Frog Legs and Goose Feathers

by Charlie Richards

  Jake nodded. "Yes, sir. Everything is correct." He quickly signed the bottom, then slid the papers back toward the detective. "So what happens now?"

  "We're bringing in the others that he burgled and beat. So far, everyone has picked him out of the line-up easily." Detective Haralson's brows furrowed. "Even with the ski mask the guy had been wearing. Something about his eyes, they claim."

  Suppressing a shiver, Jake nodded again. "Yeah. I get that." The attacker's blue eyes had held an arctic quality to them. "Do you need anything from me?"

  Detective Haralson stood as he held out his hand.

  Jake rose and shook, then released him.

  "Only if by some bizarre twist there's a trial. With everything we have against him, I don't see that happening." Taking a step backward, the detective opened the door to the small conference room they'd been sitting in while assuring, "I'll keep you posted."

  "Thanks." Jake followed the detective back to the front and headed out of the station, ignoring the insolent guy behind the desk.

  Returning to his Jeep, Jake climbed inside. He fired up the engine and headed on his way. Spotting a drive-thru coffee kiosk, he decided to get a latte.

  Jake's next stop was at a chocolate delicatessen. While he and Devon had agreed not to buy each other Christmas presents, since he was still in school and didn't currently have a job---money from his summer jobs only went so far---he still wanted to get a little something to show his lover that he was thinking of him. To that end, Jake chose a variety of chocolate-covered berries---strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries---that they could share curled up in front of the fire.

  Maybe with a bottle of champagne.

  He picked that up next.

  Finally, Jake made his way to the local butcher shop. Due to his decision regarding the goose, he knew they needed an alternate for Christmas Eve supper. He strolled through the place, checking out the different cuts of meat.

  Unfortunately, there wasn't any goose.

  Jake crossed to the back counter, ready to ask Saul---the owner---if he had any in the back, when his gaze fell on a cooler off to the side. He gaped. Resting his hand on the glass, he checked the price, and his heart rate sped up.

  Frog legs!

  And they were on sale.

  "Wow, Saul," Jake cried in surprise. "Since when have you carried frog legs?"

  Saul rounded the counter and stopped next to him. "I don't usually," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "These were a special order. Then they backed out on me." Saul grimaced. "Something about an allergy, so now I'm just trying to get rid of them."

  "How many pounds of them do you have?" Jake couldn't resist the allure of one of his favorite foods... especially since they held such fond memories for him.

  "Seriously? You like frog legs?" Saul sounded shocked, his dark eyebrows nearly reaching his hairline.

  Jake laughed and nodded. "Love them. So does Devon. We had them on our first date." He shrugged. "We had to make a last-minute change to supper plans, so---"

  "There's two pounds on display here," Saul told him. "And I have another four pounds in the back." His eyes softened as a look of relief took over his face. "How many do you want?"

  "Well... Devon has a big family, and my fathers and sister are coming, too"---Jake had almost felt bad that his younger sister was ditching their mother to join them for Christmas Eve supper---almost, since she was an unaccepting bigot---"but I don't know if everyone likes them."

  Thinking quickly, Jake did some mental calculations. He knew his father and his partner enjoyed them, and Lorna would take a few. Devon's family would probably at least try them... and all four of Devon's brothers plus the three that had partners or spouses as well as his father. Then Brendan and Randy were bringing Randy's nephew, although Jake wasn't certain a young teen would be adventurous enough to try frog legs.

  Maybe.

  God, how are we going to fit everyone in our house? What were we thinking offering to host Christmas Eve supper?

  Too late.

  "I'll take them all as well as a ham," Jake decided on a whim. If none of Devon's family liked frog legs, they would keep for another time.

  "Damn, Jake." Saul grinned broadly. "Thanks! You're really pulling me out of a bind. I'll give you a bulk price."

  Jake glanced at the price again. "You don't need to do that." The legs were already super cheap.

  Saul waved his words away as he began packing up all the legs. "What size ham do you want? Pre-glazed or not?"

  "Uh... how about a six-pound ham," Jake decided, grinning, pleased with his choices. "No glaze, please. I'll make my own."

