Fireside Romance Box Set

Chapter 8-2

It was a bit of a tight squeeze on the backseat of the car, but I wasn’t about to complain about being pushed up against my best friend and the man I loved.

The service was great. We got to sing plenty of my favourite carols. The biggest surprise of the evening however, was Mark’s voice. My god—whoops, shouldn’t have thought that in church—but it, Mark’s voice I mean, was beautiful. I shivered hearing it. I wondered if he had taken lessons.

The vicar centred his address on the phrase ‘Peace on earth, goodwill to ALL men.’ He seemed to put a stress on all. I’d no idea if he included gay men in that ‘All’, but I chose to believe he did and drew comfort from it.

Although communion was celebrated, neither Mark nor I had been confirmed so we didn’t go up to receive it. That didn’t seem to matter though, because there were lots of people who stayed in their pews, too.

The final carol was Hark the Herald Angels Sing, my absolute favourite. I raised up my totally out of tune voice. It felt so liberating to belt out such a triumphal hymn.

I thanked the vicar for his sermon and shook his offered hand just before leaving the church. I turned to see Mark give the cleric a salute with his bandaged right hand. In return the vicar patted Mark’s shoulder.

When we got outside, we found to both Mark’s and my delight it was gently snowing.

“A white Christmas, it couldn’t be more perfect!” Mark said, blinking rapidly.

I pulled him to one side. “Would you rather we walk home? It isn’t all that far.”

“Could we?” He blinked some more.

I turned to Mary and her parents. I thanked them for the offer of a lift home, but told them of our decision to walk. After wishing them a Merry Christmas I watched them drive off.

Turning back to Mark I pulled him into a hug. We just stood there for the longest time, the snow softly falling on us. I could only recall one other white Christmas, and to be able to share this one with Mark was wonderful.

“Ready to go home now?” I eventually asked.

Mark nodded and let go of me.

“I don’t remember them forecasting snow,” I said as we started home.

“No, me neither.”

“That all goes to prove how special it is then.”

Mark was quiet for the rest of the journey home. I didn’t want to interrupt his thoughts. I had some pretty wonderful ones going round in my own head.

“We’re home,” I said, locking the front door. “Would you like a cup of cocoa or something?”

“No, it’s okay, thanks. If you’ll just help me in the toilet and undress me, I think I’ll turn in.”

“Yes, of course.”

Mark still seemed distracted. I didn’t feel as though I ought to question him on it, so I did the things he asked.

I wasn’t quite ready for sleep myself, so I told Mark I was going to make a hot drink, and would come to bed later.

I sat in front of the telly with my cup of cocoa. There was a discussion about the role of the church in modern society. It wasn’t all that interesting, but it helped me to relax. Eventually I realised it was time I hit the sack. So I performed my ablutions and crawled beneath the sheets next to an already sleeping Mark. He was on his back, so I wasn’t able to spoon in behind him. I lay still, excited about the happiness I hoped he’d find the next day. But eventually my thoughts settled and the sound of Mark’s soft rhythmic snores gently lulled me into dreamland.