Tom the Fireman Part 68
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Zach, thank you for your editing skills. Your ability to take my words and make them better is appreciated.
Waking up Christmas morning, Steven held onto his man, kissing him passionately as he wished him, "Merry Christmas!"
Pulling the covers over the top of them, Tom rolled onto Steven, his naked body against his husband's. Placing his hands on the side of Steven's face, Tom leaned in for a passionate Christmas kiss. Feeling Tom's excitement press against him, Steven pulled his face to his lips, deeply kissing before deciding to get up.
Smelling the coffee, Tom said, "Guess mom is up."
Not wanting to get out of bed, Steven pulls Tom closer to him, "Have you been a good boy?"
Looking into Steven's eyes, Tom brushed the hair back from his partner's brow, nodding his head, `yes.'
With excitement in his eyes, Tom coaxed Steven to get out of bed, wanting Steven to see what he got him for Christmas. Steven held onto his lover, not wanting to let him go, but he knew the smell of the coffee was calling Tom. Slowly extracting himself from Steven affection, Tom pulled the covers down, giving Steven a glimpse of his nakedness before pulling a Henley over his head to Steven's disappointment. Stepping into his cut off sweatpants, Steven headed downstairs, greeting his mother.
"Merry Christmas, Mom!" as he kissed her on the forehead.
Reaching up, Eva hugged her tall son, "Merry Christmas, sweetie. How do you want your coffee?"
Sitting at the counter, Tom sat wiping his face as he tried to wake up, looking for the first cup of Joe.
"Did you sleep well?" as he turned toward his mom.
"I slept wonderfully, that bed is so comfortable, as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out like a light."
"Good morning," came from down the hallway, as a shirtless Vince greeted Tom and Eva in his PJ bottoms. As he leaned in to hug Tom.
Reaching down to hide his rising excitement, Tom couldn't believe how huge Vince's muscles have gotten since the wedding. Now really seeing him half-naked, he was envious, wishing he could bulk up like that. Sitting next to Tom, Vince looked up at Eva, "How did you sleep, Mom?"
Glowing seeing her two boys, "I slept wonderfully, darling, and how about you? Is Melinda up?"
Vince yawned, stretching giving the two a full view of his upper torso, "I slept ok. I think Melinda was a little uncomfortable last night, she just couldn't get comfortable. I think she still asleep, and I didn't want to wake her."
"I'm surprised you drove up with her, she looks like she is due any day now." Replied Eva.
"She has one more month, Ma," then the fun begins.
"Oh, it will be sleepless nights for about six months. With luck, the baby will sleep through the night from the beginning, just like my Tom did." As Eva reached over the counter pinching Tom's cheek.
Donning the same pair of PJ bottoms as Vince, Steven made his entrance, looking at Vince's matching PJ bottoms, "We're Twins, Merry Christmas!" said Steven. Turning to Eva, "Merry Christmas, Eva!" as he bent down for a hug. Standing on the other side of the counter, Steven's eyes were diverted to Vince's chest. Standing closer, he adjusted himself, thinking maybe he should head upstairs, for something that would contain his excitement.
"What's with you two guys, my sons-in-law have something against shirts," queried Eva.
"Didn't think you would mind, Ma," Vince said as Steven kept stealing glances of his upper body.
"No complaints from me," mumbled Steven.
"What time do we need to be at Ken's place?" Eva asked.
"He said dinner was going to be at five, and when they return from his in-laws, we can come over." replied Tom.
"Where's Tonya, I thought she was staying here?" Eva asked, wanting to see her granddaughter.
"She stayed at Warren's place last night, he and Luann wanted her to stay over," Tom answered. "They are going to drop her off a little later, as they want to spend the morning with her and Mason."
"He doesn't call me anymore, what's up with that boy?" Eva wanted to know.
"He's at that age, Mom seems to be a little boy crazy." Not knowing what to expect from his mother.
"Oh, no, he's not one too?" questioned Eva as she continued, "Be glad he's not a woman, or you would have your hands full."
Nodding his head, he didn't want to acknowledge it in front of Eva, nor Vince.
