Work Text:
Christmas Eve 2025
Tommy had a plan. It was a good plan. He would insist they dress for dinner. He was going to cook, and Evan had already made some delicious pies for dessert. It was a good plan. Dress up, sit at a beautiful table, and eat good food. Then he was going to propose. He’d considered and rejected several more elaborate plans. It was a good plan. It was perfect for them. A plan that went to hell the moment he entered the kitchen. Evan was singing along to Christmas music and making snowflake waffles and wearing his ridiculous elf apron. He was beautiful and delightful. He was a vision. Tommy spoke before he thought. “Marry me.”
Buck gaped at Tommy as the waffle he was plating fell to the kitchen tile. Tommy had not just said that. Had he? Had he? “Wh-what?” He was frozen, still staring, holding the empty plate, waffle forgotten on the floor.
“Marry me?” Tommy repeated as he rounded the island to stand in front of Evan. “I have a ring. I have a plan…had a plan. And a speech. It was going to be romantic. It was supposed to be romantic for you.”
“This is romantic.” Buck whispered as he nodded, tears spilling down his cheeks. “This is the most romantic.” He pressed his lips to Tommy’s.
Tommy pulled away abruptly after a few moments. “Wait, baby, you have to answer. Preferably a yes, please.”
“Yes, please.” Buck said with a laugh. The idea of any other answer was absurd. “Obviously yes, honey.” He kissed Tommy again before turning off the waffle iron. “Now I have to put our waffle batter in the fridge so we can go back to bed and celebrate.”
Bobby handed Tommy a beer, rightly guessing the other man would prefer that over the champagne Buck, Athena, and May were still drinking. “You know, I proposed at Christmas too.”
“I do know.” Tommy grinned at his future father-in-law. “I’ve heard all about it. Many times. And about how Christmas proposals are the most romantic. This was said with much dreamy sighing.”
Bobby chuckled and sipped his water. That sounded like his kid. “Subtle hints then.”
“The subtlest.” Tommy shrugged and looked over at his fiancé, who was clinking glasses with May. He somehow already had a clipboard, a binder, and a notebook. “He seems happy with the ring.”
“He keeps showing off a navy blue silicone ring like it’s a part of the royal jewels; he’s more than happy with it. He likes that he can wear it to work. But you knew that he would be thrilled to have a ring he never had to take off.”
“It never occurred to him.” Evan had been so surprised and excited when he’d presented the ring. It almost made up for messing up the proposal plan. Not that Evan cared about that either. He thought Tommy not being able to hold back his proposal was better than any plan. “He bragged to Eddie and Chris about the ring for so long that Chris walked away from the FaceTime.”
“Do you have a ring for yourself?”
Tommy shook his head. They had discussed this as soon as Evan had stopped admiring his own ring. “I told Evan he could pick one for me or we could get one to match his. He said no; because I can wear my wedding band all the time, unlike him.” He hadn’t fully grasped Evan’s logic, but he wasn’t going to argue.
“He wants you to wear the nice wedding band.” Bobby explained. He got it but could tell Tommy did not. “He wants people to know he values you.” He held up a hand to stop Tommy’s interruption. “His ring shows you value him because you gave him something he can wear all the time. That’s what is important to him.”
“Being able to show the world that he belongs to someone.” Tommy did know Evan. His sweet, beautiful boy. Who didn’t understand that he was the brightest light in the world. That so many people wanted him. Tommy still couldn’t believe Evan had chosen him but had learned to stop questioning it. “I also got him a nice wedding band.”
Bobby smiled. “I know.”
Buck bounced up to them, practically vibrating with excitement. “We picked a wedding date.”
“We did?” Tommy asked with an arched brow.
“Yes. We did.” Buck pouted at his fiancé. “We are getting married next Christmas Eve. You will be handsome in your tux. I’ll cry. Bobby will marry us. And it will be perfect.”
“I love you, Evan.”
“I love you too.”
Christmas Eve 2026
“Sal!” Buck shouted when he saw Tommy’s best man. “What are you doing in this suite? You’re supposed to be with Tommy. Is something wrong? Did he change his mind?”
“What? No.” Sal managed to not say how stupid the questions were. He shot a bewildered look at Eddie, who was supposed to keep Buck calm. “The man is completely gone over you. He sent me to check on you.” That was not exactly true. Tommy actually sent him to make sure Buck hadn’t gone full clipboard.
