“That’s always been the plan. But with the way things are at the moment, it might be a simple affair,” said Garrett. “Before our daughter arrives.”
“Quite right, too—” began Spencer’s mum, before her gaze swung to Garrett. “Wait. What did you say?”
“You’re going to have a granddaughter, Mum and Dad,” said Garrett, beaming.
“A little girl?” said Spencer’s mother to Peony, her eyes starting to well up.
“I was sworn to secrecy,” said Peony, smiling fondly at Spencer’s mum while stroking her tummy. “Garrett wanted to tell you when we were all together.”
The rest of the evening was spent chatting and drinking, with the television left switched off. Even after Spencer loaded their presents beneath the Christmas tree, and after Tiger had rummaged around, they agreed to stick to the British tradition of opening gifts on Christmas morning.
Well before midnight, Spencer and Marshall snuggled together in the double bed in his bedroom. Both were a little drunk and, because of the restricted space in the bed and the noisy old bed frame, had decided against fooling around.
“Nice place. Although the walls are a bit thin. I think I can hear your father snoring.”
“That’s Mum.”
Marshall’s rumbled laughter vibrated along Spencer’s spine.
“Your family’s lovely.”
“We’re all mad. The lot of us. You don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into.”
“Whatever it is, I’m more than happy to be here.”
Spencer melted inside to hear Marshall’s words. Turning his head, he kissed Marshall gently on the lips.
“And I’m happy to have you here,” he said softly. “They absolutely love you, Marsh. And I’m not just saying that. Dad gave me a hug across the shoulders earlier when we were picking out wine, which he never does unless he’s really impressed with me.”
“My father used to throw money at me so he didn’t have to hug me or verbalise his approval. I’m not sure we even shared a joke. Christmas wasn’t a fun time in our house, so it’s not a tradition I ever looked forward to.”
“Well, you have a new family now, and a new tradition.”
Marshall sighed deeply and squeezed his arms around Spencer.
“I know it’s been a dreadful year for a lot of people, but I consider myself one of the lucky few—”
“If you’re about to say you’re lucky because you met me, then you need to change that to ‘we’. We’re the lucky ones, because we found each other. And I know we’re not out of the woods yet, Marsh, but I can’t help this feeling of optimism as we head to the new year.”
“No wonder. New job, new apartment. New members joining the family—”
“Oh, you heard that, did you? About us getting married? I do apologise. Sometimes my mother jumps the gun and speaks before she thinks—”
“Actually, I was talking about Peony and your niece who’s about to arrive. Although, yes, I did catch your mother’s mention of us marrying. And just so you know, Spence, I would love nothing more. But how about we live together first, and then see how things go? I would hate to disappoint you.”
“Marsh, you could never disappoint me. I love you, remember?”
“I—yes, I remember. God, now I feel like an ungrateful prick and a complete moron.”
“Hey, don’t call my boyfriend a moron. He’s a pragmatist.”
“Pragmatist? Yes, I suppose I am. Not particularly romantic, though, is it?”
Spencer turned over and faced Marshall.
“Marsh. I’m absolutely fine waiting. You’re in my life now, and I’m in yours. We’re going to be living together next year, which is an enormous step by anyone’s standards. My parents paint a rosy picture of marriage, but I know things weren’t so wonderful for yours. So let’s take our time. I’m in no hurry, because I know I’ll win you over in the end. After all, I’ve got Darcy on my side.”
“I see. In which case, I might as well surrender now.”