After drinking their cup of coffee, the four wandered into the living room, sitting down. Steven lit the Christmas tree, as Eva commented on how beautiful it looked with all the gifts.
"Where're your parents?" as Eva turned toward Steven.
"They decided to go to Tahoe for Christmas," Steven replied looking at Tom, knowing that Thanksgiving made them change their mind.
"Are your brother's coming?" Eva asked.
Nodding "no" Steven sat there not wanting to explain, knowing that Thanksgiving was just a little too much for his family. He was looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas with Tom's family. They didn't know the details of Thanksgiving.
"Where's the nice woman, I can't remember her name," Eva asked.
"She's with my brother Stan, they decided to spend Christmas together in the city," Steven replied looking down at his feet.
Steven excused himself, he went upstairs to get dressed, when he came back down, making an excuse that the grocery store was open that he needed to get something for dinner.
"You want me to come along?" Tom asked.
"Stay with your family, I'll only be a few minutes," Steven replied.
Bundling up to go out in the cold, Vince got up asking if he could come, as he needed something for Melinda.
Waiting for Vince who returned in a coat still wearing the PJ bottoms, they headed out to his truck. Steven was thanking him, thinking Tom didn't catch on.
"I don't think he has a clue," replied Vince as they made their way to pick up the puppy.
Arriving at the house, Steven excitedly knocked on the door. Greeted with a "Merry Christmas" and a smile by the husband and wife, asking if they would like to come in for some coffee, Steven explained he had guests back at the house but grabbed a Christmas cookie when the missus offered.
When the husband returned, handing Steven the puppy that he picked out. Steven held the puppy close to his chest, sniffing the puppy as he kissed it between the ears. The breeders continued some small chat before Steven had to take the puppy away, handing it to Vince. Wishing the family a "Merry Christmas" as they made their way back to the truck.
As the two guys were out, Eva looked at the Christmas gifts, shaking the boxes trying to figure out what they contained. Shaking the one box, Eva heard something like metal oven racks clinking together. Reading the name on the gift, Eva looked at Tom, "You're getting a new oven."
Looking at his mother strangely, Tom knew he wasn't getting an oven, the one they had was brand new. Eva kept snooping, leading Tom to believe all the packages with his name on being something to do with cooking. Sitting back, he secretly wished it wasn't true as Steven stove worked perfectly fine. Trying to smile as Eva continue on about the idea of a new stove, Tom hoped Steven didn't foolishly spend his money on an appliance that simple wasn't needed.
When they got back home, Vince was the first one in the door, complaining impromptu about the store and the lady behind the register. He politely hung up his coat, before addressing Tom. "Oh, Tom, Steven wanted you to help him carry something in from the truck. I twisted my back and can't lift it." Letting Tom think he was getting something big.
Having diverted Tom long enough, Steven was able to get the empty stove box out of the garage, placing it in the back of the truck. With the bottom cut out, he put the puppy in the bed, setting the box over it, hoping the puppy would be quiet enough.
Hearing the puppy whine, Steven prayed it would quiet down before Tom came out. Opening the door Tom couldn't believe the size of the box, thinking Eva was right, that he got a stove for Christmas. As he got closer to the truck, Steven hollered "Merry Christmas" as he pretended to struggle with the box, "I need your help getting it into the house."
"Why didn't you back up to the house?" Tom asked.
"You want me to back up?" hearing a strange noise, hoping Tom wouldn't notice it.
Tom looked at the box as he heard some scratching, pulling down the tailgate, Tom climb onto the bed. Looking at Steven, he jiggled the large 'box, hearing something underneath, he shook it more, realizing there was nothing in the box, Tom picked up the box, not seeing the puppy at first, Steven grabbed the box, throwing it over the side of the truck.
Looking down, Tom saw the Dalmatian puppy, not believing what he was seeing. He picked it up as Steven wished him "Merry Christmas! Once again." Taking the cute Dalmatian from Steven, he didn't know what to say, but his smile said everything to Steven. Walking back to the house, Eva opened the door with Vince standing behind her. "I'm hoping it will tighten this up," as Steven patted Tom's stomach.