“That’s so sweet.” Maddie crossed the room, taking Sal by the elbow and ushering him back out the door. “Buck’s fine. The clipboard is under control. But he will have a conniption if we deviate from the schedule. So, you go back to Tommy’s suite and make sure you’re all ready when you’re supposed to be. Be a good best man. Be the best best man.”
“Hey! I am the best best man!” Eddie protested from where he was sprawled on the love seat, studying his copy of the schedule. They were right on target, which was a small miracle. A miracle created by anal-retentive groomzilla best friend.
“You sure are!” Maddie said brightly to Eddie over her shoulder as she shoved Sal out the door with a wide, happy grin. “Sal, isn’t one of your tasks to make sure Tommy and Donovan don’t argue today?”
“I left Howie with them.”
“My husband is a shit stirrer, and you know it. Get back there and prevent disaster. Now.”
“I haven’t even started my vows and you’re already crying.” Tommy whispered.
“He’s been crying since Athena walked him down the aisle.” Bobby whispered.
“I have an extra handkerchief.” Sal whispered.
“We all do.” Hen whispered. “Buck made us all get two.”
“I’ve never been to a wedding with so much private conversation amongst the wedding party during the ceremony.” Rocker whispered.
“We should get back to it.” Eddie whispered.
“I’m going to say my vows now baby, okay?” Tommy brushed the tears off Evan’s face. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“I promise to love you more every day for the rest of my life. I promise to listen when you have something to say. I promise to never leave you behind. I promise to always share you with Eddie – platonically.” He paused for the ripple of laughter, though it wasn’t really a joke. All that mattered was that Evan knew he meant it. “I promise to be your resting place. You’re my sunshine, Evan and I promise to always love you anyway.”
Bobby handed his handkerchief to Buck. “You’re up, kid.”
“Tommy.” Buck grinned. He was so happy. So incredibly, king-of-the-world happy. “Y-you take such good care of me, like no one else. I promise I will always take care of you too. You have brought me so much peace. I promise I will be your peace. I will be your home. I will always let you be your amazing self. You’re my very heart and I will always love you anyway.”
Tommy smiled his scrunchy smile. “I love you, Evan.”
“I love you too, Tommy.” Buck beamed, radiating joy.
Christmas Eve 2027
Tommy handed the baby to Evan, pressing a kiss to his birthmark. “I’m glad we took the day for just the three of us.”
“Me too.” Buck cuddled their baby close. “Good morning, Clare. Happy first Christmas Eve.”
“I still can’t believe she’s ours.” Tommy couldn’t tear his eyes away from the sight of his husband and daughter. They were everything he’d ever wanted. A family. His family.
Three years ago, alone in his house, he’d thought he would never have this. But Evan hadn’t given up on him. He’d burst into the house that Christmas Eve with presents and food. So much food. So much light and life. Tommy would never stop being grateful for his stubborn husband. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to being a father.”
“It’s only been eight and a half weeks.” Buck pointed out. “And she was a surprise. How many gay couples have surprise babies, do you think?”
“A lot of the couples that become foster parents, I’d guess.” Tommy smirked at Evan. “Becoming emergency foster parents was the smartest thing we ever did.” He made a face when he remembered who had suggested it. He groaned loudly. “God, Howie has now saved my life, introduced me to my husband, and is the reason we have the best daughter in the world. He’s never going to stop gloating.”
Buck beamed at Tommy. He was the very best husband. He was so lucky to have him. “I know you weren’t sure about adopting-,”
“I wasn’t, but I don’t regret it.” Tommy fussed with the stockings that hung on the wall. When they got a new home, they needed a fireplace. “You know it wasn’t about you. Or about not wanting a child.”
“I know. I didn’t have an example of a good father until I was an adult.” Buck stood, walking him and Clare to Tommy. Tommy, who reminded him of Bobby. Strong and stalwart. Protective. Brave. And so gentle. “You will be a good father. You are a good father. You’re so in tune with her. And you have good examples of fathers now. You have your brothers.”
“Donovan doesn’t have any kids.”
“And thank god for that. But I meant Sal and Chimney. And Eddie. They are all good fathers who will be there for us – and her – in a heartbeat. Plus, Bobby. He is so happy to be a grandpa.” Buck leaned into his husband and was rewarded with arms wrapped around him.
“You made me a family.”
“No, you made your own.” Buck gently disagreed. Tommy still struggled to see that people loved him for him; not because of Buck or the favors he did them. “Clare and I are so lucky and so happy to be a part of that family.”
