Sweet Nightfall

by Kathryn Vegas

  “What time is he supposed to get here?” Hazel asked.

  “He said around seven.”

  “You have an hour. You’re dressed. You look beautiful. Food is all set out. You can relax and enjoy,” Hazel rationalized.

  The doorbell rang a few too many times and a look of panic crossed Sara’s face.

  “It’s just the twins! Seriously, Mom! What are you, sixteen?”

  Hazel went for the door as Shawn opened it letting in two very dressed up toddlers, their curly pigtails bobbing up and down.

  “Haze!” They yelled in unison running toward their sister. Hazel knelt down and accepted their hugs.

  “Merry Christmas!” Shawn yelled from the door. He carried a covered dish of some sort in his hands. Behind him, Ben carried too many packages on his way to the Christmas tree.

  “Aunt Say-wa!”

  The girls had finished greeting Hazel and were hugging Sara’s legs. She bent down and scooped both of them up, one on each hip.

  “My sugar pops!!!”

  Sara kissed them on their cheeks.

  “Merry Christmas! Did you like the lights outside? I added more!”

  “Outside!” They both pointed to the door and Sara carried them back to the door to let them see the light display again.

  She set them down on the porch. Sara leaned back into the house, grabbed her coat off the hook, and quickly donned it.

  She yelled into the house, “Hazel, grab me the green bag full of cookies for the neighbors. We’re going to make our rounds!”

  Sara followed the girls around as they ooh and aah’d at her lights. Several cars slowly passed her house and Sara told the twins to wave.

  “Here, Mom!”

  Hazel practically threw the bag out the front door in her haste to shut out the frigid breeze.

  “Hey girls, you want to deliver treats with me?”

  “Yeah!!” They said excitedly.

  Sara carefully led them across the street to their first stop. The twins ran up to the door, each hitting the doorbell many more times than were needed.

  Clark swung the door wide with a cheerful smile, “Merry Christmas, neighbor and friends.” He smiled down at the adorable girls.

  The girls let him know, “We got tweets!”

  Sara lifted out a pretty package with a card on top.

  “Your famous Monster Cookies?” Clark asked Sara a tad too excitedly.

  “Of course!” Sara replied handing them over.

  “I never got to hear about that date you went on. How’d that go?”

  “That motherf…” Sara almost forgot she was standing with two toddlers. Who were looking up at her as she spoke. She restarted. “That guy was a boogerface.” The girls eyes went wide before they let out giggles.

  “Oh really. A boogerface huh?” Clark’s inquired.

  “Yup a married boogerface.” Sara nodded.

  “I’m sorry.” Clark shook his head. “What a di… I mean, what a total… stink bottom.”

  Sara laughed. “Yeah total. Hope you have a great Christmas. I’ve got a few more cookies to deliver. See you later!”

  “Bye, girls!”

  Clark had already started opening the cookie box before he closed the front door.

  Adam finished tying a bow on the box. It held the bracelet he had made for Sara. His countertop was strewn with all his mother’s tools and several discarded attempts. He was happy with the final product. He had spent two days honing his skills with his mother’s tools. His vampire strength enabled him to barely lean into the leather to emboss it. With his keen eyesight and precision reflexes, he was able to focus in on fine details. He knew his mom would be proud.

  “I hope she likes it,” he said to himself.

  He added the box containing the bracelet to the bag of additional gifts he was bringing with him. He knew how to get people to like him and that was best accomplished quickly with gifts. He had something for everyone he knew would be there. He was prepared to woo them all. Adam knew that acceptance from her clan would be the best way into her heart.

  Tonight would make or break his entry into her life. If he fit comfortably into her family circle, how could she say no?

  “I’ve got to be charming and likable. I can do that right. Right?”

  “Granny, did you hear mom has a ‘friend’ coming tonight?” Hazel’s fingers lingered in their air quotes as she wiggled her eyebrows at her grandmother. Sara’s family stood around her food laden kitchen island, happily stuffing their faces while they chatted.

  “Your gossipy nature is getting out of hand!” Sara side-eyed her. “I was just about to tell her.”

