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  “You make me happy too, Kristopher Kringle.” He giggled. “I just love your name.”

  “Do you?”

  Jessie nodded.

  “How about me?”

  “What?”

  “Do you love me?”

  Jessie went silent for a moment. “Yes, I do.”

  “I love you too, Jessie.” Kris kissed Jessie again before freeing him.

  Jessie went off to sleep smiling.

  Chapter Six

  Kris didn’t know picking out a tree was such a big decision. Jessie was having trouble choosing between a pine and a fir tree. They were both fake, so Kris didn’t see why it was so hard to decide.

  “What’s the problem?” Lucas asked.

  “My elf can’t make up his mind.”

  “But Christmas is just two weeks away. It won’t be up long enough to care.”

  Jessie frowned at Lucas. “It has to be the right one since we’re going to use it for a number of years.”

  “You planning on staying with this guy for many years to come?” Lucas asked Jessie.

  “Yes, we’re a good match.”

  “See, I told you,” Kris said to his older brother. “I didn’t brain wash him.”

  Jessie made a decision. “This one.” He pointed to a huge pine. “It would look perfect in the foyer by the stairs or in the parlor away from the fireplace.”

  “It’s a beautiful tree,” Lucas said. “Have you decided on your color theme.”

  “What’s a color theme?” Kris asked.

  “You just can’t throw any old colors on tree. You have to pick colors that are meaningful. It’s the rage this year,” Lucas told Kris.

  “Red, white and blue,” Jessie answered. “A patriotic tree for a retired Marine.”

  Jessie picked out two bulbs and handed it to Kris. Kris read it aloud, “Our First Christmas.” He read the second one, “Joseph.”

  “Joseph?” Lucas asked.

  “The name of our first son,” Jessie answered.

  Lucas looked at Kris.

  Kris just smiled smugly and shrugged. He put both bulbs into the shopping cart.

  Jessie picked out a wreath for the door, lights, hooks and stockings. They also got gift wrap, tape, and tags.

  “Have you figured out what you’re getting him for Christmas,” Lucas asked when Jessie was out of ear range.

  Kris nodded. He pulled a jeweler’s box out of his pocket. “A family.” Inside the box was a man’s version of an engagement ring.

  “But the two of you have just met,” Lucas said.

  “He’s the one. He was dropped from heaven into my arms that day. My prayers have been answered. I asked for someone to share my life with.”

  “When did you get to be a romantic?”

  “Since I fell in love with an elf,” Kris answered.

  Jessie returned loaded down with more decorations. “I need to get some stuff in the drug store section.”

  “That’s my cue to leave,” Lucas said. “I have to get back to work.”

  Kris and Jessie got some other things they needed, paid for their purchases and loaded up the SUV. They took the stuff home. Later, they went over to Jessie’s place and got the last of his boxes and officially moved him into Kris’s condo. They stayed up late unpacking and decorating the tree.

  ****

  “I’m sorry I can’t make it to your Christmas recital,” Kris said to Jessie the next morning. “I’m on call.”

  “It’s okay,” Jessie said. “It will be videoed. You can see it when it’s finished.” Jessie was kind of glad Kris had to work because Carl was taking him to pick out Kris’s Christmas gift. Jessie also had to finish his shopping for the rest of the Kringle family. He’d purchased Carl and Emmerson’s gifts already. They were wrapped and under the tree. This year he would be spending Christmas Eve with Kris and Christmas Day with Kris’s folks. They would be spending New Year’s Eve with Carl, Emmerson, and their boyfriends. He and Kris would be hosting and cooking for them.

  Kris kissed Jessie and left for work.

  Carl was picking up Jessie and Emmerson and they were going over to the university to rehearse before the recital. But before that he had to clean up from breakfast, wash some clothing and get some more gift-wrapping done.

  Jessie was dressed by the time Carl and Emmerson arrived. And of course, they wanted a tour of the condo. Jessie gave them a quick one. Both friends were impressed by the tree.