“The most precious part.”
Buck didn’t know if he could be happier than he was at that moment. “I love you, Tommy.”
“I love you too.” Tommy sighed happily. He didn’t know a person could be so happy.
Christmas Eve 2028
Eddie wandered through the family room of Buck and Tommy’s new house. “I can’t believe you got it decorated so fast.” He’d helped them move in less than two months ago.
“That was all Tommy,” Buck said. He looked around proudly. Tommy was an excellent decorator.
Donovan laughed. “We know.” He thought his brother’s skill at making a home beautiful came from the lack of beauty in their childhood home. “I’m sure you had the unpacking organized though.”
“Love ya, Buck, but holiday decorating is not your thing.” Chris beamed angelically at his favorite uncle.
“Kid, that smile worked better when you were a kid.” Buck hugged Chris, thrilled he had decided to spend his winter break in Los Angeles. He was certain the reason why was strapped to Eddie’s chest.
Clare toddled into the room ahead of her other father, spotting Eddie immediately. “Baby!” She screeched at the top of her lungs, stamping her feet.
Eddie squatted down as Clare made a beeline for him, knowing if he didn’t get on her level, she would try to climb him to get to the baby. “Hey Clare-Bear.”
“Baby. Baby. Baby.” Clare patted the baby Eddie was wearing. “Mine.”
“Uh, mine.” Eddie corrected and leaned back slightly. “Your best friend. My baby.”
Chris rolled his eyes. “Dad, don’t argue with a baby.”
“But their maturity level is the same.” Tommy pointed out.
“Pretty sure she gets the mine thing from her papa.” Maddie poked her brother in the ribs. “Buck is a little possessive.”
“A little?” Bobby threw an arm around Buck. They were wearing matching Christmas aprons and had been in Buck’s new kitchen all morning already. “I once heard him tell you that he had dibs on your husband because ‘Chimney was his first’.”
“And yet, he didn’t like it when I used that same argument on him.” Tommy took baby Isabel from Eddie. “Hi sweetie.”
“NO! MINE DADDY!” Clare grabbed her father’s leg and tried to climb up. “NO BABY!”
“Oops.” Eddie quickly took his daughter back from Tommy. He had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing at how pleased Tommy was by his daughter’s possessiveness.
“Still excited about that second kid?” Sal smirked at Tommy. He’d warned his best friend that it wouldn’t be all smooth sailing. Tommy had claimed Clare could never be jealous.
“Yes, we are. And Clare is going to love her baby sister.” Buck scooped his daughter up and kissed her plump cheek. “You have two children Sal.”
“And they fight all the time. Ask their mother.”
“They do.” Maria Deluca confirmed with a knowing nod. “They’re as hard-headed as their father.” She placed a hand on Sal’s leg. “They have his temper too.”
“Franchesca is a mini-Sal.” Tommy took the seat next to Eddie because he had wanted to play with his youngest niece. “She’s a future firefighter for sure.”
“At least my Luc doesn’t seem interested in running into danger for a living.” Maria rolled her eyes affectionately. “And don’t give that I’m-a-captain-we-don’t-do-the-dangerous-stuff-BS, Salvatore.”
“I’ve heard Sal leads from the desk.” Chimney said with as straight a face as he could manage.
Maddie patted her husband’s shoulder. “You’re not a good liar honey.”
“But it’s nice that he tries.” Maria smiled at Chim, knowing that he’d made the comment more to irritate Sal than to assure her.
“Don’t pick on Sal, he’s getting old.” Donovan picked up the teasing. “All that huffing and puffing when we work out.”
“I’m only two years older than you, Rocker.” Sal shot back. “And I haven’t lost a step.” In truth, he had started to feel his age. He may not be leading from a desk now, but he was starting to wonder if he would be soon. Maybe he needed to hit Nash up for some tips on how to stay active.
Maddie met Maria’s eyes and then rolled hers. “Men.”
“Hey!” Chim protested. “I’m a man. Your son is a man.”
“So fragile.” Hen said as she walked into the room. She didn’t know what had led to her partner’s protests, but she was happy to take a shot at him. “Sorry we’re late. Had some last minute gifts drama.”
Chim groaned and scrubbed his hands over his face. “Can’t be worse than ours. Jee has two amazing and cool parents to take after. Best aunts in the world. And even Uncle Tommy. All excellent role models. And who’s mini me does she end up being?” He glared at his brother-in-law. “She’s a tiny, adorable, Clipboard Buck.”