  “You sure are pushing it to the last minute, Mom.” Hazel replied.

  “Oh, really? Do tell. Your gossipy nature is one of my favorite things about you.” Sara’s mother’s attention was on Hazel.

  The doorbell rang.

  “Looks like you’re going to get to meet him right now…” Hazel could barely contain her giddy smile.

  “He’s here! Holy shit.” Sara exclaimed. She turned around in a circle, seemingly unable to function.

  Hazel and her Granny exchanged looks. Hazel was going to enjoy this reveal. Shawn and Ben joined in on the look exchange. The house went silent except for two oblivious toddlers squirreling about and the Christmas music playing in the background.

  Sara looked at her mother and quickly said, “OK, so he’s young. I know that. Be open-minded. We’re just friends. He’s a very sweet man. Don’t say anything weird. That goes for all of you.” Sara looked pointedly at everyone. “He needed a place to go on Christmas.” She walked away.

  Sara nervously checked herself in the full-length ornately framed decorative mirror on the way to the front door. She looked into her eyes, they were bright with anticipation. She leaned in and checked her teeth. All clear. She breathed loudly and pushed her shoulders back.

  Oh my god. Oh my god, r epeatedly tumbled through her head. She swung open the door and there he was, as devastatingly handsome as she had remembered.

  “Oh my…” She said. Her knees buckled a little but she caught herself and pretended to bounce and shiver from the cold breeze that flew in the door. He wore a buttery soft light blue flannel and snug jeans. It was thirty-three degrees outside.

  “Where’s your jacket?”

  Sara cringed at her motherly tone.

  Oh my god, shut up . She thought.

  Adam didn’t respond to her question and continued to stand in the doorway. He smiled down at her and said, “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas to you, too.” Sara smiled back at him. They exchanged knowing looks. His green eyes were sparkling with sexual energy. She just looked up at him studying the sharp line of his jaw and sensual smirking lips. He raised an eyebrow at her and waited.

  “Oh! Yes, please come in.”

  She finally moved aside and swung her arm wide in welcome.

  Adam nodded to her and stepped through the doorway. He extended his arms to her. Sara immediately stepped into his hug. He squeezed her and lifted her off her feet.

  “I missed you.” He whispered in her ear. Sara squeezed him hard in return. He put her back on her feet.

  He missed me ? Really?

  “Where should I put these?” Adam said indicating the bags he held in one hand. One was filled with brightly wrapped packages and the other was filled with booze. “I figured you wouldn’t want anything I could cook. Booze is always a failsafe.”

  “Good thinking. The gifts can go under the Retro Tree. I have a couple themed trees.” She nervously laughed. “I’m a little extra for Christmas, I can’t help it.” She walked him into the living room that held the aptly named Retro Tree.

  “If the 80’s were a Christmas tree this would be it,” Adam said in appreciation of her handiwork. “This is pretty rad .”

  Sara smiled at his 80’s slang. He put his bags down beside it and inspected the plastic candy garland. Every ornament was at least thirty years old. He
tilted an ALF ornament toward himself to get a better look. Presents were piled and overflowing beneath it.

  “Thank you.” Sara beamed. She took a lot of pride in her 80’s tree. It was her favorite. It was so perfectly tacky.

  The twins ran around the corner, coming to a screeching halt when they saw Adam. He smiled at them and knelt down. “Hello, girls.”

  The girls slowly walked toward him, their eyes wide.

  “Hey girls! This is my friend, Adam. Adam this is Marley and Madison,” said Sara.

  “I knew I was going to be meeting two princesses tonight so I made sure to bring offerings.”

  Adam smiled at them and they smiled back. They eyed him as he put his hand into the bag and brought out the first present. They may not have known what the word offering meant right away but they did when they saw the wrapped gift. They clapped their hands. He handed it to Marley, grabbed the second present and handed it to Madison. They squealed and exchanged happy glances with each other.

  “You’re good.” Sara whispered.

  Adam looked up at her and grinned. She watched him closely. He was really charming them.