  “Who is Joseph?” Emmerson asked as he read the name on the bulb.

  “Our first child,” Jessie answered.

  “What if it’s a girl?”

  “Beyonce,” Jessie answered as he ushered them out of the house. He put on his coat, hat and scarf and locked up the condo. The three of them got into Carl’s car and headed for the university.

  The turnout for the recital was better than expected. Carl’s parents were able to make it to see their son perform, but Emmerson’s parents had to work. Afterwards, Mr. and Mrs. Davidson treated the three performers to lunch. Carl dropped Emmerson off, then the two of them went shopping. Jessie also picked up a couple of things at the grocery store. Tonight, he would be cooking homemade vegetable soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, which were Kris’s favorites.

  Jessie had showed and changed by the time Kris made it home from work. “How was your day?”

  Kris stole a kiss. “Okay. There was a little excitement.”

  “What kind?”

  “A shoplifter. Security saw her on the camera and called the police. They got there just in time to search and arrest her.”

  “But she’ll be in jail for Christmas,” Jessie said.

  “She should have thought of that before she attempted to steal makeup and a hair dryer.”

  “How did she think she was going to get something that big out of the store?” Jessie asked.

  “She had hidden the dryer under her coat, but the security tag went off.”

  “Stupid,” Jessie said.

  Kris agreed with him. “What’s for dinner?”

  “Soup and sandwiches. Why don’t you go shower, change and get comfortable and join me in the kitchen?”

  “Okay.” Kris kissed him again and went up the stairs.

  Jessie skipped off to the kitchen. He had sung his heart out today at the recital and he was still in a joyous mood. He had everything ready by the time Kris made it down to join him.

  “Soup by candlelight? What’s the special occasion?”

  “Just adding a little ambiance. Please be seated.”

  Kris sat down and Jessie served him dinner. Kris ate two big bowls of soup. “That was delicious. How was the recital?”

  “It was so much fun. Carl’s parents were there and they treated us to lunch.”

  “Then you can home and cooked instead of resting?”

  “Cooking isn’t strenuous. Plus, I like cooking for us.”

  “We’ll pick up Chinese tomorrow after work and then we’ll come home and watch a movie.”

  “And have sex?”

  “If you want to,” Kris answered.

  “I do.”

  “I’ll pencil you in. Chinese food, movie, then sex with my sweetie.”

  Jessie chuckled. “Yeah! Wait. I’m off tomorrow. I’m performing on Broadway and your folks are coming.”

  “Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that. But nothing has changed. We’ll do it after your performance since we don’t have to go to work on Sunday. Hopefully you won’t be too tired.”

  “I’m never too tired for Chinese food,” Jessie said playfully.

  “I meant for sex,” Kris said.

  “Yes, I know that.” Jessie was going to make a point not to be tired. Sex was Kris was phenomenal and he would do it every night with him if his body didn’t need time to recuperate.

  After a dinner they watched a basketball game. Jessie got sleepy early.

  “Why don’t you go to bed and get some rest. I’ll come up after the game,” Kris said to him.

&
nbsp; “Okay,” Jessie said without argument. He gave Kris a good night kiss and went upstairs to bed. Kris up later and snuggled with him.

  Chapter Seven

  “He’s really talented,” Lucas said to Kris about Jessie as the family watched him perform.

  “Yes, he is.” Kris had pulled some strings at work and fixed Carl and Emmerson’s schedule so they could attend Jessie’s play. Kris planned to surprise Jessie because he really needed his friends to be there for moral support. Lucas had originally purchased the tickets for the twins, but they had a basketball game that conflicted with the time of the show, so he offered the tickets to Kris to invite the other two Kringle elves. They looked so cute in suits.

  Kris had ordered a small bouquet of white roses to present to Jessie. They were bigger box of flowers waiting to surprise him at home with. The show ended and they were making their way backstage to congratulate Jessie when someone tapped Kris on the shoulder. He turned around.

  “Hello stranger.”

  One of his old high school classmates stood behind him. “Hello Tracey.”