Tommy tried not to laugh. It was true, Jee was more and more like her uncle every day. “Kevin is a chaos demon. He’s just like you. Does that make you feel better?”
“It makes him feel better.” Maddie grumbled. She was delighted by her mischievous son, but sometimes wished he was a little less his father’s son. She placed her hand on her abdomen. “Maybe this one will be more like me.”
Buck sat straight up, jostling Clare a little. “What?”
“Papa!” Clare pouted at him.
“Sorry Bear.” Buck rubbed his daughter’s back, but didn’t look down at her. He was laser focused on his sister. “You’re having another baby?”
“Another baby?” Eddie repeated.
Maddie made a face at Eddie. “I don’t like your tone.”
“Maddie!” Buck needed her to confirm what she’d say. “Another baby? When?”
She beamed. “Yes, another baby. Due in June, so a little after yours.”
“They’ll be best friends. Just like Clare and Isabel.” Buck was so obviously thrilled.
Tommy adored how excited Evan was for cousins so close in age. “I love you, Evan.”
“I love you too, Tommy.”
Christmas Eve 2029
Buck walked into their bedroom and shot Tommy a smile as he stripped off his shirt. “Both the girls are asleep. June went down so well.”
“Is that a good sign or a bad sign?” Tommy set his book aside to watch his husband get ready for bed.
“Pretty sure it’s a good sign.” Buck walked into their closet to get some pants. Ever since Clare had learned to come to their room when she wanted something, they had been sure to sleep in clothes. “Did you name your puppy?”
“I did.” Tommy pet the puppy currently in his lap. He was reluctant to put him in the kennel. “Seeley.”
Buck laughed as he got into the bed. “Of course. You are so in love with David Boreanaz.”
“I’d leave you for him without a second thought.” Tommy settled the puppy between them and kissed Evan to assure him he’d never actually leave him. “Did you get me the puppy because you feel sorry for me?”
“I don’t feel sorry for you.” Buck pet the puppy. He was definitely meant to help ease heartbreak. “You’ll be okay. I promise.”
“Sal won’t be here next Christmas.” It was a truth Tommy was still trying to accept.
“I know.” Buck leaned over and kissed Tommy’s temple. “I know. And I know it’s breaking your heart. I understand why he stopped treatment though. If I had to choose between a little more time with Clare and June or good time with Clare and June, I’d choose the good time too.”
“Me too. But I’m still mad at him.” Tommy couldn’t look at Evan, so he kept his focus on Seeley. “I want more time.”
“I know you do. I understand that too.” Buck didn’t want to think about the idea of losing Eddie, but it was the obvious comparison. It would destroy him. “I wish you could have more time. I wish Franchesca and Luc could have more time. I wish Maria could have more time. I’m so sorry Tommy.”
“I know.” Tommy moved the puppy so that he could lay his head on Evan’s chest. “I know. I hate that I’m already writing his eulogy.”
“Tell me honey.” It was the only thing Buck knew to say.
“Sal is the first real friend I ever had. I thought he was going to hate me when I told him that I’m gay. But he didn’t care. He still loved me. He was the first person that loved me.” Tommy pressed his face into Evan’s chest. “I don’t think I’d have you and our family without him.”
“He is a good man.” Buck pressed a kiss to the top of Tommy’s head. “We had a great day today. He was here, doting on our girls. Building memories.”
“They won’t remember him.” Another truth Tommy didn’t want to accept.
“You will. I will. We will hold those memories dear.” Buck kissed the top of Tommy’s head again. “They will know who he is. I promise. We will be there for Maria, Franchesca, and Luc. We won’t forget him. I promise you.”
The puppy whined and licked at the tears on Tommy’s face. It made Tommy laugh and relieved some of the ache in his heart. “You’re going to be trouble aren’t you, Seeley?” He scratched the puppy’s head. “Thank you, Evan, for knowing what I needed.”
“Of course. I’m here, honey. I promise.”
Tommy was grateful for the promise. He didn’t know what he would do without his husband. “I love you, Evan.”
“I love you too.” Buck held Tommy a little extra tightly.
Christmas Eve 2030
“So, we packed a bag for the girls and we’re going to take them back to our place for a sleepover.”
Buck turned away from loading the dishwasher to face his sister. “What? It’s Christmas Eve.”
