to be ignored. He reached out a comforting hand, resting it on Luke's leg .
"Just relax, Luke. We're almost home."
Luke nodded and breathed deep before moving once the light turned green. He maneuvered the vehicle through the falling snow and pulled safely into their parking lot a few minutes later. Noah gave his leg a squeeze and they got out of the car, linked hands and walked into the building. Once inside they brushed the snowflakes from their hair as Luke opened the door. Noah chuckled as they removed their shoes before entering their home. He still remembered how adamant Luke was about not tracking rain, snow or mud into the apartment. He wondered if he would be the same way if they did move. He reckoned that answer was yes.
Hot chocolate was prepared and It's a Wonderful Life was placed into the DVD player. They settled on the couch, both sitting with one leg tucked beneath them as they cuddled and watched Frank Capra's timeless classic play out on screen. When the movie ended, they watched the DVD Luke had made a year ago, the love letter to Noah that he held dear to his heart. Noah got a kick out of watching Luke's reaction to hearing himself say the words he wrote. His husband spent most of the time with his head buried in Noah's shoulder, every now and again peeking and blushing before disappearing again. It was the undoubtedly the cutest thing Noah had ever seen.
"We missed our anniversary," Luke said smiling at him as they ate their version of a Christmas feast. He was smiling and it proved contagious. Noah couldn't help but grin himself.
"I think I can remember what we were doing on November 10th, but I can see how it would have slipped our minds that it was indeed a year since we first said our vows," he said, finding it hard not to get lost in that sea of chocolate brown. Even after all they had been through Luke could still get him with a look.
"I remember," Luke said those eyes glistening like rhinestones. You were taking advantage of me."
"Ha," Noah laughed. "Was that before or after you tackled me in the hot tub?"
Luke opened his mouth to say something, but Noah decided he wanted a kiss instead of words, and that suited both of them just fine. "Mmmm," He said moments later, stealing another kiss before he could articulate his thoughts. "My point, Noah, was that I have something for you." He kissed him again and giggled. "God if you don't stop that…well never mind. Here," Luke handed him an envelope which Noah promptly opened, being careful not to rip it.
Inside was a checkbook full of checks. Noah looked up at Luke, who just smiled and waited. He looked at the book and opened it to one of the checks. The checks were a crisp blue with silver trim, but it wasn't' the color that caught his attention at the moment. At the top of the checks the names Luke and Noah Snyder Mayer appeared, and as he flipped through the book he noticed the same on each one. "A joint account," he said looking up at Luke who just nodded. "You got us a joint account."
"Now we have three accounts," Luke explained. "You still have yours, and I have mine…and our family," He reached out to take Noah's hand, "has an account too. "I want to share everything with you, and I know how important it is for you to provide for us too. You don't mind do you?"
Noah shook his head and looked down at the checks once more before facing Luke again. "Thank you," he whispered. "Just thank you."
Luke kissed him softly and Noah bit his lip when he pulled away. "No thanks necessary, Noah. I love you."
"Same here. And I have something for you too."
"I hope it's something that doesn't involve you leaving." Noah could tell by the look in his husband's eyes that he hadn't meant to say that. It was reflex, impulse and maybe just a little bit of fear. He understood it and he would not begrudge it. He kissed Luke softly on the lips before getting up to retrieve his present. He was back in a flash and he handed Luke a package and took his seat at the table again.
"I tried to keep with the tradition…paper is for first anniversaries, and well this feels like our first true Christmas, even better than last year…and I just wanted you to have this."
Luke smiled as he opened the package and Noah watched as he touched the leather bound journal with such care, lifting it out of the box as if it were made of glass and could break any second. He watched Luke hold the journal to his nose, inhaling the newness, savoring it before he opened the book to flip through the crisp clean paper, Noah held his breath as he waited for Luke to notice the best part about the gift. Luke flipped it back closed and let his fingers run over it again, and Noah knew the minute he realized how special the journal really was. His smile was brighter and he gazed at Noah with such a look of love, Noah wasn't quite certain how he managed to keep from kissing him.
"Our initials are on each page," Luke said out loud. "And on the cover…and the inscription, Oh Noah, thank you." He put the journal down and found the pen that was sitting alone in the box. It was blue with solid gold trim and it was heavy in weight. His name was engraved into the pen, and Luke smiled lovingly at Noah. "You're too good to me."
"I just love you," Noah said reaching over to take Luke's hand.
"I love you too," Luke said giving in to the urge to kiss him. "Merry Christmas."
Noah smiled and stood pulling Luke up with him. Without a word he pulled him out of the kitchen, through the dining room and straight to their bedroom. He closed the door and turned so that Luke's back was against it. Their lips touched in a passionate clench that left both of them breathless. "Merry Christmas," he said as he tried to catch his breath. Luke's hands went up to cup his face and Noah felt himself being pulled forward until he was pressed against his husband, their lips joined once more in a passionate embrace.
Their movements were slow as they made their way over to their bed. Clothes disappeared, hands touched and bodies came together in an intricate dance of love and romance. Tonight was about loving, embracing and being one. Noah rained kisses up and down the length of Luke's body, caressing and pinching in all the right places causing all sorts of exquisite sounds to escape his husband's mouth. Effortlessly he found what he craved and traced with his fingers before slipping them inside one by one. Luke writhed beneath him, panting and wanting to feel what Noah wanted him to feel.
Their lips met again and Noah took a hold of Luke's hands, intertwining their fingers as he slid inside, slipping into the bliss that was his husband. He took him, he claimed him…he loved him.