  The girls ripped open the wrapping paper to reveal cute plush puppies wearing Santa hats. They hugged the festive puppies tight and showed each other.

  “What do you say, girls?” Sara prompted.

  “Tank you!!” They shouted and both hugged Adam before running off to show their dads. Adam stood up.

  “They are adorable.” He stated. “I’m guessing everyone’s in another room waiting for us to make an awkward entrance?”

  “You guessed right.”

  “Shall we get it over with?”

  “No. Let’s hide in here.” Sara pretended to hide behind the Christmas tree with her hand out to Adam to join her.

  His eyes shimmered reflecting the tree’s lights. He took her hand and pulled her toward him. Sara was surprised by the tug and stumbled into his firm muscular chest. Her heart picked up its pace in anticipation.

  “Do you regret inviting me?” Adam asked softly. His arms enveloped her and his chin rested on the top of her head.

  Sara heard the vulnerability in his voice and rushed out, “No! Of course not, I’m just nervous. You’re…. you.”

  She fumbled that. She tried to course correct. “I’m… me.” She failed.

  “Yes and…” Adam prompted.

  “No one will understand why you’re bothering with me.” Sara decided on honesty. “I don’t even understand.”

  Adam leaned back and tilted her chin up with his hand. “I guess I can best explain that by saying. You’re… you.” He booped her on the nose, his smirk exposed his white straight teeth. He leaned down and kissed her soundly on the mouth. Adam released her chin and stepped away, her hand still in his.

  “Take me to your people.”

  “Let’s not forget the booze. I’m gonna need it.”

  Sara grabbed the bag before leading Adam to the kitchen.

  They entered the very silent kitchen, hand in hand. The only one totally unprepared for Adam was Sara’s mom. Her mouth fell open. Hazel, always the helpful teenager, reached over and assisted in closing it with an upward tap to her Granny’s chin. That made Sara start to giggle. In turn Hazel began to cackle.

  Adam shook his head at them. Shawn took over where the ladies of the house were failing and started the introductions.

  “I’ll make the introductions that I’m responsible for, I guess.” He looked mock stern at Sara who hadn’t recovered from laughing at her mom’s shocked face. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Adam. I’m Shawn. This is my husband Ben and you’ve met our youngest daughters.” Shawn and Ben both shook Adam’s hand. Sara gathered herself and put down the bag of booze on the counter.

  “Adam, this is my daughter Hazel, and my mom, Pam.” Sara completed the introductions.

  “Nice to meet you,” Hazel and Pam said in unison then looked at each other and giggled.

  Sara rolled her eyes.

  “Very nice to meet you as well.” Adam replied.

  Shawn helped himself, sifting through the newly arrived bag of booze. He unloaded a handle of Tito’s vodka, a six-pack of ginger beer and limes. He nodded his head in approval.

  “Adam, I like how you roll. Let’s make some mules!” Shawn exclaimed and proceeded to grab glasses from the cabinet.

  Sara breathed a sigh of relief. Something to keep everyone busy for a few minutes would be a perfect way to ease Adam into the mix.

  Especially if we all just get really drunk , she thought.

  Ben and Shawn busied themselves playing bartender.

  “So, how did you guys meet?” Pam directed her question in their direction.

  Sara spoke up first, “You know how Hazel is driving now. She needs the car on the nights she stays at Shawn’s. I happened to luck out getting a ride from this guy.” Sara quickly recognized the double entendre and continued. “He happened to be my Uber driver. We really hit it off…” Sara trailed off.

  “And it was such a fun ride she invited you for Christmas?” Pam asked with the most innocent of expressions. Sara looked dumbfounded.

  “Granny, how else do you thank someone for a five star ride ?” Hazel bit her lip and stared down her grandmother. They both busted up laughing at the same time.

  “You guys! I’m sorry. They are terrible teases. Nothing they say is serious! There is a fifty year age difference but you wouldn’t know it by how they act.” Sara shook her reddened face. She didn’t know how Adam would take being the butt of a joke.

  Adam grabbed Sara’s hand, “What can I say, it was a Christmas-invite-worthy ride .”