“And you can come over in the morning to celebrate with us.” Maddie hugged Buck. She wished she could do more than give him and Tommy alone time. Hopefully they used it to talk or fight or whatever the hell they needed to do.
Buck squeezed her extra tight for a moment. “Okay. Make sure you let Tommy say good night to Clare and June.”
“Okay.” Maddie let him go. “I love you little brother.”
“Love you too.” Buck went back to loading the dishwasher and cleaning the kitchen. He stopped for a moment when Chimney brought all the kids in to say good night and see you in the morning. He got a quick hug from his brother-in-law. Then the house was quiet. He finished what he was doing and went to find his husband. Tommy was standing in front of the fireplace watching the flames. “Hey.”
“Hey?” Tommy spun around to glare at Evan. He gestured behind him. “They took the stockings.”
“So they’d be there in the morning.” Buck explained. He’d made sure they’d have everything for Christmas morning. It wouldn’t mean much to June, but Clare was three and excited about Santa.
“They should be here in the morning.” Tommy didn’t raise his voice; he wasn’t a yeller.
“They get to be with their cousins. They’re going to have a blast. And we will be there before breakfast.” Buck was pretty sure he’d be the one making breakfast. Not that he minded. Feeding his family was his love language.
“They should be here, celebrating with us.” Tommy snapped, not happy that he hadn’t even been asked if he was okay with the Hans taking his children.
“Celebrating?” Buck’s eyes narrowed slightly and he jutted his chin out. “With us? Us?”
Tommy crossed his arms over his chest and shifted on his feet. He didn’t want this confrontation. He didn’t want this in his living room with the haphazardly decorated tree and missing stockings. “Yes, us. We are their parents.”
“Yeah, we are. But honey, they could be here and they wouldn’t be any celebrating with us.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You sitting in your chair not talking isn’t celebrating.” Buck clenched his jaw. He didn’t know what to say. “It’s our anniversary, you don’t care. You didn’t decorate, you left it to me. Do you have any idea what your daughters are getting for Christmas?”
“So, you’re punishing me?” Tommy tensed. He did care. About their anniversary, about Christmas. He did.
“No.” Buck shook his head in disbelief. He wasn’t like that. “Tommy, you know I’m not like that. I just want them to have a good holiday. I want…”
“What?” Tommy was suddenly very afraid it was going to be bad.
“You.” Despite his best effort, tears were welling in Buck’s eyes. “I want you. I miss you. You’ve been distant and moody ever since-.”
“Since when, Evan?” Tommy cut him off, voice low. “Since when?”
“Since Sal died.” Buck met Tommy’s eyes. He wasn’t going to back down now.
Tommy nodded once. “My best friend - my brother - died. Am I not allowed to grieve?”
“You are allowed to grieve. But I still miss you.” Buck lifted his shoulders in a sad, conciliatory shrug. “I miss you and it feels like you don’t care.”
Tommy didn’t know if it was the shuddery breath Evan took, the tears finally escaping, or the words he spoke. Maybe it was all three. But that was the moment he broke. “I do care! I care so fucking much, I can’t breathe with it! Maybe I’m not good at celebrating anything anymore or right now. But we should be together! What if it’s the last one? We have to be together.”
“Oh honey.” Buck took the final few steps to Tommy and wrapped his arms around him. “We’re not going anywhere. I promise.”
“You can’t promise.” Tommy put his arms around his husband and rested his head on Evan’s shoulder. “You can’t promise.”
“I know, but I’m promising anyway.” Buck rubbed Tommy’s back. “Let’s just go over to Maddie and Chim’s. We can sleep on the couch, and we will all be together. It will be great. But I think we need to find you a therapist first thing in the new year.”
“Probably.” Tommy lifted his head. “We can go to Howie and Maddie’s?”
“Yeah.”
“Let’s do that.” Tommy let himself have another moment to draw strength from his husband and then stepped back. “I want to be with my family.”
“I love you, Tommy.”
“I love you too, Evan.”
Christmas Eve 2031
“Luc!” Clare raced to the teen when entered the room. “We maked cookies! Me an’ Papa an’ Poppy!”
“You don’t need to yell Bear, I’m right here.” Luc picked his little cousin up and put her on his hip. He was relieved to be at Tommy and Buck’s. Home still felt wrong without his dad. Even if this was the second Christmas he’d been gone. “Did you make cookies for me?”
“Nuh-huh.” Clare nodded. “Special for Luc. My best friend.” She kissed his cheek. “Sad friend.”
