Biting the Christmas Biscuit

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson

“LADIES and gentlemen, we will be landing in New York in approximately fifteen minutes. Please fasten your seatbelts.” Eli had been gazing out the window at a nebulous nothing for the past few hours but now saw what appeared to be a carpet of stars rising up to meet them. He glanced at Alec sleeping peacefully beside him and wished he had been able to do the same. An open magazine rested in his boyfriend’s lap, and his glasses sat atop his head as he snored lightly. Eli reached over, put the magazine away, and fastened Alec’s seatbelt gently enough to leave him undisturbed. He had to smile. This man can sleep anywhere. He turned back to his window and noticed the city lights below them appeared even larger. His stomach twisted into a knot as he tried to remember why he had agreed to this trip. Their friends back in London were either busy with their families or fleeing the country to avoid their families. His mother invited the two of them to Christmas dinner, but his stepfather put a stop to it, making it clear that “her defective son” was not welcome in his house, and she lacked the backbone to say otherwise. In Alec’s case, his parents had written him off years ago. Despite the fact that their only boy had become a psychologist and bestselling author, there would be no eggnog waiting for them at their place in West Virginia. Lastly, Alec’s sister invited them to join her family at Disneyland for the holidays, but both of them had shuddered at the 2

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson thought. Alec stirred slightly as the plane made another steep turn and descended ever closer to the runway. They had briefly considered staying in London—just the two of them, until Beverly Tucker called. She attempted to lure them with promises of good food, fun, and family insanity. And that’s what this was. The more Eli thought about it, the more he wished he could turn this airplane around, but they were committed now… or should have been. When he had politely refused for the second time, Mrs. Tucker came at him with “but we miss you, boy.” That had given him pause and she barreled forward. “When you were with my son, you became part of this family whether you like it or not.” He had countered with “I can’t leave Alec at Christmas.” She parried with “Bring him! He’s more than welcome, and from what you’ve told me this past year, he could use this as much as you.” Eli ended the call by assuring her he would see how Alec felt about it, not believing for a second he would agree to go. He was convinced his boyfriend would laugh in his face when he suggested they spend the holidays with his dead partner’s family, but Alec hadn’t laughed, and here they were. The plane landed roughly, racing along the runway, and startling Alec awake. “Whaaa?” he asked, looking around nervously. Eli smiled. “We’re here, love.” Alec stretched languidly and rubbed the sleep from his eyes before placing his glasses back on his face and bringing his world back into focus. “Damn, that was faster than I expected,” he said with a yawn and running his fingers through his hair. 3

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson Eli was busy checking his trouser and jacket pockets to make sure all was where it should be. He didn’t want to leave anything behind. “Well, it’s been a while since you’ve flown home,” he said. “I’m not surprised you’re surprised.” “Mr. Burke,” a flight attendant said as she materialized beside them. “Once we taxi to the gate, if you and Mr. Sumner will follow me, please, you may disembark at the front.” “Thank you,” Eli said absently, never raising his eyes to hers. “Will you need any other type of assistance?” she asked. “No, thank you,” Alec said. “I’ll carry our bags, and he has his cane.” The attendant nodded briskly and went to her station by the intercom. “Ladies and gentlemen, please remain seated until the plane has come to a complete stop and thank you for flying British Airways,” she announced. They had been sitting on their coats, and Eli held Alec’s open so that he could struggle into it. Alec returned the favor and unfastened his seatbelt. He sat a bit forward in his seat, ready to leap to his feet and grab their bags from the overhead compartment the instant he was allowed. Eli quickly buttoned up his coat to the neck as he looked out at the falling snow that coated the ground. He put on his ball cap and then gloves, took hold of his cane, and simply waited as the terminal grew larger in the window. What are we doing? * * *

ALEC quickly became uncomfortable with Eli’s silence as their taxi crawled toward the Tucker home on the precariously icy streets of New York. He had to admit he was eager to meet them. Bennett 4

