Chapter Nine
Brogan
Brogan padded into thekitchen, still groggy but smiling.
On the table sat a folded note. Brogan picked it up and read aloud:
Brogan and Archie—
Thanks for last night. We’ll meet you guys for Christmas dinner.
—Andrew and Rafael
The air smelled like cinnamon and coffee, and the soft hum of Christmas music played from the little speaker on the counter. The kitchen was cozy with its warm wood cabinets, a garland strung along the window, and a pine candle flickering on the table. Archie stood at the stove in his reindeer pajama pants, flipping waffles like it was his job, and Brogan couldn’t help but wrap his arms around him from behind.
“Merry Christmas,” he murmured against Archie’s neck.
Archie leaned back into him with a grin. “Merry Christmas, my love.”
They wandered into the living room, plates in hand. The tree glowed in the corner, strung with colorful lights and ornaments they’d recently purchased together, some ridiculous. The stockings hung crookedly on the mantel, and Molly and Pasha were already sniffing around them like they knew treats were coming.
Brogan smiled, but his stomach was doing flips. He glanced at Archie, who was already digging into breakfast, looking relaxed and beautiful in the morning light. Brogan sat across from him, trying not to fidget. Archie had made waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream, with crispy bacon on the side. It looked like something out of a brunch magazine.
“You outdid yourself,” Brogan said, nudging Archie’s foot under the table.
Archie winked. “We’ll open our gifts after breakfast and take some time for us before Christmas dinner.”
“Sounds good,” Brogan replied, though his nerves were buzzing. He kept sneaking glances at the little gold box tucked behind the tree.
After breakfast, they settled on the carpet in front of the tree, legs tangled, dogs happily munching their treats. Brogan leaned onto Archie’s shoulder, soaking in the moment. Then Archie handed him three presents, eyes twinkling.
“Open yours first,” Archie said, brushing a kiss to Brogan’s temple.
Brogan tore into the largest one with the red shiny paper and silver bows. Inside was a sleek leather jacket, soft and perfectly his style. His old one was practically falling apart. He laughed and kissed Archie, lingering.
“You’re too good to me.”
The next gift was wrapped in green. Inside: a rich navy blue sweater and matching dress slacks. Brogan ran his fingers over the fabric, then leaned in for another kiss.
“I love it. You know me too well.”
The last box was small, wrapped in gold. Brogan’s heart thudded as he opened it. Inside was a gold chain, engraved with his name andLove, Archie.His throat tightened. “Help me put it on?” he asked.
Archie clasped it gently, fingers brushing Brogan’s neck. They kissed again, their lips lingering in a slow, sweet embrace.
Brogan handed over two large boxes. Archie opened the first, and inside was a bright red sweater, almost a twin to Brogan’s, and a pair of slacks. He grinned and kissed Brogan, laughing.
“You’re trying to make us match.”
“Obviously,” Brogan teased.
The next box contained a suede jacket and a soft scarf. Archie’s eyes lit up.
“I love it,” he said, pulling Brogan into a hug that turned into another kiss.
Brogan’s hands were shaking as he reached behind the tree and pulled out the small gold box.
“I have one more,” he said, voice thick. “It’s… special.”