  “Long time no see. I heard you joined the Marine Corps.”

  “I did. I just retired a few weeks ago.”

  Lucas came to get him. “The reporters are, oh, hello Tracey.”

  “Lucas you look fantastic.”

  “You do too, Tracey. Where have you been hiding yourself?”

  “I’ve been in Canada working on a television program.”

  “Oh yeah, I heard you were a producer,” Kris said.

  Tracey nodded. “Damn, look at all those muscles. I must have been a fool to leave you.”

  Someone cleared a very familiar throat behind them. Kris had not doubt that person had heard what Tracey just said. They turned around to find Jessie standing behind them looking pissed. “They sent me to get Lucas.”

  “You’re Jessie James, aren’t you?” Tracey asked.

  “Yes, and you are?”

  “Hello, my name is Tracey Barker. I’m an old friend of Lucas and Kris.”

  Technically he was just an old friend of his. Lucas has caught the two of them kissing and freaked out when he found out his younger brother was gay. They all went to the same school so Lucas would panic every time he saw Tracey near him.

  “So, I just heard,” Jessie said. “Did you come for the show or to rekindle an old relationship?”

  “Ooh, ouch, this one has claws,” Tracey said. “No, I came for the show. A friend recommended it. He was right. You are adorable.”

  Kris wasn’t the brightest bulb in the box, but he knew he had to get his first lover and his current one away from each other. Tracey was kind of a mess starter and he didn’t want anything to happen to Jessie.

  “Tracey is a movie producer,” Lucas said. “He lives in Canada.”

  “Not anymore,” Tracey said. “I’ve moved to New York and we’re casting for a new television show. We’re looking for someone young and talented who can sing, act and dance.”

  Under no circumstances should Jessie work with Tracey. They were as different as night and day and Tracey had broken Kris’s heart when he chose Hollywood over him. “He’s not interested.”

  “How do you know he’s not?” Tracey asked. “Oh wait, are you two…?”

  “Yes,” Lucas answered for Kris.

  “Oh,” Tracey said. “Can you speak for yourself, Jessie?”

  “Yes, I can. What’s the show about?”

  “A Broadway singer makes it big in New York.”

  “Where is it being produced?”

  “Right here in Manhattan,” Tracey answered. “Try outs begin in January.” He pulled out a business card and handed it to Jessie. “Call me Monday and I’ll set you up with an audition.” He kissed Kris on the cheek. “I’ll catch up with you guys after the holidays.” Tracey walked away.

  “Let’s go find the folks,” Kris said. The faster they did that the faster the upcoming argument between him and Jessie would be over.

  ****

  “He means nothing to me,” Kris said to Jessie as he tried to get his angry lover interested in sex later. They were both naked in bed. He was cocked, Jessie was not.

  “You told me that you didn’t have any past lovers who would come back to haunt me.”

  “What Tracey and I had was over long before you were born. We were still in high school and he was my first.”

  “What happened?”

  “Hollywood called.”

  “You mean he broke up with you and left town.”

  “Yes. And he slept with some guy who promised to make him a star.”

  “I never heard of an actor named Tracey Barker.”

  “That’s because that chance never happened. The guy ditched Tracey after they had been together a couple of months. But instead of coming back to New York Tracey decided to stay in California where he learned he liked being behind the camera better than in front of it. The last thing I heard he had moved to Canada. That was years ago.”

  “He’s very good looking, and tall. And I couldn’t help but noticed that dark hair and the light-colored eyes. Is that your thing? Your turn on? Am I a substitute for him?”

  “Yes, yes, and no. You’re no substitute Jessie. What he and I had is long over.” He pulled Jessie into his arms. “There is no one in my life more important than you.”

  “But he was your first.”

  “And I was yours. We all have firsts, Jessie, but only one true love.”

  “Me?”

  Kris nodded. “You. We’re going to have a house full of kids, remember? So please, don’t worry about Tracey.”

  “I don’t want to be a Hollywood star or a New York one either.”

