Light After Dark: The Base Christmas Edition

by H. M. Wolfe

  On two imposing, sculptured chairs, stern expressions on their faces, Alastair, Mallory and Tyler were examining Ardan. He started to speak in a low, respectful voice, the words having a strange but pleasant resonance.

  “I’m Ardan from the MacNamara clan, and I’m here today to ask for Alasdair’s hand in marriage from you, his closest relatives. I love him with my heart, mind and soul, and I want him as a companion for the rest of our earthly life. I won’t mistreat, belittle, offend, punish or cheat on him.”

  “Who speaks for you?” Alastair asked in a voice that sounded stern only after great effort.

  “I’m the father of this man,” Godfrey took a step forward, “and I can say he’s a good, dutiful son, who respects the elders and protects the weak and helpless. He’s not disobedient, nor has he vices.”

  “I’m Ardan’s cousin,” Dunstan solemnly spoke, “and I can say he’s a good, supportive friend, a wise man, who weighs all the arguments before making a decision. He’s also a loving uncle to my two children.”

  “I’m Sebastian from the Bloom clan, Alasdair’s uncle, and I can say my nephew’s eyes spark with life and happiness every time they meet Ardan’s gaze. The man has a gentle hand that never touched our boy with the intention of hurting him.”

  “I’m Thaddeus from the Bloom clan, and I can confirm everything my brother said. There is no better man like this one for your grandson and my nephew. With him, our Alasdair will be protected, cherished, loved and taken care of.”

  “I’ve listened to you all, now it’s time to listen to the boy,” Alastair spoke again in a much gentler voice. “Do you want to leave your father for the man over there?” He turned to a slightly nervous Alasdair.

  “Yes, I do,” the young man finally managed to articulate. “I love him. I can’t imagine my life without his presence.”

  “Good. Go, kneel next to him and ask for your present.”

  Alasdair obeyed, and Ardan pulled a little box from his pocket. “This ring,” he said, opening the box, “is made of iron, for a durable marriage, of silver, for good health, and of gold, for richness. Do you accept it?”

  “Yes, I do.” The redhead looked into the beautiful, turquoise eyes, losing himself in the intensity of the stare. “Do you accept this humble gift from me?” He pulled a ring out of his jeans’ pocket, putting it on Ardan’s finger.

  “Yes, I do.” The man smiled, raising his head. “It’s magnificent, thank you so much.”

  Alasdair smiled inwardly, remembering the circumstances that led to him buying that ring. He had been with his cousins Brianna, Royal, and Gaheris, plus Willem Van der Meerwe, Avery and Kellin, the usual bunch of friends, when the girl saw it in the window of the little, elegant antique shop. It was made of three thin bands of silver, gold and platinum with a little lapis-lazuli stone encased in it.

  Brianna showed the ring to his cousin, saying that the color of the stone would match that of Ardan’s eyes, so he’d bought it. However, the redhead hadn’t found the opportunity to give it to the man. Until then. Alasdair rose to his feet, helping his man to stand too. For a second, they just looked at each other, losing themselves in one another’s eyes, the mirrors of their own soul.

  Then the two of them kissed in front of everyone, sealing the pact they’d just made before their parents and closest relatives. The redhead surrendered completely to Ardan, the man he’d feared so much almost four years earlier, but whom he’d come to love and trust more and more with each day that passed.

  The older man held Alasdair in his arms, close to the heart that was beating only for the Spitfire and Lorcan. Ardan felt like he wandered without a target from the age of seventeen to twenty-seven until he met the feisty, strong, intelligent, loyal, stubborn, generous redhead. From that moment on, his soul was home.

  CHAPTER 24

  Present day, Christmas Eve

  “I love you. Husband, friend, lover. You are everything to me, Spitfire. The air I breathe, the blood running through my veins, the heart beating in my chest. Our little children are living proof of the love we have for each other. Your care, love and affection made my sons bloom into two brave, intelligent, sensible young men.” Ardan wrapped his arms around Alasdair’s torso, pulling the redhead even closer to him.