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson Tucker had been dead nearly two years when Alec first met Eli. He had found him broken and tormented by the loss, and it took an immense amount of patience to get past the defenses Eli had erected around himself and his heart, but Alec had done it. During that time he learned a lot about the man Bennett had been. He learned how beloved he was among his friends—now Alec’s friends. Most importantly, he grew to understand what he had meant to Eli. Looking out the taxi window at the nearly deserted streets, he recalled how difficult it had been to compete with a ghost. Now his boyfriend’s silence had him rethinking this trip. Was he thinking of Bennett? How could he not? We’re spending Christmas with his parents! As a psychologist, he understood very well what made people tick, but right now, looking at Eli, he had no idea what was ticking inside Eli and he wasn’t sure he wanted to. He watched him absently massage his bad leg. “Is it hurting?” Alec asked softly. “Being out in this weather probably isn’t so good for it.” Eli turned to him as if he’d forgotten he was in the car. “Pardon?” “Your leg.” He glanced down at his right leg and smiled. “Oh, it’s not too bad. Don’t worry.” Eli removed his cap and scratched his shaggy brown head vigorously. “I wish I’d gotten a trim before leaving.” He ran his hand along his cheek. “And maybe a shave.” He fell silent again and turned back to his window. Alec sighed and did the same. “Why did you agree to this?” Eli asked suddenly. He didn’t look at Alec right away. He was busy watching as they turned onto a street in a more upscale neighborhood. The streets had gradually grown wider, and there were now manicured lawns and grand homes illuminated 5

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson with holiday lights and tasteful decorations. He had not answered and Eli turned to look at him. “I… I wanted to….” Alec’s words failed him. “Why did you agree to this, Eli?” he asked quickly in defense. “It can’t be any more comfortable for you.” Eli thought about it for a few moments. His soulful blue eyes blinked slowly at Alec in the dark backseat of the taxi. “I guess I missed them,” he said quietly. He sighed. “They’re not like our families.” “How so?” Alec asked. When Bennett was alive, traveling to New York with him to visit his family had become like visiting another planet. The Tuckers were loud, crazy, and loving. Eli felt more welcome in their home than he did in his own, and he could hardly get enough of them. They embraced him because their son loved him and because he loved their son. However, three years ago he had watched helplessly as Bennett was beaten to death in a London alley. He’d nearly died, as well, and after waking up in the hospital, there were many times he wished he had. He had suffered broken ribs, internal bleeding, a shattered leg, cracked eye socket, broken nose, broken jaw, and scars—lots of scars, the worst of which was waking up without his lover. He glanced at Alec and smiled. “Let’s just say that Mr. and Mrs. Tucker never forgot to bite the Christmas biscuit.” “I’m sorry?” Alec asked, more confused than ever. The cab crept along and Eli could see the Tucker home at the end of the street. “At Christmas they made sure there was always a glass of milk and a plate of biscuits, or- or cookies rather, set out for St. Nick. In the morning, when the Tucker kids came downstairs, there would 6

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson be only half a glass of milk….” “And a single bite taken out of one of the cookies,” Alec concluded with a smile. Eli nodded, then reached out, and took his hand. “My Christmas mornings weren’t like that.” “Nor mine,” Alec said. “We had a version of it, but it was more about appearances for my mother than any desire to delight her children.” “What did she do?” “She bought the cookies, set them out with milk, and added a tiny card that read: For Santa.” Eli smiled at him, waiting for more. “Her perfect little display sat there throughout her yearly Christmas party and then got thrown out after everyone left.” He smiled sadly as he remembered. The car stopped in front of a large brick house trimmed in tiny, blinking white lights. In the front yard, two decorative pines were strung with matching lights and topped with giant red velvet bows. There were large crystal candles marking the stairs that led to the front door. Alec choked up a bit over such a perfect picture while Eli paid the driver. They exited the vehicle and collected their bags from the trunk. The snow crunched under its tires as the taxi carefully drove away, leaving them standing by the curb and staring up at a life-sized Christmas card that was the Tucker home. Alec had their luggage while Eli carried two shopping bags of wrapped gifts. The snowfall had grown heavier, and it was so quiet out that they could almost hear the flakes whisper as they joined their brethren on the ground. They looked at each other and silently 7

