Read It’s Christmas Everywhere But Here for Free Online Page B

couldn’t wait either.”
    “There’s still presents.” Doris sounded hopeful.
    “Actually, sweetie, Austin was a little burned out on presents, so why don’t we clean up a little bit. And then I think I have some steaks in the freezer.” Randall grinned down at them.
    “We were saving those for something special.”
    “I think the sergeant deserves something a little special for his first meal back, Dee. Max, you help your mom start gathering up the wrapping paper, and I’ll go get a trash bag.”
    Russ sent a grateful smile his father’s way.
    “Ems, how has your Christmas vacation been?” Dave grinned at his daughter.
    “It’s been fun! Maddie and Savannah and Brittney and I all went to a movie, and then we went out for ice cream. Uncle Max is really cool, and his dog is pretty awesome too, though Austin doesn’t like the dog. And he got me a really great book on code breaking! Uncle Max, I mean. He says it’s got all kinds of puzzles in it. It’s right here. I’ll show you.”
    Russ winced but remained unharmed as Emily crawled off his lap and darted across the floor to grab her book. He glanced over to find Dave gazing at him, smiling softly. Russ bent in for another kiss.
    “Daddy, aren’t you listening?”
    “I am. Your Uncle Max got you a code book and is the best uncle in the whole world ever , and you want to kidnap his dog. What else did you get for Christmas?”
    Russ settled back while Emily gave her father a detailed account of her presents, Austin’s presents, and edited highlights of everyone else’s. He reached up, stroking the short hairs at the back of his husband’s head. Dave was home.
     
     
    “W AKE UP , sleepyhead. Dinner’s ready.” Russ shook Dave’s shoulder. One eye cracked open, then slid closed again. “You chase Austin around for barely thirty minutes and then nap for two hours? Are you old ?”
    Dave burst up, wrapped his arms around Russ, and hauled the other man down onto the couch for a kiss. “Five years younger than you.”
    “Only for three months of the year. Dinner’s ready.” Russ took another kiss before he pushed up. The torso under Dave’s T-shirt was solid and warm. Russ gave in to temptation and rubbed his hands over the strong pectoral muscles stretching out the worn fabric. He pressed a kiss on Dave’s arm and pushed away before he gave in and tore the shirt off.
    “Russ?”
    “I’m not mad.”
    “Then why…?”
    Dave sat up. Russ moved next to him, leaning into the one-armed embrace. “Because I was about to start pulling your clothes off, and I’m trying to respect my mom’s—disapproval.”
    “Much as I want to—you know, I don’t really want to be naked in your parents’ living room either.” Dave kissed his cheek again.
    “Yes, I’ve heard about your experience with living rooms.” Russ gave Dave a grin and stood.
    “How did you hear about that?” Dave took the proffered hand to stand up.
    “Your mother and I both missed you and would get to talking about you.”
    “And she told you that story?”
    “Among others.”
    They rounded the corner into the dining room, hand in hand. Emily already had her plate full and was trying to help Austin, but he was clutching his to his chest. Russ got Dave in line first, following behind with Austin between them.
    “Salad?”
    “No.”
    “Steak?”
    “Yes.”
    “Mashed potato?”
    “Yes.”
    “Only butter?”
    “Yes.”
    Dave had a bemused smile on his face. Russ concentrated on that and ignored his mother’s disapproving grunt at the small portions.
    “Green beans.”
    “No.”
    Russ caught the spoonful as Austin jerked the plate away.
    “I thought you liked green beans.”
    “Goopy.”
    Russ looked at the scoop of green bean casserole a moment before plopping it on his own plate. “Fair enough. Would you be okay if we rinsed the goopy part off?”
    “No.”
    “Okay. Milk to drink?”
    “Water.”
    “Okay, go sit, and I’ll get you water and non-goopy green