  “I love you more and more as time goes by, every second, minute or day spent in your company is a precious gift from the forces governing the Universe. Speaking of gifts, do you know why I love Christmas so much?” Alasdair shifted in the embrace until his eyes met those of his husband. “Because it’s about birth and innocence, about protecting a child’s life, exactly the kind of things you do on a daily basis.”

  Ardan smiled, a radiant one that reached his eyes, turning them into two shining turquoises. “You are the driving force behind my actions; you give me strength and power to carry on with my mission and continue the fight against those who harm the innocent. Thank you, my beautiful, feisty Spitfire.” Ardan lightly brushed his lips over his husband’s forehead in a chaste, affectionate kiss.

  “I’m not the only one who stands by your side. Fabian has done a stellar job supporting, encouraging and advising you during the last few months, and I have to admit I’m glad every time he pays us a visit. Speaking of, did you notice his expression during the children’s party, the mix of happiness, melancholy and sadness in his eyes?” Alasdair’s voice was soft, a little sad even.

  “Yes, I did, and it’s another reason why I think there’s more to Fabian than meets the eye. Giving him the benefit of a doubt was one of the most inspired decisions I’ve made in my entire life. Someone who treated my poor brother so kindly and affectionately can’t be a monster, and I’ve started to wonder how much of what we know about his actions is actually true and how much is a distorted image.”

  “You’re right, my Ardan. Fabian also believed in Rowan’s potential when no one else did, not even the kid himself, not to mention that he also saved Riley from the clutches of that Greenwood bastard and sent Lance Hansen to bring him here. I think we can consider him one of those surprise Christmas presents you secretly wish for but never expect to get.” Alasdair spoke the last part in a faraway voice, smiling against his husband’s chest.

  “I totally agree with you, my beautiful Spitfire. The light in Fergus’s eyes every time he sees Fabian, the softness in his voice when he speaks to my brother, his wisdom and patience... all those things changed my perception of the man. It’s not the first change in my life, and it won’t be the last, that’s for sure, but one thing will remain the same until the end of my time on earth, and that’s the love I have for you.”

  Ardan captured Alasdair’s lips in a desperate, hungry, dominating kiss, drinking the redhead dry and filling him back with the infinite love and passion he poured into it. The younger man had no choice but to surrender to the one who loved, treasured and worshipped him, abandoning himself to the pleasure coursing through his veins like hot lava. That first, soul-searing kiss was followed by another, and soon the two men were lost in each other’s eyes, sucked into a whirlwind of emotions and sensations.

  Meanwhile, in the bedroom they shared at the mansion, Fabian was enjoying the deep intimacy, comfort and peace of mind he experienced every time he was in Lance’s company. They’d just made love, the other man turning him into an instrument he tuned and played beautiful music with. The moment was intense but tender and sweet at the same time, a combination only Lance could create.

  Wrapped in the warmth radiating from his lover’s toned, muscular and still very supple body, Fabian took a trip down the memory lane to a time when he was still innocent and pure. Every year, on Christmas morning, he went downstairs to the salon of the imposing Sandringham residence, hoping to find a present under the sumptuously decorated tree, only to be bitterly disappointed.

  Christmas was about the birth of the one who sacrificed himself for the sinners, the Duke used to say, not about spoiling bratty children rotten. Unlike his brothers, who were too little to understand the ve
nomous words, Fabian learned to silence his wishes, but he didn’t stop believing in Santa. Every year, he prayed for a miracle, something that could free him and his brothers from the oppressive life the Duke forced them into.

  A few hours earlier, Ardan had given him the biggest, most important and surprising present of his life when he asked him to put on the Santa costume and give the nicely wrapped presents to the children gathered in the dining hall. Fabian doubted The Base’s boss knew how much that gesture meant to him, what great significance it had, but he was deeply grateful for it.

  A calm smile on his lips, running his hand up and down his lover’s back, Lance studied the man’s face, trying to guess what he was thinking about. Most likely, he relived the moments from hours earlier, the images of happy children with arms full of packages fresh in his mind. With each package Fabian had handed over, the light in his sapphire-blue eyes intensified, pure joy and happiness radiating from him.