"You bitch," Tom mouthed to Steven, so his mom wouldn't hear it. Not wanting to give it up, Tom held the puppy, letting it lick his face not believing he was actually cuddling a dog.
"What are you going to name it?" Eva asked.
"I don't' know, I'll have to think of a name, I'm totally unprepared for this. But isn't it cute? Oh, you're such a cute puppy. Yes you are! You're such a cute puppy." replied Tom, as he couldn't believe he was holding a live puppy. Eva rose to stand next to Tom, gently touching the puppy, as she said, "It's so cute."
"Why don't we open the other gifts I got you?" said Steven with anticipation, as he grasped the puppy from Tom's arms, holding up to his face, kissing the puppy between the floppy ears. Not wanting to be left out, Vince leaned down, taking the puppy from Steven, talking baby gibberish, as Steven handed Tom another gift.
Hearing the rustling from the hallway, the three looked up, seeing Melinda yawn and stretch as she tried to come alive. "What's all this noise about, I'm trying to get some sleep as I tossed and turned last night," as she walked down the hallway to the source of the morning coffee aroma. Vince walked into the kitchen to join her, not paying attention, Melinda poured herself a steaming hot cup of morning ambition. She looked at Vince, while turning to get the creamer she realized Vince was holding something. Realizing she saw something odd, Melinda turned to look again, when her eyes lit up. "Oh, my god, how cute." Coming to life when she spotted the puppy in Vince's arms. Grabbing for the puppy, Melinda held it to her bosom, stroking the puppy as she made her puppy faces. "I love it," as she turned to check the sex of the puppy, gratified with what she saw, "I love him, he so cute. Whose gift is he ?" Melinda chirped, knowing well enough it wasn't hers.
Seeing Tom beam from ear to ear, Melinda instantly knew it was her brother's. Walking into the living room, Melinda asked Vince to bring her coffee. She sat down, giving the little rascal all of her undivided attention. Placing the puppy under her chin, Melinda softly hugged him. All her aches and pains from the previous night were suddenly alleviated.
"You're going to stay here right with Aunt Melinda." She cooed.
Steven grinned from ear-to-ear, handing Tom a small box. Tom looked at his partner questionably, as he took the little box from Steven's hand. Holding the box up to his ear, Tom shook hearing the rattle inside. Not knowing what it could be, Tom, gripped the one end of the ribbon between his fingers and pulled. As the ribbon unwound around the box, Tom shook it one last time, before removed the carefully wrapped gift.
Curious what could be in the small box, Tom lifted a lid, to see a key. Picking up the key, he knew it wasn't for a car or truck, it looked more like a house key. Looking into the box, Tom noticed a small slip of paper. Reaching in, he opened the piece of paper, reading the words. Confused, he looked at Steven wondering what the key belonged to.
Eva was the first to ask, "What does it say?" As she startled Tom from his train of thought.
"Lakehouse," Tom said, as he scratched his arm.
Eva looked at Steven, not understanding what Tom was talking about.
"I kept it a secret, I have a lake house in Northern New Jersey, I wanted to surprise you with it." I thought we could go there on our wedding night but then decided to wait for Christmas. We can head up there New Year's Eve and enjoy the cabin with a back door that opens to the lake, a wraparound porch with a deck that leads to a dock on the lake.
Dumfounded, Tom didn't know what to say. He held the key and started to cry. Tom hugged Steven, totally surprised by his gifts. Though he never said it, he wondered how Steven knew he wanted a puppy. He had put it on the back burner, wanting things to settle down with Mason and Tonya before considering getting one. But this was a dream come true.
Baffled, he had no clue about the lake house, Steven never mentioned it. Tom thought he could take up his love of boating again, something he hadn't done since the kids were born. He sold the boat and never looked back.
With the four of them up, they continued to unwrap the Christmas gifts, Tom got a cage for the dog, as well as bowls and the supplies he needed. Handing his mom her gift, Tom sat back as Eva opened the box. She gasped as she saw the gold chain. Carefully lifting the delicate chain from the tiny velvet confines of the jewelry box, Eva wrapped it around her neck. She asked Tom to clasp it as his mother held up her hair. "Oh thank, you, Thank you, it's beautiful," as she stood up to give Tom a hug and kiss.
