“Yeah, and I spent all day helping you,” Liam said.
Law snorted. “You mean you spent all day playing with the toy soldiers and Santa dolls.”
Liam huffed. “I put stuff up.”
“In the wrong place!” Nicky accused.
“You’re just picky,” Liam responded.
“There’s a place for everything,” Nicky said seriously.
Since Nicky did take his decorating very seriously, Law decided it was best to stay out of that disagreement. Jude must have had the same thought as he rose while still holding Liam.
“Fuck! You rode with us,” Jude said suddenly.
Law chuckled. “I’ll order a car home. No problem.”
Jude shook his head. “No, man. I can come back—”
“I’ll order a car,” Law said more firmly. He let his gaze slide to Nicky and back to his best friend.
“Alright then,” Jude said, not laughing even as his lips twitched.
Liam would have totally caught on if he wasn’t already snuggling into Jude’s neck, practically asleep already.
“Say goodnight, boys,” Jude ordered.
Nicky leaned close, puckering his lips. “Love you, bestie!”
Leaning forward, Liam left a loud smack on Nicky’s mouth. “Love you too! Your house looks awesome!”
Nicky grinned. “Best house in the neighborhood. Thanks for helping!”
“Happy now?” Liam asked.
“Everything is perfect,” Nicky replied.
Law was happy to hear it. He’d probably worked harder making sure Nicky was happy with the enormous number of decorations around the house than he had at his own house for anything.
“And if you need anything else, you will call us,” Jude ordered. “No trying to do everything on your own.”
“I know,” Nicky replied. He attempted to lift his arms but grunted when the garland kept him in place.
Liam cackled. “Be good and maybe Uncle Law will unwrap you. Like a present!”
“I’m the best type of present,” Nicky agreed. “The present that keeps on giving…happiness.”
“Happiness,” Liam repeated. “Sure.”
“Enough now,” Jude said. “Grab your cookies so we can get home.”
“Can I have a bath, Daddy?” Liam asked with the last word garbled as he yawned.
“Only if you don’t fall asleep in the car,” Jude told him.
“Good luck with that,” Nicky teased.
Liam stuck out his tongue, Nicky copied him, the timer for the oven went off. Law turned to the oven as Liam and Nickysaid their goodbyes. He set the cookie sheet on the protective mat on the counter then went back to turn off the oven.