  Lance smiled, thinking about the Christmas party at The Base and the surprise he had for the man in his arms. You won’t see it coming, my love, he smiled inwardly, trying to imagine Fabian’s reaction. After tomorrow, Lance thought, nothing and no one will ever come between us. We will be together until the end of time, just like it was meant to be from the start.

  Christmas day

  “Merry Christmas, Grumpa, Daddy!” Rowan, Fabian's and Lance's protegee, enthusiastically greeted the two men, wrapping his arms around them in a warm hug. “Can I go to The Base earlier, pretty please? Dunbar volunteered as the responsible adult who will drive me there. He misses Fergus and Elijah a lot, and I want to spend some time at Zachary’s with the little ones.”

  “Sure you do.” Lance patted Rowan on the back, giving him a toothy grin. “Of course, Riley’s presence at The Base doesn’t have anything to do with you wanting to get there hours before the party starts.”

  “Grumpa, are you... I mean, who told you about that? I talked to Riley on the phone last night. He said they were going to spend Christmas in Chicago with don Salvattore and Mister Isbell-Manfredi, his adoptive grandfathers. This is you getting back at me for all the pranks I pulled on you, right?” Rowan’s ocean-blue eyes, so bright until then, were suddenly clouded by a veil of sadness.

  “No, dear child. Lance is telling the truth. Riley is indeed at The Base. He probably wanted to surprise you, that’s why he didn’t tell you anything.” Fabian came close to the teen, caressing his long, blond, silky strands. “Now go, what are you waiting for?”

  “Um... I need to change my clothes, so which of you old, wise gentlemen offers to help me put together an outfit suitable to... um... the happy occasion? Christmas, I mean...”

  “That would be the boss. I’ll make myself useful by braiding your hair.” Lance spoke in a soft, gentle voice, no trace of malice in it. “And kid... even if I get a little upset in the moment, you pulling pranks is a sign that you’re still a child. I love you, Rowan Norton. Merry Christmas, son!”

  Lance pulled the boy into a tight embrace, wrapping an arm around his willowy waist and caressing the golden strands with the other. The man’s eyes brimmed with tears as he whispered into the kid’s ear how proud he was of his achievements. Eyes closed, a small, innocent smile on his lips, Rowan listened to Lance’s words, sighing in contentment and beaming at the praises.

  An hour and a half later, changed into one of Riley’s favorite outfits, hair braided, heart thumping in his chest, the blond boy stepped out of the car. He headed to the dining hall, where he suspected his boyfriend would be hanging out with Ardan’s sons and their friends when a sweet voice made him stop in his tracks. Turning around, Rowan gasped in awe at the sight Riley offered, dressed in white from head to toe.

  Just like an angel, the blond thought, as he walked to the black-haired boy who captured his heart. Unable to find the right words to express what he felt, Rowan took his boyfriend’s hands and covered them with butterfly kisses, then put them on his chest, right above the heart, locking eyes with Riley.

  The kiss came naturally, a barely-there touch of their petal-like, velvety lips, and an equally tentative dance of the tongues around each other. The two boys broke the sweet, innocent kiss, lowering their eyes as shy smiles played on their lips. Holding hands, fingers laced, they headed to the newly renovated Remembrance Hall, where everything was ready for the party.

  A few hours later, a little group formed of Ardan, Alasdair, Zachary, Elijah, Caleb and Brennan warmly greeted Lance and Fabian, everyone wanting a little piece of the two for themselves. The older men decided to spend a couple of hours in the company of Saint, Caleb, Zachary and their three adoptive children before joining the others for the party.

  The children, two sweet, adorable five-year-old boys and a lively, feisty nine-year-old tomboy of a girl surrounded the two men, describing to them in vivid details all the presents Santa left them under the tree, getting their undivided attention. Both Lance and Fabian listened, fascinated, expressing their amazement or approval from time to time, to the little ones’ great delight.

  In the afternoon, everyone embarked in their cars and took off to The Base. First, they dropped the children at the dining hall, where the kids’ party continued for the second day with all kinds of fun games and other entertaining activities. Some of the guards and teachers who had no plans for the holidays had volunteered to supervise the children and teens so Ardan, Alasdair and the others could enjoy the family reunion.

