A Touch of Fate (BWWM)

35 | Holiday Love (II)

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Garrett

Christmas Eve Night

Last Christmas Eve, Garrett drank whiskey in a pub in London, trying unsuccessfully to forget about his life in America. He was in a place with people he loved even more, and the turn of events said something.

There was room for improvement in some of those relationships. Like everything else, relationships were not easy. They were sloppy and difficult to understand. Occasionally, it is painful and tough. In the best way he could, he made things right with his grandfather. He hoped that one day his brothers would do the same. At least before Eugene passed. Though they couldn't stay in Holden for Christmas, they promised to return for New Year's. His grandfather accepted their offer, but Garrett could tell he was upset about the holiday changes.

He also knew Eugene was ready for it. When his grandfather and Allison left an hour ago, he had said pretty much the same thing. "Maybe your brothers will stick around longer next time, Gary."

That was far from an ideal situation. The brothers' brief visit had been awkward and uncomfortable. Gavin had only left town two days ago. Grady had only managed to stay until this morning. He had stayed long enough to accept a scheduled MMA fight for next spring. Garrett could tell that Grady wished he had left town sooner after getting into a fender bender on his way home from his meeting.

Ramón slapped Garrett's shoulder. "You and Imani did an excellent job redecorating this place. It is incredible."

"Yeah, Garrett. I can picture both of you raising a batch of babies in this lodge," said Axel, holding Ramón's waist. "I'm sure Dylan is ready to become a big brother."

"Honey," Ramón murmured, staring into Axel's eyes. "Remember what we talked about on the way here?"

"Yes, but Rommy? Wouldn't you like to be an uncle? I'm just guiding our friend into the baby-making department."

Garrett chuckled as the three men exchanged awkward glances. "I'm fine with that," he spit back.

Ramón shook his head, straightened up, and looked back at Garrett. "I apologize for my boyfriend's tendency to talk a lot."

"Hey! You enjoy hearing me talk," Axel said, moving closer to Ramon's ear and whispering, "Especially when I..."

His words trailed off, and Garrett was perfectly content with that. The three of them had just finished collecting glasses and trays. Imani went to put Dylan to bed, and Garrett was going to relax once their guests left. The thought made him smile as he tossed a dish towel onto the counter.

"Seriously, Garrett. If you keep that silly look on your face, Imani will figure it out."

"What?"

"That she owns every part of you."

He followed his friend from the kitchen. "Mani has owned me ever since I met her twelve years ago. No one else can compare."

"That includes your ex-wife?"

Garrett shrugged. "We're still friends, and Veronica knows I've moved on. My relationship with her was never as strong as Imani and mine, so she doesn't obsess over it."

"Well, that's good." With a quick look outside, Ramón put on his leather jacket. "Axel and I are about to head out. Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas." When Garrett's jaw dropped, he continued. "You thought I forgot that Christmas is your birthday? Should I remind you who my best friend is?"

"Which is the love of my life," Garrett replied. "This year, I didn't think my birthday would make me happy, but it does. Fate giving me another chance with my girl is the best birthday present ever."