He loved it here. Too much, maybe.
Kyle turned to him, eyes reflecting the sky. “You look like you’re already halfway moved in.”
Benson smiled. “I’ve thought about it,” he admitted. “A lot, actually. California’s got this…pull.”
Kyle didn’t say anything right away. He just watched the waves, hands tucked into his pockets. Benson took a breath, then another, and finally said it.
“But I can’t leave everything behind. My family, the lake, the quiet…it’s all back in Michigan. It’s part of me.”
Kyle nodded slowly, like he understood more than he was letting on. “Yeah. I get that.”
Benson hesitated, then reached out, brushing Kyle’s fingers with his own. “Have you thought more about coming with me? To Michigan?”
Kyle looked at him, really looked at him, and Benson felt like the whole beach had gone still. “You mean…move there? You meant it before?”
“I know it’s a lot,” Benson said quickly. “And I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t mean it. I just—being with you here feels right. But leaving you here feels wrong.”
Kyle’s expression softened, and he stepped closer, their feet half-submerged in the tide. “You’re not asking me to give up California. You’re asking me to choose you.”
Benson swallowed hard. “Yeah. I guess I am.”
Kyle reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind Benson’s ear, fingers lingering. “You’re not easy to say no to, you know that?”
Benson laughed, but it cracked a little. “I’m scared you’ll regret it.”
“I’m scared I’ll regret not trying,” Kyle said. “Let’s talk about it. Really talk. But if it means waking up next to you in a place with snow and lakes and quiet mornings…I think I could learn to love Michigan but I’m not sure.”
Benson said nothing for a moment. He just leaned in, forehead resting against Kyle’s, the ocean whispering around them. The decision wasn’t made, not yet. But the possibility shimmered between them like sunlight on water—fragile, beautiful, and maybe, just maybe, enough. Then it dawned on him that he would do. He sent an email off to friend in Newport Beach.
Chapter Nineteen
Kyle
Newport Beach, California
Kyle had spent the afternoon weaving through crowded shops with Daddy Benson, dodging glittery displays and overzealous carolers while each sneakily trying to buy gifts without the other noticing. It was chaotic and a little ridiculous, but also kind of perfect. By the time they were done, their armswere full of bags and their cheeks hurt from laughing. Kyle was ready to crash, but Daddy Benson had other plans.
The condo Daddy Benson rented was perched right over Newport Beach, with floor-to-ceiling windows that opened up to a view so stunning it made Kyle stop mid-step. The ocean stretched out like a silver-blue blanket, waves rolling in slow and steady beneath a sky streaked with orange and pink. The place itself was sleek but cozy—warm wood floors, soft lighting, and a fireplace flickering in the corner like it was trying to flirt. But what really got Kyle was the bare Christmas tree standing in the living room surrounded by boxes of decorations like it was waiting for them.
Kyle turned to Daddy Benson, eyebrows raised. “Did you plan this?”
Daddy Benson just grinned and shrugged like it was no big deal, but Kyle could see the sparkle in his eyes. “Figured we could make our own kind of Christmas.”
The stereo kicked on with some traditional Christmas music, smooth and nostalgic, and Kyle felt something in his chest loosen. They opened the boxes and pulled out ornaments—some classic glass balls, some weird ones shaped like tacos and cute miniature houses, and one that looked suspiciously like a tiny surfboard. Kyle held it up and smirked. “Is this for me or you?”
“For both of us,” Daddy Benson said, taking it and hanging it front and center.
They moved slowly, passing ornaments back and forth, stringing lights that blinked like lazy fireflies. Kyle kept stealing glances at Daddy Benson, who looked annoyingly good in soft lamplight and a hoodie. At one point, Kyle reached up to adjust a crooked star and felt Daddy Benson’s hand settle lightly on his waist, steadying him.
“You know,” Daddy Benson said, “I don’t really care what’s under the tree tomorrow.”
Kyle looked down at him, heart thudding a little harder than it should. “No?”
“Nah. I already got what I wanted.”
Kyle rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help the grin tugging at his mouth. “Oh really.”
“I only want you.” Daddy Benson drew him in, and their lips met in a soft kiss.