  "You got it."

  Saul disappeared in the back and came out with a bag full of frog legs. He set the bag on the scale, added the legs from the cooler case to them, then hit a few buttons and printed out a ticket. Putting those items on the counter as he passed, Saul stopped before another case, opening the door. He rummaged through it a moment, then held up two hams.

  "This one is six-point-three pounds," Saul stated, hefting the one in his right hand. Then he did the same to indicate the one in his left. "This one is five-point-seven. Got a preference?"

  Jake laughed. "Go big or go home, right?" He pointed to the one in Saul's right hand, earning a laugh from the butcher.

  Within another ten minutes, Jake headed out the door to deliver his purchases to his Jeep. Then he started home, excitement thrumming through him as he planned the glaze for the ham and mentally ticked off everything needed for the breading to go on the frog legs. He knew others were bringing salads, potatoes, other sides, and desserts, so at least, he didn't have to deal with that.

  When the next song came on the radio, Jake laughed and turned up the volume. Hearing Jeff Foxworthy start singing about the twelve redneck days of Christmas, he bounced in his seat and sang along.

  Everything was just about perfect.

  Chapter Six

  Devon greeted their family as each arrived, then took them to the kitchen and dining area. There, Jake sorted out a place to put all the food everyone brought. Drinks were poured, and laughter filled the air.

  Everything stopped when Vincent Androse, Jake's father's partner, asked about the busted door lock. When Devon and Jake explained, the wife of Devon's youngest brother, Nick, exclaimed in dismay. Matilda had a soft heart, but she still managed to keep Devon's brother in line.

  The boyfriend of his eldest brother, Brendan, was a paramedic. Randy immediately asked if Jake was okay and moved toward him as if to render aid. At the same time, Brendan pulled Toby---Randy's sister's son, who they'd adopted the prior year---behind him as if the danger was still in the room.

  Jake's father, however, snarled as he glared at the door lock as if personally offended by the item. "Damn it. Did they catch the bastard?" He crossed the room and settled his hand on Jake's shoulder. Sweeping his gaze over his son, he shook his head. "Are you okay? I'd heard there was a spree of burglaries, but since it's another town's jurisdiction, didn't hear what had happened."

  Jake's fathers lived a little over two hours south, so Carl was stationed in another area.

  Resting his hand over his father's, Jake assured, "I'm fine. Really. As odd as it sounds, my goose saved me."

  Jake pointed at the animal, which rested on a bed of straw underneath a small canopy that Devon had erected on the deck the prior evening. It watched through the glass but appeared comfortable, pecking at its food every few minutes. Devon had decided that if the goose was going to be their guard dog, he would give it some extra creature comforts.

  At least the animal hadn't tried to bite Jake when they were putting it together the evening before. His lover seemed bent on petting the animal now. Although the goose sidled away from Jake when he came too close.

  Devon figured Jake would have the large bird cuddling with him within a month.

  Once everyone was assured of Jake's safety and that the attacker had been cau
ght and was in jail, the festivities got back on track.

  "Can I pet the goose?" Toby asked, staring at it through the window, a longing gleam in his eyes.

  "Afraid not, buddy," Devon replied. "We're still working on getting him that friendly, and I'd hate to see you get bitten." He ruffled the teenager's hair, who ducked away with a snort. "We've only had it a week. Maybe next time. Okay?"

  Toby nodded, then wandered to the kitchen counter and began filling up a plate with snacks.

  Devon and Jake had set up a couple of folding tables in the living room, and that was where they'd placed all the food. They filled their plates buffet style before taking seats in the dining room and the kitchen bar area. Devon had also squeezed in a second smaller table in the dining area, so they would have enough seats for everyone.

  The sound of silverware clattering on plates and people's hums of approval filled the area.

  "Oh, damn, Jake," Carl said around a moan. "Where did you get frog legs this time of year? And Cajun seasoning? Mmm." He shoved another bite into his mouth.

  Jake laughed. "Happy turn of chance at the butcher's yesterday."