Buck slung an arm around Luc. Tommy was busy with Maria and Franchesca. “We saved the sugar cookie decorating for you, but if it’s too much you don’t have to do it.”
Luc let Buck hug him, happy to soak up some comfort. “No, I think I want to. Dad and I always had fun doing it with you and Eddie. I missed it last year.” He pulled away. “And I think I’d rather be in the kitchen with you and Bobby. Franchesca stays out of there and she is so moody.”
“She misses your dad and she’s sixteen.” Buck knew he didn’t need to explain that, but he wanted to keep the conversation going as he led Luc to the kitchen.
“So do I.” Luc sighed heavily. His dad had been the best. “But he-, he wanted us to celebrate things. I want to do the fun things we loved to do together. He was so bad at cookie decorating, but he loved it.”
Eddie greeted the kid with a hug. “He loved doing it with you. Glad we are keeping up the tradition.”
“Glad I still don’t have to help.” Bobby took his turn hugging Luc.
“Poppy!” Clare lunged from Luc to Bobby. “You do help!”
“Maybe Poppy can sit with you while you decorate.” Buck suggested. Bobby hated decorating the cookies, but he’d do anything for his granddaughter.
“Poppy helps Bear.” Clare sang happily.
Bobby shot Buck a glare. “I guess Poppy will help Bear.”
“DAD-DY!” June’s wail came down the hall.
“I got her!” Tommy called, laughing a little. June was loud. When he got to her room, he picked her up and cuddled her close. “Hey there bug. Have a good nap?”
“Daddy.” June cooed. She was a daddy’s girl all the way. Tommy loved it. Nothing made him feel more like a hero than making his girls happy. He got June dressed, listening to her chatter. It soothed him. He carried her out to the living room.
“Oh, look at that sweet baby.” Athena smiled softly at the sight of Tommy and the toddler. He and Buck had taken to fatherhood so well. They were both doting fathers and their daughters were sweetly spoiled.
“Na-na.” June waved, excited to see her grandma. “Na-na.”
“Ah, the only person that she loves more than me.” Tommy let Athena take June and then went to sit with Maria. “Hi.” He said quietly.
“Hi.” She replied. “I’m so happy we’re doing this again. Thank you.”
“Christmas isn’t Christmas without family.” Tommy shrugged. It had been a long road here from last Christmas. He still grieved, but he was doing much better.
“And it’s your fifth wedding anniversary.” Donovan said while making faces at June. “Are you doing anything special?”
“Same thing we always do.” Tommy answered. “We celebrate after the girls go to bed.”
“Ew.” Chim said as he walked into the room, Danielle on his shoulders. “We don’t need to know.”
“Get your mind out of the gutter.” Maddie scolded her husband and smacked his shoulder. “They exchange gifts and have a glass of champagne.”
“Yes, we do.” Tommy confirmed. Before much enthusiastic sex. “The same champagne we had at our wedding.” He grinned wolfishly. “And then we do everything that Howie is imagining.” He looked around. “Where are Jee and Kevin?”
“Went straight to the cookies.” Maddie sat next to Athena and gestured for Chim to put Dani on the floor. “Let her play with June.”
June slid off her grandma’s lap, happy to play with her cousin. “Bye Na-na!”
“You closed Seeley in our room.” Buck frowned when Tommy joined him on the couch. “Girls are definitely asleep.”
“Good.” Tommy handed Evan a glass of champagne. “I did put Seeley up. I didn’t want him getting to your anniversary gift.”
“Is it food?” Buck asked. He really didn’t care what it was, he was just happy to be back to their tradition.
“No.” Tommy laughed. Then there was a tiny meow from beside the couch.
Buck’s eyes went round with excitement. “Was that a meow? Did you get me a kitten?”
Tommy lifted a box and placed it on his lap. “Why don’t you find out?”
Buck opened the flaps on the box to discover a little tortoiseshell kitten. “Oh Tommy.” He breathed. “She’s perfect. Does she have a name?”
“Well, Clare wants to name her Butterfly.” Tommy said sheepishly. He hadn’t meant for her to see the kitten before Evan, but she caught the handoff from Eddie.
“I love it. Butterfly the cat.” Buck snuggled her close. “Oh no. She needs things.”
“She has things. Food, a litter box, a few toys, and a bed. Everything else you can pick out. I have some cat trees bookmarked for you to check out.”