  Shawn choked on the first swallow of his fresh drink. He turned around and made eye contact with Sara. They’d known each other so long he didn’t need to speak. He liked that retort and he was an Adam fan now. Sara smiled back at him.

  “Mules all around!”

  Shawn held out a drink for Adam while holding up his own in the other. Adam took the drink and clinked it with Shawn’s.

  “Cheers,” they said in unison.

  Ben handed Sara and Pam fresh drinks. Sara took a long swig.

  “I wouldn’t mind watching A Christmas Story. How about you guys?” Sara suggested. “It’s a tradition. Have you ever seen it Adam?”

  “More times than the Bumpuses have hounds,” Adam responded smiling.

  Chapter Twent y- one

  Adam curled a finger around a lock of Sara’s chestnut hair. They were nestled into her overstuffed sofa. The living room was alive with delighted laughter and Christmas cheer. Everyone was enjoying A Christmas Story while they sipped their drinks and cracked wise. The twins kept Shawn and Ben on their toes as they ran wild around the house, coming out of rooms holding random things with which they weren’t supposed to be playing.

  Adam felt at home. It was so nice he wanted to sigh, but held it in. This was a family. This was exactly what he wanted. He had watched this movie every year with his parents. His mom and dad would sit together snuggled on the couch. They were a happy couple his entire life. He had assumed he would find a woman that would be his best friend and companion just like they had. Right now, he was certain he had found it. He would do anything to win her and this life.

  “I can’t believe you don’t have a leg lamp in your window,” Adam said surveying the room, just in case he’d missed it. Every surface was livened up with Christmas cheer.

  She really has a knack for making things pretty , he thought.

  “I know, right?! I say I’m getting one every year and then never do. But I wouldn’t settle for anything less than the full size replica and they are like two hundred and fifty dollars. But I did buy pink bunny pajamas for Hazel when she was five,” Sara replied.

  “Oh my god, I forgot about those!” Hazel exclaimed. “Why did I have to grow out of those? I would totally be wearing them right now.”

  “I’m going to set a reminder in my phone for next December, so I remember to find a
pair for you.” Sara pulled her phone out. Adam smiled down at her and watched her set it.

  “Yes!” Hazel clapped her hands.

  “I need another one of these drinks. That was fantastic,” Pam stated to the room.

  “Refills all around,” Shawn said and stood up. He took a glass from Pam.

  Adam stood up and took Sara’s cup. He intended to chat up Shawn. Having the best friend on his side was paramount to his acceptance into Sara’s clan.

  “Mmm, a handsome bartending assistant. I’ll take it.” Shawn teased.

  “Don’t get any ideas,” Sara teased him right back.

  Ben raised an eyebrow at Shawn and said. “He couldn’t handle you, baby.”

  Adam smirked, having experienced his fair share of flirty gay men in his life. He replied to Shawn suggestively, “You pour. I’ll stir.”

  He winked at Sara. She shook her head at him.

  “You’re bad.” Shawn laughed.

  Adam followed him into the kitchen and put the glasses on the counter. Shawn refilled them with ice from the dispenser.

  Shawn turned around from the refrigerator with a purpose in his eyes. He looked up at Adam, making direct eye contact when he said, “You know I’ve loved Sara for 20 years?”

  Adam nodded, “Yes, she’s told me.”

  Adam knew this was coming. He expected someone would question his motives. He was ready.

  “We are soulmate best friends for life.”

  Adam nodded.

  “There’s no one as kind as Sara. There’s no one as genuine.”

  Shawn paused for Adam to nod his agreement. “All I can hope is that you are a good person who isn’t trying to get something from her or play her foul. She doesn’t deserve that. She deserves this escapade with you. Girl, is sparkling over this. But I’m warning you. Don’t play her. She doesn’t deserve any ulterior motives or a broken heart. So I’m begging you, if you do have some underlying fucking bullshit you’re weaving, just stop now and break it off. Believe me, you don’t want the karma that would come from hurting her. She’s beloved by the gays and we are everywhere.”

  Adam smiled and didn’t break eye contact with Shawn as he contemplated what he would say.