Epilogue
Christmas morning
Ollie sat on the rug, tearing the paper from his present with all the eagerness of a five-year-old boy. He grinned when he saw the DVD. “How did you know?”
I laughed. “You kept talking about that film all day Sunday. I do listen.”
He leaned over and placed a loud kiss on my lips. “Yes, you do.”
I had to admit, as Christmas mornings went, this one was pretty much perfect. We’d awoken early, but it had taken us a good two hours to make a move out of the bed.
Christmas Day sex was fast becoming my new favourite festive activity.
I’d snuck out of the bed to check that his ‘present’ was doing okay in the guest bedroom. I’d popped in and out of there so many times on Christmas Eve that he’d begun to grow suspicious. It had taken all my sneaky skills to keep him out.
I couldn’t wait any longer.
“Are you ready for your main present?” I asked him.
Ollie blinked. “What main present?” I could understand that. We’d both gone overboard with present buying. Granted, there were a lot of chocolates, socks, CDs and DVDs, but we’d only had a couple of days, and it would take time to buy more meaningful gifts.
There’s always next year. That thought filled me with warmth. A year with Ollie. Because I had no doubts that a year from now, we’d still be together.
I got up and went into the guest bedroom. Not that it was set up as a bedroom: there were yet more boxes. One large open box stood in the centre of the floor, and its occupant was trying to climb out of it.
“Oh no, you don’t,” I said quietly, before hoisting the box into my arms. I carried it carefully into the living room, where Ollie stared at it as I approached him.
“What on earth have you got in—”
A meow cut off his words, and he gaped. “You haven’t.” He lurched to his feet and peered into the box, where the cat was trying to do its escape act again. “Oh, you did.”
“She’s a rescue,” I told him. “Eight months old. I was going to get you a kitten, but then I saw her. The guy in charge said everyone goes for the kittens. But as I was walking around the place, she followed me with her eyes.”
Ollie carefully lifted the white cat into his arms. “Oh, she’s lovely.” The cat rubbed against him, her eyes closed, and he beamed. “Thank you.” Then he glanced at the tree. “Oh. Do you think this is such a good idea? Cats and Christmas trees are not a good mix, remember?”
“We’ll take our chances.” He looked adorable, holding the cat to him, stroking her. “You’ll have to come up with a name.”
Ollie smiled. “Miski 2.”
I laughed. “Yeah, I thought you might.” I reached over and stroked her head. “Will there be room for her at your place?” She pushed up into my hand.
Ollie bit his lip. “Shit. I didn’t think of that. There’s a No pets rule.”
“But you had a cat.”
He sighed. “That was Jay’s place. When he died, I had to find somewhere else to live. I’m in a little studio flat.” His gaze met mine. “There’s a reason I haven’t invited you there.” He smirked. “I don’t think it’s big enough for the two of us.”
He didn’t know it, but Ollie had given me the perfect opening. “But I’ve got room enough for both of you.” My heartbeat sped up.
Ollie stared at me. “Seriously? You want me to move in with you?”
“Why not? You love the place, you said so yourself. And there’s definitely enough room.
And…” I cupped his face in my hands. “I want you here, with me.” I smiled.
“No, it’s not too fast. It’s just right.
Besides, the last three days, you’ve spent more time here than at your place. ” And I was definitely not complaining.
Ollie put the cat down, then flung his arms around me. “Have I told you yet this morning that I love you?”
I gazed at his sweet face. “They were the first words you uttered.” Talk about a wonderful way to wake up.
Miski 2 wound in and out of my ankles, and I looked down. “I’m sorry. Were we ignoring you?” I reached down and scratched behind her ears.
“Wait till she smells the turkey roasting in the oven. She’ll be all over us.”
“Which reminds me.” I straightened. “Time we started getting lunch ready. I hope you’re handy with a peeler, because we’ve got carrots, potatoes, parsnips… I thought we could prepare the veg together.”