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson considered fleeing, maybe even finding a hotel, but the inviting warmth pouring off the house was not to be resisted and they each took a simultaneous and tentative step forward. “Now tell me again, who’s who,” Alec said as they approached warily. Eli was watching where he placed his cane for fear of slipping. “Well, there’s Beverly and Sean, Bennett’s parents; Carmondy and probably her little girl Leah: his sister and niece—she’s five now, I think, and then there’s his brother, Arthur, and his wife and son.” As they neared the house, a great roar erupted from inside, followed closely by raucous laughter. They paused and looked uncertainly at one another again. “Could be more,” Eli said shakily and smiled. “Any suggestions?” They climbed the front steps carefully. Alec supported Eli by holding tightly to his left arm while he pushed himself up with his cane. “Suggestions?” Eli repeated right before ringing the doorbell. “Just accept it.” “Huh?” “The love,” he said and smiled, hoping that hadn’t sounded too corny. “Believe me, I felt awkward around them at first. It takes getting used to, but eventually they wear you down, so just accept it. They’re for real.” The door opened and they were bathed in light as a multitude of voices shouted, “Eli!” For a moment, Alec thought he saw tears in his boyfriend’s eyes. A few minutes later, Eli found himself alone in the kitchen with Mrs. Tucker and Carmondy. He struggled to keep up with Beverly’s constantly changing emotions as she welcomed him back. “Just look at you!” she exclaimed. “So handsome!” She gazed into 8

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson his eyes. “Your hair’s a bit longer than I remember, and you have a tiny bit of fuzz on your face, but those lovely eyes of yours. So very handsome! I can see how you caught my boy’s eye!” Despite her somewhat biased opinion, her assessment was accurate. Thanks to excellent doctors, Eli remained beautiful despite the beating he’d survived. His facial scars were mere ghosts of what they had been, but the scar running the length of his leg was another matter. It remained dark and angry. “Thank you, Beverly,” he managed between rib-bending embraces. “But I never understood what Bennett saw in me. I’m a runt, I’m pale, and I have eyes like Gollum.” They all laughed. “Nonsense, nonsense!” Beverly said. She fell silent and rested her hand against his face, gazing at him. This was followed by much more hugging. She didn’t seem to want to let him go. “Not so rough, Mom; you’ll knock him off his feet,” Carmondy warned. “How are you, Eli? Good flight?” He looked at her and saw she had the same mixture of sadness and joy in her eyes as he felt. “I’m fine, thanks,” he sighed, looking around for Alec, “but I seem to have lost my boy—” He stopped himself and looked at them, embarrassed. “I d-don’t know where Alec’s gotten to.” Carmondy looked into the other room and saw Alec surrounded by a well-lubricated group of revelers including her father. The elder Tucker appeared to be telling a highly inappropriate joke, if the expression on Alec’s face was any indication. He was smiling but seemed overwhelmed and not a little bit frightened. “He’s in there by the fire,” Carmondy said. “Dad has him cornered, I’m afraid.” 9

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson “Your father just wants him to feel welcome,” her mother explained. “After all, he doesn’t know any of us yet.” “By the way, thank you, all of you,” Eli said, “for including him in your invitation.” “You’re welcome, dear,” Beverly said, and then she glanced at his hair again. “You know, while you’re here, I’d be happy to give you a trim.” She reached for his head, but he squirmed away playfully. “No, thanks, Beverly,” he said. “I have a regular in London who cuts it, just didn’t have time before we left.” He turned and searched the faces in the other room. “Are Arthur and his family here?” “Art and little Ian are here,” Carmondy said. “Mandy won’t be here until later. She’s on call at the hospital.” “Rough night for it,” Eli said, “with the holidays and all.” “Absolutely,” Beverly said. “The crazies do come out at this time of year. Would you like a drink, Eli?” “That would be great.” “There you are, son!” Mr. Tucker bellowed as he crept up behind Eli and wrapped his arms around him, lifting him clear off the floor. For a big man, he could move like a cat. “Sean Patrick Tucker! Put him down this instant!” Beverly shouted. “Sorry, dear. Sorry,” he apologized quickly and set a startled Eli back on his feet. Alec was suddenly there next to him. He hovered protectively as Eli regained his bearings and accepted his drink from Beverly. “I found your man by the fire, boy,” Mr. Tucker said, slapping Alec painfully on the arm. “He’s a bit quiet, but a looker nonetheless.” 10