  The Base’s boss and Ezra let themselves be blindfolded and guided by their spouses, who wanted to impress them even more with the surprise. Once the scarfs covering their eyes were removed, the two men gasped in awe at the sight before their eyes. Ardan, who had known the state of the building before the renovation, was moved to tears by the extraordinary transformation.

  He wrapped Alasdair in a warm, grateful look, silently thanking him for giving a new life to the place where everything started, the very core of The Base. This was another wonderful present I get from life, through you, my beautiful, brave Spitfire, Ardan thought, his magnificent, turquoise eyes incandescent with love.

  When no one noticed them, busy as they were with taking their designated place around the table, Alasdair and Peyton exchanged a look and a nod. A few minutes later, blushing, his dark-green eyes shining like two emeralds, the redhead left his seat, getting down on one knee in front of his husband, a little jewelry box in hand.

  “Six years ago on Christmas day, you asked for my hand in marriage in front of my grandfather, father and uncles. Since then, I felt your love every second and minute of the day. You went above and beyond to keep me and your sons safe, gave me children to continue my family’s bloodline, trusted me with your secrets, dreams, hopes and fears, supported, encouraged and praised me. Today, in the presence of our closest friends and family members, I want to renew the vows I took five years ago, on our wedding day. I promise to honor, worship, support and love you for the rest of my life.”

  Overwhelmed by emotions, Alasdair went silent. With shaky fingers, he opened the box, extracting a gold ring encasing a small diamond. A love as pure as gold with the shine and durability of a diamond was the message behind the jewelry, and Ardan deciphered it on the spot. Mirroring his husband’s posture, he let the redhead slide the ring on his finger, then cupped his face with both hands, pouring his soul into an ardent, tender, passionate kiss that left Alasdair breathless.

  “Six years ago, on Christmas day, a young man with the most beautiful eyes and purest soul gave me the honour of accepting my marriage proposal. He left his father and grandfather and came to live with me, putting my shattered soul together and making me the happiest man alive. My achievements and progress are nothing but a reflection of the immense love this wonderful man invested in me, of his confidence in my potential, and the unwavering support he showed me. Here, before our guests, I promise to love, cherish, encourage and treasure you until the last beat of my heart, until my last breath. I love you, my precious Spitfire.”
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  Eyes clouded with happy tears, Ardan pulled a rectangular, shiny, black box from the pocket of his jacket. With slow, ceremonious gestures, he opened it, then took out the necklace it contained, putting it around Alasdair’s neck. The locket attached to the gold chain contained a picture of the two of them, together with all their children, on one half, and the words Yours, For Eternity, engraved in cursive letters on the other half.

  Without a word, Alasdair threw himself in the strong, safe arms of the one who gave the world to him, without expecting anything in return, his beloved Ardan. He breathed in the scent of his husband, which never failed to soothe his tense nerves and calm him whenever he had a stressful day at work, and put his head on the man’s broad shoulders that carried a heavy burden so he could be carefree.

  All the guests rose to their feet, applauding the two husbands, whose love story and life together served them as example and inspiration. Once the storm of applause calmed down, Peyton knelt in front of a speechless, unable to react Ezra, a magnificent ring in hand. They started to speak in their usual, melodious voice, the words sweeter than honey and passionate like a wildfire.

  “All my life, I had to hide who and what I am, afraid that my parents and I would be rejected and marginalized. Until you came into my life; hurt, scared but so strong, open and caring, genuinely interested in me and what I had to say. You gave me courage, confidence, served as inspiration for me and taught me valuable life lessons. Above all, you treasured my body, worshipped it, turned it into a vessel of life, giving me three beautiful children. Ezra Bloom, you are everything I wished for, and then some more. This ring is the symbol of the love I have for you, a sign of my gratitude for all the beautiful moments we spent together, for the great memories and presents you gave me.”

  A serene smile on their beautiful face, Peyton put the ring on their husband’s finger, the man speechless and awestruck. After a few seconds, Ezra finally realized that his beautiful, delicate but strong spouse just professed their love for him, renewing the wedding vows, just like Alasdair and Ardan did minutes earlier.