  "They're good," Arnold conceded. Devon's father winked at another of Devon's brothers and the only single one there---Peter. "But they ain't got nothin' on that glazed ham. Right, Peter?"

  Peter glanced up from where he'd been shoveling a big bite of glazed ham covered in a dab of horseradish into his mouth. He nodded as he hummed. Then, covering his mouth, he mumbled around his mouthful, "Is good."

  Lorna laughed from where she sat at the kitchen bar. "Let me guess. If I ask for the glaze recipe, you won't tell?"

  Jake lifted a haughty brow as he stared imperiously at his sister... for all of two seconds. Then he laughed. "What would you even do with it?" he teased. "You don't cook!"

  Scoffing in mock indignation, Lorna scowled at him. Then she laughed, her eyes dancing with mirth. "Got me there, not that you'd tell anyway."

  "Maybe after extracting a vow of secrecy," Jake replied.

  Everyone laughed. They all knew that Jake took his seasoning recipes very seriously. From steak to chicken to fish and everything in between, Jake loved to tinker and created the best marinades, rubs, and seasoned breadings.

  Once they'd completed the meal, the clean-up commenced. With the ease of family having worked together for years, take-home plates were made up, tables were cleared, and dishes were cleaned. Then, to the good-natured groaning of full guests, the desserts were brought out.

  Glasses of egg nog were consumed---some spiked, some not. Pies, puddings, and cakes were sliced and served. Tyler---Carmen's boyfriend and Devon's other middle brother---had even brought homemade doughnuts.

  Even as food commas threatened them all, they still cleaned up again. Then they sat around the living room, half of them sitting on the floor and others bringing in chairs and stools from the dining room. They went around the room and shared what they were thankful for that holiday season.

  When Devon's turn came up, his heartrate spiked in his chest. Turning to Jake, he murmured, "Learning you were in danger nearly gave me a heart attack." He cupped Jake's jaw and rubbed his thumb along it. "I know I don't have control over things like that, and---"

  Then he held up one finger and rose to his feet. Crossing to the tree, he reached near the back and picked up a large goose feather he'd placed on a limb the evening before prior to bed. He returned to the small sofa he and Jake had been sharing.

  Devon carefully eased to his knees. "I know we told each other that we wouldn't exchange gifts, but this isn't really a Christmas present." He held up the feather, so Jake could see what was tied onto it with a bit of red ribbon. "Jake Lewis, would you do me the honor of becoming my husband?"

  As Devon watched, his heart hammering in his chest, Jake's eyes took on a bright sheen. His lover blinked swiftly as he swallowed hard enough to cause his Adam's apple to bob. After Jake had opened his mouth twice, only to close it again, Devon felt a bead of sweat form on his temple.

  Did I misread---

  "Yes." Jake's voice was a low squeak, but Devon heard it, and his heart began to thud for a whole new reason. "God, yes."

  "Thank god," Devon whispered. His cheeks almost hurt with the stretch of his smile. He carefully pulled the string that held the ring to the feather. Then he held it higher. "Want me to put it on you, love?"

  Jake held out his left hand, it trembling slightly. "Yes, please."

  Devon lifted the ring from the cradle of the feather. After placing the feather on the arm of the sofa, he gripped Jake's hand in a gentle hold. Devon lifted the ring, so his lover could see not only the three small diamonds along the top of the ring---unassuming but gorgeous, just like his partner---as well as the engraving on the inside of the ring.

  Always in my heart.

  Smiling wildly, Jake whispered, "And you're in mine, too."

  "Perfect."

  Then Devon slid the ring on Jake's finger. Once in place, Jake leaned forward in his seat and wrapped his arms around Devon's shoulders. He pulled him close, and before their family, they sealed their promise with a deep kiss.

  After a few seconds, catcalls and wolf-whistles filled the room. When Devon kept exploring Jake's mouth in slow, deep licks, pieces of flavored popcorn and chips began pelting their heads and shoulders. Grinning against his soon-to-be-husband's lips, Devon brought the kiss to an end.

  "Har, har," Devon grumbled good-naturedly as he pulled a Dorito off his shoulder and popped it into his mouth. "Mmm."

