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Ash removed his hat and scarf and shoved them into his coat pockets. “Shut up, Daley.” There was a reason he didn’t go around announcing his hobby to the world. Just because he didn’t look like Martha Stewart didn’t mean he couldn’t fucking use an oven or follow a recipe.
“Wow. You bake. Ash bakes. I did not know this.” Dex turned to Sloane. “Did you know he bakes?”
Sloane hung his and Ash’s coats on the hooks behind the door. “He’s really good too. Like, really good.”
Dex opened his mouth, then closed it before opening it again. “I got nothing.”
Cael elbowed Ash playfully. “Dude, you left Dex speechless.”
“Christmas miracle’s arrived early this year,” Ash muttered.
Dex let out a sniff and headed into the living room with Sloane in tow. “The only reason I’m not telling you to bite me is because you brought delicious, warm pies.”
“Apple’s mine,” Cael declared, smacking Dex’s hand away from the bag.
He took it into the kitchen with everyone following behind. On the way there, Ash noticed the table was all set. Cael mentioned how they were just waiting on their dad to come downstairs so they could start putting the food out. Cael left the bag of pies on the counter, and Ash stepped up beside him, his hand resting on the small of Cael’s back as he spoke.
“How’s your leg? I noticed you’re not using your crutch.”
“I’m feeling much better. I should be up for training once we’re back on active duty.”
“I’m glad. Don’t push yourself too hard, though, okay? If you need a little extra time to rest, no one’s going to hold it against you.”
Cael turned to smile at Ash and appeared to have misjudged their proximity. Their bodies ended up pressed against each other, and Cael’s face flushed pink. Not wanting to embarrass him, Ash pretended he hadn’t noticed. Cael patted Ash’s bicep.
“Don’t worry, big guy. I’m doing great. Thank you.”
Ash pulled him closer and kissed the top of his head. “You’re welcome.”
“Glad you boys could make it.”
At the sound of Maddock’s voice, Ash stepped away, noticing how Cael’s smile faded. Cael wasn’t an idiot. Ash couldn’t even have his arm around Cael in front of his family. How pathetic was that? Having Cael so close and being unable to touch him was painful. Ash had loved the feel of Cael’s body against his. He’d dreamed of having Cael in his arms, of holding him and making love to him, and now Cael stood beside him, waiting for him to give them both what they’d wanted for so long. For now he’d work on spending a nice Thanksgiving day with Cael, his family, and friends.
Maddock shook Sloane’s hand first, then Ash’s, lingering a little on Ash before letting go. Ash noticed the way Maddock’s eyes narrowed slightly. Had Maddock discussed their conversation at Dekatria with Cael? Ash figured he hadn’t, considering Cael hadn’t brought it up. He imagined Fuller was most likely a sensitive topic for Cael, and rightly so.
“All right, let’s eat,” Maddock declared. “Everyone grab the potholders, and let’s get this show on the road.”
They hopped to it. The whole thing resembled more a military procedure than the setting of a table. Under Maddock’s command, they all lined up, potholders in hand. Maddock pulled out a dish from the oven and handed it to the next person in line. The line moved, others returned from the dining room and joined the line once again to pick up their next dish. This continued until the table was set, leaving a large gap in the center for two turkeys. Once everything was in its place, Maddock motioned to the chairs.
Ash pulled Cael’s chair out for him, and Cael once again blushed. God, he loved how sweet and beautiful Cael looked when he blushed. It sometimes annoyed Cael, but the guy had no control over it. Ash always noticed when Cael blushed. He tended not to bring it up so Cael wouldn’t feel self-conscious about it. Ash winked at Cael and nudged his cheek playfully before taking a seat at the table beside him, their chairs closer than he was certain they’d ever been before. Dex and Sloane sat across the table from them, and Maddock sat at the head.
Maddock said grace, giving thanks for all they had, for their family, friends, and good health. While they served themselves and passed different dishes around, they all chatted and laughed. Most of it tended to involve Dex’s shenanigans. After they’d all eaten their fill, or in Dex’s case eaten his weight in turkey, Dex tapped his fork against his glass.
“So, um, I—we have an announcement of sorts.” Dex took Sloane’s hand in his. “Sloane and I are moving in together.”
“That’s awesome!” Cael got up and rounded the table to hug his brother and Sloane. “I’m so happy for you guys!”
“What’s the arrangement?” Maddock asked curiously, and Ash noticed how Sloane subtly squeezed Dex’s hand.
It always amazed him the kind of effect Maddock’s presence commanded off duty. Ash didn’t think Sloane was intimidated, but he respected Maddock. Everyone did.
“I’m moving in with Dex,” Sloane replied. “It made more sense. Plus the labyrinth of ’80s memorabilia in Dex’s basement would never fit in my apartment.”
Maddock nodded his agreement. “And your apartment?”
“I might have a friend who’s interested in renting it.”
“Congratulations, then. I’m happy for you,” Maddock said sincerely. He took his wineglass and lifted it in a toast. “To Dex and Sloane. Here’s to a future filled with love, happiness, and health. May there be many nights in each other’s arms and very few on the couch.” Maddock gave Dex a pointed look.