“That sounds great.” Ollie kissed me on the lips. “Although… do we have to start right away?” He slid his hand under my robe, his fingertips brushing over my nipple.
I shivered. “When you put it like that…”
I always preferred a late Christmas Day lunch anyway.
“What about Miski 2?” Ollie asked.
“She stays in here,” I said firmly. No way was I going to have a little furry spectator.
Ollie snickered. “At least she won’t make comments on our performance.” Then he shrugged off his robe and scampered naked toward the door, shivering. “Last one in bed has to bottom!”
I laughed. “Like either of us would mind that.” I paused at the doorway.
Mike? I don’t know if you can hear me, but… thank you. He’s perfect. As perfect as you were.
When no reply came, I knew Mike was well and truly gone, but wherever he was, I hoped my words filled him with joy.
Mike stood at the foot of the bed, gazing at the sleeping couple, Andy curled around Ollie’s back, his arm draped over Ollie’s waist. Miski 2 was curled up at their feet.
He turned to his companion. “Well?”
“I still think you’re a spoilsport, waiting until they were asleep. We missed all the fun.” Jay grinned. “Only kidding.”
Mike shook his head. “You can be so juvenile sometimes.” He hadn’t needed to see them making love?he knew down to the depths of his soul that they were perfect for each other.
“Well, I’ve got a lot of time to mature, right?” Jay snickered. “Besides, you can talk about being juvenile. Who’s the one who chose to come back with his dick hanging out?”
Mike ignored him, pointing to the bed. “I repeat… well?”
“You were right,” Jay admitted. “They make a lovely couple.” Miski was in his arms, regarding Miski 2 with interest. Jay stroked Miski’s back. “See, Miski? Doesn’t Daddy look happy?” He sighed. “I’m only sorry Ollie couldn’t see me.”
“You know the rules. A few more years, and you get to show yourself. Besides, you managed great with what you had, getting him to the coffee shop.”
“I’m glad I had to leave it up to you,” Jay admitted. “I’d have been a lot pushier.”
Mike smiled. “Hey, I couldn’t have gotten him to the flat that night without you giving him a good old shove.
” He shook his head. “Stubborn mules, both of them.” He went back to staring at the sleeping pair.
Andy stirred in his sleep, as though he’d heard Mike’s voice, then snuggled closer to Ollie.
Mike knew there was no chance of either of them hearing him and Jay. He’d made certain of that.
“This couldn’t have gone any better,” he mused.
“These two are going to have a long, happy life together, filled with a lot of love.” He knew it with every part of him.
Seeing Andy so happy brought him joy, and he couldn’t wait for the two of them to start talking about a family.
After all, the kitty was going to need a little human too.
Jay touched his arm. “Hey. What’s on your mind?”
“I was just thinking… I always thought Andy and I would be together forever. Now I know we will be, just not the way I envisioned.” Knowing that had made it a little easier for him to hand the reins over to Ollie.
“So, what are we doing for them next year?”
Mike smiled. “I was thinking about that too. I think they’ll make great dads, don’t you?”
Jay beamed. “Aw, that’s a wonderful idea. Can we make it happen?”
Mike snickered. “I think that’s above our pay grade. But we can put in a request at least.” He craned his neck as he caught the first chords of music, faint to begin with, but rising in a melodic crescendo, accompanied by voices raised in a song so beautiful, it brought tears to his eyes.
“It’s time to come home.” Both stilled at the sound of the clear voice, plainly audible above the choir.
Mike sighed happily. Their work was done. “Come, on,” he said to Jay. “Let’s leave them to their sleep.”
“I always loved Christmas,” Jay murmured. “I used to love singing carols. I miss those.”
“Yeah, but what we’ve got is far better,” Mike reminded him.
“True.” Jay blew a kiss in Ollie’s direction. “Love you, babe.”
Mike took one last look at Andy. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”
Miski 2 watched as the two men were enveloped in a bright light, before fading out of sight. Then she settled back to sleep.
The End