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson Eli choked on his vodka and laughed out loud. “Well, thank you, sir. I’m sure he appreciates that.” They were all smiling at one another, and then an awkward silence fell as the Tuckers took note of Alec’s closeness to Eli. They witnessed the handsome couple they made, each fit and handsome in his own way. Eli was about an inch shorter than Alec, and they were both built more like swimmers than ex-football players. Slight, not broad-shouldered like Mr. Tucker. “I’m sorry, everyone,” Eli said, breaking the silence, “this is Alec Sumner. Alec, these are the Tuckers, although I’m not sure where Arthur is,” he added, looking around. “I’m here, right here,” Arthur said entering the kitchen just as he heard his name. He was carrying his toddler, Ian. “Good to meet you, Alec. Welcome.” “Thank you,” Alec said, shaking his hand. “And who’s this little man?” “This is Ian. Say hi, son.” Arthur was encouraging, but Ian demurred and simply rested his head on his father’s shoulder. He fixed Alec with his large, dark brown eyes. They seemed to ask, “Who are you and what are you doing here?” Alec smiled at the boy. I don’t know, little man. I don’t know. “Sean, you’re swaying, dear,” Beverly said to her husband. “Perhaps you’d better find a seat.” She turned to Alec. “Let me show you where you two will be sleeping,” she said as she took him by the arm and hustled him out of the kitchen and down the hallway. He glanced back nervously at Eli who simply grinned and nodded. “What is it you do, my boy?” she asked as they vanished around the corner. “I have to give this little one his bath before the wife shows up,” Arthur said. “Sis, you want me to take care of Leah?” 11

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson “I’d love you forever,” she said. “Consider it done. Where is she?” “I’m sure you’ll find her under the tree rattling packages.” Arthur carried Ian out of the room. The baby smiled at Eli before he lost sight of them. “Let’s sit, shall we?” Carmondy asked. She and Eli moved toward the kitchen table as Mr. Tucker grabbed another beer from the fridge and wandered back into the great room where he was greeted with cheers from the crowd. “They’ll be singing soon,” Eli said with a smile. “Good thing they all live in the neighborhood… no driving,” she said. He toyed with his drink, slowly turning the glass on the table as he stared at the ice cubes. Carmondy watched him, trying to read him. “How are you really?” she asked. He looked at her and sighed. “I’m fine.” His gaze traveled around the kitchen. “I mean, I’m glad to be here, glad to see you and everyone….” His voice trailed away. “But?” she asked. He simply shook his head and finished his drink. “Alec seems nice,” she said. “Oh, he’s brilliant!” Eli said with a smile, his eyes lighting up, but just as quickly, the light went out in them. They laughed uncomfortably. “Not sure what to say to me, huh?” “I loved Bennett,” he whispered. He looked at her, “You loved him.” 12

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson “Still do, buddy, and for what it’s worth, I believe you always will, but he’s your past and Alec’s your future.” Eli didn’t say anything, but he felt like he was tearing in half. “Maybe it was too soon to come here with Alec,” Eli said with a sigh. Carmondy reached across the table and took his hand. “I’m sure being here brings up a lot of feelings that are easier to avoid in London, but Eli, you can miss Bennett and love Alec. The two are not mutually exclusive.” He smiled gratefully at her. * * *

AT 1:39 Christmas morning, Alec lay beside Eli, unable to sleep. He mulled over the previous few hours with the Tuckers and what had turned out to be several neighboring families. They were quickly embraced and hustled in out of the cold. The two of them were stripped of their bags, coats, and hats. A hot toddy was shoved into Alec’s hands, and he was ushered into the great room and deposited by the fire. After that it was all a bit of a blur. There were so many smiling faces coming at him that he didn’t know where to look first or who to talk to next. He was somewhat overwhelmed and Eli had vanished. Then Alec spotted him over the heads of his cheerful, little, intoxicated group. He was in the kitchen talking intently with Mrs. Tucker and Carmondy, who would periodically glance his way. Mrs. Tucker kept talking to and smiling and touching and hugging Eli. Alec watched her run her fingers through his hair with a good-natured look of disapproval. Then she rubbed the faint whiskers on his face and smiled at him. Then she was crying and embracing him again. Carmondy was happy, as well, but she was more subdued, especially when she glanced Alec’s way. He was soon dragged into the 13

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson kitchen by a very drunk Mr. Tucker, who shockingly picked up Eli, but quickly put him down again at Mrs. Tucker’s urging. Alec glanced at his sleeping lover as he stifled an impending chuckle at the memory. There had been a few awkward introductions before he was hastily ushered away by Mrs. Tucker. All in all, it had been an interesting encounter. Tired of staring at the ceiling, he decided to get up but had to first extricate himself from Eli. He clung to him nearly every night, periodically squeezing him tightly in his sleep. It was like he was afraid Alec would slip away from him and he’d wake up alone. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what Alec was about to do. He gently lifted Eli’s arm that rested across his chest and held it aloft as he slid out from under it and off the bed. Then he slowly laid it to rest where he’d been lying. He watched Eli for any movement, but the most he did was mumble in his sleep. Alec quickly and quietly pulled on his robe, stepped into his slippers, grabbed his glasses, and left the room. They were bunking in the downstairs guest room because Eli couldn’t manage the stairs very easily. Alec moved silently down the hall toward the great room. He could hear the refrigerator humming, the kitchen clock ticking, and the wind blowing outside. There was no other sound; no one else was moving about upstairs or down. While their room was toasty enough to sleep without shirts, the dark hallway had a chill to it. He turned the corner into the great room and was met with the Tuckers’ magnificent tree. The fire had gone out, so it was the only source of light and cast a magical, twinkling glow throughout the room.

