December 24

Happy Christmas Eve!

Winner of a free ebook from December 22 is Donna F.

Today is more Simon and Jeremy from Forged.


Simon hummed happily as he put together two hot chocolates and a plate of cookies. Still humming, he headed for the living room where his Jeremy was waiting by the tree for them to have their Christmas.

Jeremy was on the sofa, legs put aside, whistling happily. And loudly. Look how beautiful his lover was.

Simon handed over the hot chocolate and settled close.

"Hey. You ready to open? Now?"

"You're eager this morning. You didn't peek at yours before I wrapped it, did you?"

"Nope. Come on. Put your cocoa down and close your eyes."

"Put my..." He chuckled and put his mug on the table, then closed his eyes. "Okay."

"Merry Christmas, beautiful." His cheek was kissed and something soft, warm, and... wiggly was put in his hands.

He frowned, and his eyes flew open, going wide at the sight of a puppy in his lap. Pure white with bright, button-black eyes -- it was wagging furiously in his hands. It was the cutest thing he'd ever seen.

He slid his hand over the puppies ears. "You... it.. a dog."

"Yes. It's a her. She's nine weeks old."

"She's lovely, Jeremy." He was stunned. And a little in love.

She lifted her nose toward him, so he bent, laughing as she licked him.

"She probably needs to go outside. She's been very patient, waiting in the basket."

"She's really ours?" It didn't seem quite real. No one had ever gotten him a gift like this before.

"She is. I met her parents, the breeder is exceptional." Jeremy was grinning, eyes warm and laughing.

"Oh, love, thank you." He leaned over and kissed Jeremy softly. "Can I put her in the yard to go? What's her name?"

"She's your puppy, Master, and yes, I checked the fence yesterday."

"I get to name her? What do you think I should call her? What kind is she? Will she get big or is she going to stay small?" He got up, still holding the dog.

"She's a samoyed. She'll get about fifty pounds, give or take."

"Would it be terribly cliche to call her Snowy?"

"Absolutely. And I love it." Jeremy started pulling dog stuff from behind him -- dishes, toys, a tiny bed.

He stopped Jeremy a moment to kiss him hard. "Thank you, love. I'll show my true appreciation later." He covered Snowy's ears and waggled his eyebrows.

"I bought her a crate, too. Everything you'll need."

"Thank you, love. Thank you. I'm thrilled. I really am."

"A man needs a dog."

"I need you. The dog is a bonus." He kissed Jeremy again, then headed for the back door to let Snowy out before she had her first accident.

A puppy.

His Jeremy had given him a puppy for Christmas.

It was like a movie.

A movie with a happy ending.