The Geek Who Saved Christmas

by Annabeth Albert

“Pick your date. I’ll have the human Jim to mind things. I’m not going to miss your big day.” “So we’re thinking last weekend in July.” Elaine leaned forward, all excitement and glowing eyes. “That should beat whatever school schedules we’re dealing with and Gideon’s start of the term rush too.” “Me?” Gideon made a startled noise. “You are coming, right?” Brandon frowned around the last of his cracker. “I doubt Paul gets on a plane without you.” “Oh, and say you’ll come to graduation if you don’t have a work thing yourself that weekend,” Elaine added, reaching across to pat Gideon’s hand. “You might have to rescue us all from Brandon’s cooking.” “Hey now! I’m taking lessons.” “Yes, and we all have lots of faith in you.” Elaine gave him a kiss on the cheek. “But I still want Gideon to come.” Next to me, Gideon stayed tense. “Uh…” Did he not want to come? We hadn’t exactly discussed it, but…oh. We hadn’t talked. That was it. “Maybe I didn’t ask yet? Gideon, will you come to the wedding with me? And graduation too if you can swing it.”