14

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson Unlike the front yard, it boasted multi-colored lights; some blinking, some not. There were silvery icicles and ornaments from Christmases past, probably some even crafted by the Tucker children. He could easily imagine finding a small wood, hand-painted train engine with the name Bennett painted on it. Alec took a step forward but froze as the hardwood floor beneath him creaked. “Who is it?” a singsong voice asked out of the darkness at his right. “M-me,” he said uncertainly. There was a soft, feminine chuckle. “S-sorry, it’s- I mean, it’s Alec.” Carmondy sat up on the sofa and looked at him. She grinned and sipped her drink. Apparently she had been snoozing there or simply staring at the tree. “Come on in. Join the party.” Alec followed her instructions and walked deeper into the room. “Drink?” she asked. “No, thank you.” He was staring at the tree again, lost in its beauty and warmth. It was a real tree and with the angel on top, it just brushed the high ceiling. The scent coming from it was heavenly and filled the room. He felt like he could stare at it forever. Carmondy watched him for a few moments. “Couldn’t sleep?” He looked at her and smiled. “No, sorry to say.” He sat on the arm of the sofa. “I can’t seem to shut off my mind. How about you?” “I’ve got a bike to put together for Leah, my friend.” “Want some help?” “I’d love some,” she eagerly accepted. “First, let me fill this up again.” She dragged herself off the sofa and went to the bar in the corner to refresh her drink. Alec wandered over to the fireplace and began to examine the collection of pictures on the mantel. There was a beautiful one of Carmondy and Leah—no husband in the picture. 15

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson There was an older one of the entire family, including Bennett and Eli. Alec glanced across the room at her as she poured her drink. He saw a resemblance to Bennett. She had his coloring, sandy blond hair, less wavy than his, but the same green eyes and smile. He had to admit, he had not seen her smile very much tonight. He turned back to the photos. “This must be strange for you, Alec,” she said as she approached him. “It is,” he admitted, “but I wanted….” The words still wouldn’t come. She sipped her drink, watching him as he fingered the family photo that included Eli. He looks happy standing there. A shiver ran through him, and he turned to her suddenly. “How about a fire?” he asked. “Mmm, good idea,” she said around the ice cube in her mouth. They both quickly knelt in front of the fireplace. He reached into the supply bucket for a new quick-catch log and a lighter while she removed the spark screen. Working as a team they had a fire going in five minutes flat. Once it was good and strong, he tossed on a wood log, and they sat back to watch it, their faces bathed in the glow and welcome warmth. “I wanted to see what you were like,” Alec began. “Your family. His family,” he said glancing up at Bennett’s photo. He sighed as his eyes settled back on the dancing flames, and he went on. “Bennett meant so much to the people in my life now. I thought if I understood him, where he came from, that somehow I could learn to measure up.” Carmondy shook her head vigorously. “Oh, you can’t possibly measure up. No way,” she said as she finished off her drink. Alec grinned at her honesty. “I suspected as much.” 16

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson “No, Alec, seriously. Listen. Eli loved my brother and vice versa, but he’s gone. Eli loves you and only you,” she assured him. He didn’t say anything, but his silence shouted his doubts. “Look, I understand you may not want to take relationship advice from the divorced lady,” she said with a laugh, and Alec smiled at her. “What are you, thirty? Thirty-two?” she asked. “Surely, you’ve been in love before.” “Yes.” “Has Eli erased your memories of them, of how they touched and affected your life?” she asked. He reluctantly shook his head. “They shaped the man you are just as Eli’s life with Bennett shaped him. Those who came before made the two of you ready for each other.” “You didn’t seem too eager for me to be here last night,” he said, and Carmondy blushed. She looked into the fire again. It was easier than looking at his handsome face; she couldn’t see his eyes behind the flames reflected in his glasses.“Fair enough,” she said with a smile. “It was mom’s idea to invite you; what can I say? It’s Christmas and I miss my brother. Hell, I miss my husband. I miss how Christmas used to be.” She sighed, got to her feet, and headed for the bar again but stopped herself. “I wanted all of us to live happily ever after, but my brother was murdered because he loved a man.” She paused, reading the concern on Alec’s face, and then lowered her angry voice. “And that man, a good man, watched it happen and is permanently crippled! I wanted my daughter to grow up like I did, but my husband cheated, I kicked his ass out, and got a divorce.” “Are you regretting that?” “I am now. I’m drunk and it’s Christmas!” They both laughed, easing the tension. “Look, Alec, I know how Eli sees this family, and I fear he may have built us up to you, but we’re far from perfect.” 17