“You thought of everything.” Buck carefully settled the kitten next to him so that he could kiss his husband. “I love you, Tommy.”
“I love you too.” Tommy replied softly. “More every day.”
Christmas Eve 2032
“Here he is.” Buck carefully placed his four day old son in Bobby’s arms.
Bobby looked down at the baby, filled with awe. “Another grandchild is the perfect Christmas gift.” His eyes flicked to May for a moment.
“Don’t look at me.” May protested. “I am happily single and child free.”
“She’s got plenty of time.” Athena added. She didn’t need her babies having babies yet, even if they were adults.
“Do we finally get to know his name yet?” May asked, a little impatient. They had been super secretive about his name. And they hadn’t even confirmed it with Chim, so her interrogation had been pointless. Not that she didn’t know.
“Yeah.” Buck trailed a finger over the baby’s forehead. He met Bobby’s eyes. “Robert Salvatore Buckley-Kinard.”
“Oh.” Bobby’s eyes misted. He let Tommy take the baby so that he could hug Buck. “You named your son after me.”
“He’s the only person who didn’t guess it.” Tommy said quietly to Athena. “You knew.” He tilted his head toward May. “You knew too.”
“There is no way he wouldn’t name his son after Bobby.” May said. “Of course we all guessed.”
“And of course Bobby didn’t.” Athena shook her head at her husband. “He’s precious.” She said about the baby.
“We’re calling him Robbie. Except June, who has been calling him Rabbit.” Tommy settled in their rocking armchair.
Bobby cleared his throat, still feeling a bit emotional about having a namesake. “So, you have a Bear, a Bug, and a Rabbit?”
Buck chuckled. “I guess so. And our Bear and Bug should be up from their nap soon. And thrilled to see Poppy and Na-na and Auntie May.”
“They weren’t happy that we weren’t having everyone over this year. Clare decided we should probably just give Robbie back.” Tommy sighed. There had been no jealousy from Clare when June had come along. But she was back and forth over her baby brother.
“Little brothers are the worst.” May declared. “I get it.”
“Don’t encourage her.” Buck stuck his tongue out at May. “I’m a little brother, you know. So is Tommy.”
“Thirty-four minutes does not make me a little brother.” Tommy scowled at his husband. “I’m just the younger twin.”
“Is that what Rocker would say?” Athena knew Rocker loved to lord the fact that he was the older twin over his brother.
“Donovan is a child.” Tommy rocked Robbie. He did love having a new baby. And Robbie would be their last. “And he’s been pouting for months that we didn’t name our son after him.”
“I thought you haven’t told anyone the name yet.” Bobby frowned at them.
“We didn’t have to.” Buck ducked his head shyly and rubbed the back of his neck. “Everyone guessed. Correctly.”
It still made Tommy laugh that Evan had thought they could keep the name a secret from anyone but Bobby. “I love you, Evan.”
“I love you too, Tommy.”
Christmas Eve 2033
They had been working in the kitchen for about thirty minutes when Bobby decided Buck was relaxed enough to talk. “So have you given any thought to the offer?”
Buck’s knife stuttered as he chopped vegetables. He took a deep breath. “I haven’t stopped thinking about it.”
“Have you told your husband about it?” Bobby didn’t think he had. Tommy would have been shouting it from the rooftops.
“No.” Buck hunched his shoulders. He knew he needed to tell Tommy, but that would mean he’d have to talk about it. “I’ve been thinking.”
“What is there to think about?” Bobby had been surprised that wasn’t bouncing around with unbridled enthusiasm. Marriage, fatherhood, and age had settled him, but he was still Buck. “You have been wanting a captaincy for a long time.”
“I know.” Buck glanced toward the doorway. He really wasn’t ready to talk to Tommy. “It’s a big change. I’d be busier and we have three kids. Maybe I need to wait longer.”
“You’re going to have three kids for the rest of your life.” Bobby pointed out. “I recommended you, Buck because I believe that you’re ready. You are an excellent firefighter, a natural and good leader, and you’re highly organized. I’m proud of you, kid.”
“I’m in my forties, dad.”
Bobby put an arm around Buck in a side hug. “You’ll always be my kid. Talk to Tommy.”
Tommy brought the Santa gifts to the tree. “Bobby said you needed to talk to me about something. Some kind of news. He didn’t seem worried, but I am.”
Buck rolled his eyes. Of course Bobby had interfered to make sure he talked to his husband. “You don’t need to worry.” He took a deep breath. “I have been offered a captaincy. The 122.”
