Law wrapped a blanket around his shoulders before hugging him tight. “Cookies and milk then bed.”
Nicky wasn’t able to hide his next yawn.
They decided to leave the gas fireplace in the living room on low for some ambiance or so Santa could see, as Liam demanded. Nicky and Liam stood in front of the small table now holding the special treats as the fireplace crackled.
Christmas Eve had been perfect.
It would have been enough to have his best friend by his side. Even just having Liam and Jude would have been amazing. But Law was there. The Daddy that Nicky had spent decades asking Santa for. And Josh. A new but important friend.
Family.
Nicky wasn’t big on claiming people as his family.
Not when his birth mother and father, the people who should have loved him more than anything, had disappointed Nicky time and again.
But these people. Yeah, they were his family. His people. Nicky was no longer alone.
“I love you,” Nicky whispered.
“We love you too,” Liam replied just as quietly.
He sniffed. Not that Nicky wanted to cry. No, he was just so happy. He turned and kissed Liam’s cheek. “Night, bestie.”
Liam tucked himself against Nicky. “Good night. Merry Christmas Eve.”
“Merry Christmas Eve,” Nicky repeated. “The best Christmas Eve ever!”
“Cuz your Daddy spoils you,” Liam claimed.
“Like yours doesn’t,” Nicky replied, unimpressed. Liam hadn’t stopped teasing since Nicky had told him that he and Law were dating now. His bestie tried to take credit for them getting together, but Nicky wouldn’t allow that.
No. It had been him and Law. They had put everything on the line, taken one more chance on finding what they wanted, andwere rewarded with something special. Nearly magical in the holiday season.
Nicky walked Liam over to where Jude, Law, and Josh stood at the threshold of the room. He passed his best friend to Jude before holding his arms up.
“Up?” Law asked with amusement.
“Uppies, Daddy!”
He received a soft kiss before being lifted. Law carried him up the stairs as Josh announced that he’d make sure the house was locked up. Nicky didn’t bother telling Josh that he was dating a security specialist. The house couldn’t get any more secure.
It was a Daddy thing after all. Always wanting to make sure that his boy was safe. Seemed it was an Uncle thing too.
“Night, Unc Josh,” Nicky called over Law’s shoulder.
“Night, Uncle Josh,” Liam parroted.
“Good night, sweet boys. Sleep tight,’ Josh returned.
Oh, Nicky would sleep tight. It turned out his Daddy was a cuddler. When they shared a bed, Nicky was held all night long. It was almost like Law was afraid Nicky would disappear during the night. Like it was possible that Nicky would go anywhere without his Daddy.
They made it to the second floor. Law continued to the primary bedroom as Jude turned to carry Liam into the first guest bedroom.
And yes, Nicky had put his bestie as far from his room since Nicky totally planned to get some of his Daddy’s delicious cockbefore going to sleep. He did not want that to be something that Liam could overhear. The teasing would never end.
Inside the master bedroom, Law shut and locked the door.
Nicky cocked his head to the side as he stared at the lock.