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson “I’ll need a list, I’m afraid,” he said teasingly, and she laughed again. “When Bennett came out to my parents, they lost it! He was sixteen or so, and there was shouting and crying and pleading and doors slamming. It was a real mess. But, you know, when you love someone, you find your way around or through difficulty.” She sat her empty glass on the coffee table and joined him on the floor again. “After some time, a few boyfriends, much research, and support groups, my parents slowly began to remember how much they loved him and how much they wanted him to be happy.” “I didn’t have that.” “I know, I know. Neither did Eli, and that’s why I think he believes the Tuckers simply sprang to life one day as we are now.” “So you don’t resent me for being here?” he asked. “No. I resent that my brother is not.” She reached out and smacked him upside the head. “You’re funny. I like you. Now help me put this thing together, but be quiet about it.” The fire died down and the room grew chilly over the three hours it took them to assemble the shiny red bike. They worked mostly under the light from the lamp on the sofa table. After it was done—training wheels and all—Carmondy was about to turn off the lamp and head back to bed, but Alec stopped her. “What’s this?” he asked. “Oh, jeez, almost forgot,” she said. As he looked on, she reached into the pocket of her robe, removed a small, folded, white card, and placed it on the table beside a tiny red plate of sugar cookies. She felt him watching her. “It’s a note from Santa, thanking Leah for the cookies and milk,” she said softly. “She and I baked these after you and 18

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson Eli crashed for the night.” Carmondy picked up a cookie, took a single bite, and then replaced it on the plate. Alec smiled as she washed the cookie down by gulping the contents of a short, cobalt blue glass, and then placed it back on the table. “You really go all out, huh?” “You have no idea,” she said as she switched off the lamp. “I’m lactose intolerant.” They chuckled softly and walked into the hall together. They lingered by the stairs, not knowing what else to say to each other. “I’d better get back to bed before Eli wakes up without me,” he said. She nodded. “See you in a couple of hours,” she whispered as she began to climb the steps. “You haven’t seen insanity until you’ve experienced a Tucker Christmas morning.” They smiled at each other. “Thanks for your help, Alec,” she whispered, squeezing his hand. Then they parted ways. Alec entered his room as silently as he’d left. He removed his robe and glasses and kicked off his slippers before sliding back into bed next to Eli. Luckily, he’d changed position and was now facing away from him. He had also kicked the covers off and was farther onto his own side of the bed. He carefully climbed into bed and slid up close against Eli’s back; then he draped his arm across him. The coarse hair on his chest tickled Alec’s arm as he held him tightly, trying to get warm again. Eli stirred and mumbled but didn’t wake. This man can sleep through anything. Alec smiled and kissed the top of Eli’s head before resting his face in his shaggy hair. Unconsciously, Eli’s hand reached up to 19

Biting the Christmas Biscuit * Dawn Kimberly Johnson grip his arm, clinging to him in his sleep. “Merry Christmas, love,” Alec whispered.

20

Got Mistletoe Madness?

The Dreamspinner Press 2009 Advent Calendar is available at http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com.

DAWN KIMBERLY JOHNSON is a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where she grew up and still lives. For eight years she worked as a copy editor at a daily newspaper before heading west to Oregon in search of adventure. After eight years there, five of them good, she returned home where she is trying to regain her health and still hoping for the best.

Biting the Christmas Biscuit ©Copyright Dawn Kimberly Johnson, 2009 Published by Dreamspinner Press 4760 Preston Road Suite 244-149 Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Cover Art by Paul Richmond http://www.paulrichmondstudio.com Cover Design by Mara McKennen This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press at: 4760 Preston Road, Suite 244-149, Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ Released in the United States of America December 2009 eBook Edition eBook ISBN: 978-1-61581-314-8