“Are you serious?” Tommy abandoned gift arranging to sweep Evan up in his arms. “That’s amazing, I’m so proud. My husband, Captain Buckley-Kinard.”
Buck placed his hands on Tommy’s shoulder and tried not to be distracted by the fact that his husband could still pick him up with ease. “So, you think I should take it?”
“What?” Tommy set Evan back on his feet and studied his face. He was confused to say the least. This had been a career goal as long as he’d known him. “Why wouldn’t you?”
“I don’t know.” Buck went back to stuffing the stockings. This would be easier if they weren’t face to face. “Is it the right time?”
“Yes. There is nothing wrong with the timing here.” Tommy also went back to his task and waited for Evan to get to his real concerns.
“I’d have to leave the 118.” Buck had only ever worked at the 118. It wasn’t the same as when he’d started, of course. Bobby had moved to an administrative job, Hen was captain. Chimney was training new paramedics, so they had new people all the time.
Tommy nodded. This was a more serious concern for Evan than it would be for others. The 118 is where he found his family, his home. “You would. But you know Hen would always leave a light on for you. I’m pretty sure she’s been preparing to lose you to your own house for the past couple of years. You have to spread your wings sometime.” He considered a thought. “And I bet she would allow you to transfer Eddie to the 122. She knows the value of having your partner in crime as your right-hand man.”
Buck hadn’t thought of that. Having Eddie with him would be a massive help. And the 122 was young, they could use a seasoned firefighter like Eddie. “Bobby said that he thinks I’ll be a good captain. I don’t think I could ever be as good as him. Or Hen.” There. He’d finally said what was weighing most heavily on his mind.
“I think they would both disagree with you on that point.” Tommy argued. Here it was. Evan’s true fear. That he’d let his family down. “First of all, you were taught by them. Secondly, Bobby wouldn’t say that you’ll be a good captain if he didn’t believe it. Thirdly, you will be a good captain, Evan. You have what it takes.”
“I love you, Tommy.”
“I love you too.”
Christmas Eve 2034
“I can’t believe I let you put a blindfold on me outside the bedroom.” Buck whined. He did not like this. Hopefully, the blindfold would come off soon.
“You can’t be trusted not to peek.” Tommy admonished him. “And I have a flair for the dramatic.”
Buck chuckled at that. It was certainly true. “You do. The blindfold is significantly less fun outside the bedroom for future reference.”
“Noted.” Tommy poked his husband in the ribs. “Stop being a brat. You’re going to feel real guilty about that in a minute.”
“You’ll enjoy that.” Buck heard the sound of an engine pulling into their driveway. “Is someone here? What’s going on?”
“Just Eddie and he’s leaving right now.” Tommy waved to Josh, who had pulled up behind Eddie to bring him home. He waited as Eddie jogged to Josh’s car and got it. He felt Evan tremble slightly. “They’re pulling away Evan. I’m sorry, but I needed his help.” Once they were gone, he removed the blindfold.
Buck gasped. “It’s my Jeep.” He rushed forward and ran a hand over the hood. “The one Maddie gave me.”
“Not the exact one.” Tommy clarified. He would have gotten the exact one if he could have. “But it’s the same year, same color, same upholstery. Eddie helped me rebuild the engine. It’s driveable, it’s in great condition. You can drive it all the time. Except with the kids. Jeeps are not safe.”
“That started somewhere sweet and ended in a lecture.” Buck grinned at Tommy. This was the best gift. “I’ve missed having a Jeep.”
“I know.” Tommy stepped up behind Evan and wrapped his arms around him. “I also arranged for Howie and Maddie to take the kids on the twenty-seventh so we can go for a drive. See where the wind takes us.”
“You’re the best husband.” Buck dropped his head back to rest on Tommy’s shoulder. “I’m so lucky to have you.”
“I’m the lucky one.” Tommy kissed Evan’s temple. “You know, it was ten years ago today that you took me back after I blew things up between us.”
“You know you’re the only person that holds that against you.” Buck tilted his head to kiss Tommy’s jaw. “I never think about that. When I think about you and our relationship, I think about how you ruined your own proposal because you were too excited to wait. I think about all the little ways you’re always showing me you love me. I think about you going from being unsure about being a father to being the best father. I think about you putting up with our whole family on our anniversary without complaint. I think about love and care and support. These have been the best ten years of my life.”
“I love you, Evan.”
“I love you too, Tommy.”