  As a chorus of congratulations and more cheers along with wishes to see the ring filled the room, Devon rose to his feet. Jake gave a gentle tug, helping him. Then Jake made the rounds and showed off the fairly simple band Devon had chosen for him.

  At the same time, Devon settled on his sofa. He grinned happily, his body thrumming with an odd mix of arousal and satisfaction. Seeing the happy glow on Jake's cheeks as well as how he proudly showed the ring to everyone, Devon rubbed his chest absently, loving that he'd put that look on his man's face.

  "You know..."

  Carl's voice drew Devon's attention.

  The detective smirked at him, his hazel eyes twinkling with mischief. "It's tradition to ask the father before proposing." He waggled his brows. "You know... for permission."

  Devon opened his mouth, then closed it again. "Uh---" Oh, real eloquent. After clearing his throat, he scowled at the other man. "I think Jake would kick my ass if he found out that I asked you for permission."

  Carl barked a laugh as he nodded. Knocking his fist into Devon's upper arm, he straightened. "You're probably right."

  Finally, Jake returned and settled next to him, snuggling up beside him.

  Devon pulled Jake into his arms, kissed his temple, and whispered, "Thank you."

  Jake beamed up at him. "No, thank you. I know we talked about marriage years ago, back when we'd first gotten together, but we hadn't talked about it in so long that---" His smile faltered, and he nibbled his bottom lip.

  Realizing his silence had created unease in his lover, Devon kicked himself. "Sorry, my love," he murmured, nuzzling his forehead against Jake's temple until his partner turned his head and accepted his kiss. He kept it chaste, not wanting to have more food thrown at them. After breaking the kiss, Devon added, "I just wanted it to be a surprise."

  "It's okay," Jake replied, smiling back at him, his lips lusciously kiss-swollen. He snuggled against him. "And it was definitely a surprise. The best."

  The last few people, grins on their faces, shared what they were grateful for. Although, to be fair, Devon was too consumed with his own happiness to remember what any of them had said. After that, the group decided to go a little less traditional, and together they watched the holiday horror movie, Krampus.

  Soon after the movie ended, everyone began saying their good-byes, gathering their things, and filing out. They offered more congratulations, and Arnold wrapped Jake in a hug. Carl
did the same to Devon.

  Finally alone, Devon stared around. Even for having so many people over, the house was in surprisingly good shape. Everyone had cleaned up after themselves.

  Well, except for by the sofa where the caramel and cheese popcorn and chips littered the floor. As Devon chuckled under his breath and began picking them up, Jake headed into the kitchen. When Devon heard a loud pop, he jerked upright.

  "Jake?" Devon called.

  "It's okay," Jake hollered back, amusement filling his tone. "Just the champagne bottle."

  "Champagne?" Devon took his handful of thrown food and headed to the kitchen. He spotted Jake holding a bottle and two flutes. "Huh. I should have thought of that."

  Jake chuckled as he headed out of the kitchen. "Only one of us had to," he quipped, then pointed the bottle toward a carton on the counter. "Toss that food, wash your hands, then grab that and join me in front of the fire." Waggling his brows, Jake purred, "I think it's time to do a little celebrating of our own."

  More than on board with that, Devon did as instructed. After throwing away the food and washing his hands, he grabbed the cardboard box, and even though he wasn't hungry, his mouth watered. He recognized the name of the delicatessen on the top.

  Peeking inside, Devon moaned.

  Chocolate covered berries. My favorite!

  "Hurry up, Devon," Jake demanded.

  Devon carried the box out and joined Jake in the living room. His mouth watered for a whole new reason. His lover had spread a blanket before the roaring fire and had stripped to his tight briefs.

  Jake's erection was on clear display as he sprawled on the blanket, his weight resting on his elbows as he held a filled champagne flute in each hand.

  After setting the box on the blanket near Jake's hip, Devon quickly divested himself of his clothes. Then he sank to the blanket beside his man.

  Over the course of the next couple of hours, Devon celebrated the upcoming change in their lives with his new fiancé... and no Christmas present had ever made him happier.