  “What, but you’re a talented entertainer? What do you want to do?”

  “I want to become a chef.”

  “But you’re a music major,” Kris reminded him.

  “I got a scholarship. Poor orphans have to take what they can get.”

  “Now you want to go to culinary school.”

  Jessie nodded. “And I might teach music in elementary schools on the side.”

  Kris had no idea that Jessie wanted to be a chef or a teacher. Who was this guy in his arms? “So, you’re not going to try out for Tracey’s show?”

  “Oh, hell no,” Jessie said. “I saw the way he was eying you up. You and I both are going to stay as far away from him as possible.”

  “Agreed. Can we have sex now?”

  Jessie nodded again. “Yes.” He crawled down Kris’s body, plopped his cock into his mouth and showed him how much he wanted to be with him. Kris rewarded his elf with a throat of cum. “How soon can you recover?” Jessie asked him when he came up for air.

  “Give me a few minutes. I’m almost forty, you know.”

  “Yea, and I’m twenty-two and I’m horny. Get it up Master Gunnery Sergeant Kringle.”

  It took a while, but Kris eventually recovered. Jessie climbed over Kris and sank down on his swollen cock. Then he tried to ride him into the mattress. For a little guy he had some powerful moves. Jessie really didn’t have to try so hard. Kris meant it when he said he had no interest in Tracey Barker.

  Both of them went to church the next day, and the family didn’t seem the least bit surprised to see them enter together or to find out that they were dating and living with each other.

  “I’m so happy for you guys,” Mrs. Kringle said. “Anderson and I enjoyed your play, Jessie, and look forward to seeing you in many more.”

  “A Hollywood producer wants him to audition for his show,” Lucas said.

  Both Kristopher and David frowned at him for still being a tattler after all these years.

  “Jessie has decided to leave show business and not audition. He wants to go to culinary school and teach music to elementary students,” Kris told them.

  “I think that’s an excellent idea,” Mrs. Kringle said. “I can use the help in the kitchen and we can swap recipes.”

  Lucas chuckled sarcastically. “W
ho made that decision?”

  “It was a mutual one,” Jessie said. “I need to be home to take Joseph to and from school.”

  “Who is Joseph?” David asked.

  “Our future nephew,” Lucas told him.

  Everyone in hearing distance stared at him.

  “How is he going to do that?” David asked.

  “Don’t ask if you don’t really want the answer,” Lucas said. “Only a psychiatrist can figure those two out.”

  Mr. Kringle just chuckled merrily and led the out of the church. He took them all out to brunch at the country club. Jessie had heard about such places, but this was his first visit to one. There were a lot of older people there, mainly men, and a couple of them gave him a full-body scan as he walked through the dining area.

  Several people spoke to Anderson and Rosemary Kringle. Kris kept Jessie close to him, no doubt he’d seen the older guys checking him out. He leaned over and whispered to him. “Still think it’s my imagination, Mr. Elf? Even the old guys know a diamond when they see one.”

  Jessie decided to ignore him, but apparently Lucas and David noticed it too and were trying not to embarrass him about it. The plan was to eat fast and leave before he could be stolen or sold to be some old guy’s fancy. Jessie smiled to himself. That’s what Carl had predicted would happen to Jessie if he didn’t find a man to protect him and settle down with.

  The host took them to a private dining room. It had a table long enough to accommodate all of them. It too was festively decorated for the holiday season like the rest of the restaurant they had walked through. There were red and green cloth napkins and the waitress dressed the table with silverware and crystal stemware. Jessie did not fail to miss her checking the Kringle males out, especially Kris, who was the only brother not sitting by a woman. Jessie was going to pinch him if he made one friendly gesture.

  “You know I can read your mind,” Kris said as he poured over the menu she had given him. “Not my type.”

  Next week they would be having Christmas dinner seated at the table in the Kringle’s dining room. Jessie couldn’t wait to eat some of Mrs. Kringle’s pecan pie. Maybe she’d teach him how to make it now that she knew he wanted to be a chef.