Opening the next box addressed to her from Steven, Eva placed the box between her legs as she ripped the paper off the gift. Seeing the printing on the packaging, she held her hands to her face, "Margie has one of these and just loves it. Oh, Steven! I love it! I heard so many wonderful things about them, I can't wait till I tell Margie, that my son-in-law got me one." As she quickly tore the rest of the paper from the box. Having no clue this would excite his mother-in-law, Steven was glad he picked the air fryer, knowing Eva liked to cook. Since she loves to deep fry certain things, he thought this would be the perfect gift.
Getting off the sofa Eva placed her arms around Steven, hugging him, as tears of joy formed in her eyes.
Steven handed a gift for Vince and Melinda, "When I was talking to a little birdie," as he winked at Eva, "I was told it was bad luck to get anything for the baby, though it's not much, I hope you will like it."
Still holding the puppy, Melinda handed the dog to her mother, who made googly talk while Melinda unwrapped the gift. Revealing the handmade Amish quilt, realizing what it was, Melinda reached down to pull the coveted blanket to her face, "Oh, Thank you, Steven. Thank you! It's so beautiful. This will look good on the bed. Hey hon, look at this."
As Vince touched the quilt, picking it up to spread it between his arms, Melinda screamed, "Oh my god that was the pattern I wanted. As she tried to get up from the sofa in her excitement, "Oh! Hon that was the one we were looking at. Oh, No! You didn't pay what I'm thinking?" as she looked at Steven. Tears ran down her face, knowing that was the one she wanted but couldn't afford. She was disappointed when she decided she was going to get that, but it was already gone. "Oh Steven, Thank you. Thank you so much."
Vince smiled, "Thank you," as he knew how disappointed she was when they went to get it. "Oh, thank you, Steven! Thank you," as she waddled over to give him a hug. Handing Eva another gift, Eva couldn't believe it was the same size as Melinda's. Slowly unwrapping, she put her hands up and cried, "How did you know I wanted that one?"
Knowing he made both happy, Steven felt his Christmas was complete. Just seeing their reactions, that's all he wanted. To see them happy and he got his Christmas wish.
Knowing what he got for Melinda and Vince was really for Melinda, Steven found a box. He handed it to Vince. Vince looked at Steven dumbfound knowing how much Steven spent on the two ladies of the house, plus all he got Tom. Graciously accepting the box from Steven, Vince sat down on the armchair. Peeling the paper as fast as his fingers could, not knowing what Steven had bought him. Vince was totally floored when he saw the pocket watch that his great-grandfather had. Turning it over, Tom read the inscription to his great-grandfather from his great-great-grandfather. "How in the hell did you ever find that? I thought it was gone forever?"
Patting Steven on his arm, as Vince held his hand to his mouth, the tears formed in his eyes, thinking he would never again see that pocket watch. With tears in his eyes he got up thanking Steven, "This is a very special Christmas receiving this." Hugging Steven close to him, not wanting to let go; showing his gratitude. Steven patted the big guy's back, "You're welcome! You're very welcome."
Vince sat back down, wiping the trails from his face as he turned to Melinda showing her the watch. When Steven watched the expression on Melinda's face, it was priceless. Speechless, Melinda's mouth hung open, any signs of not feeling well, completely dissolved.
Several gifts remained, they all seemed to have Steven's name. Eva picked up the one from her: handing it to Steven; he unwrapped the box; he couldn't believe the beautiful cowboy boots. Pulling them out of the box, Steven stepped into the new boots, walking up to Eva for a big hug. Wanting to know if she got the right size Eva asked, "Do they fit ok? Steven walk around in them, let me see." Her smile beaming from ear to ear, the mother-in-law was pleased Steven liked the boots. Realizing Steven had an eagle eye for things, Eva knew she met her match. She hoped he didn't buy the pair. Looking at his mother-in-law, he smiled knowing she was watching him while he was looking at the boots.
Melinda asked Vince, "Hon, get Steven's gift." With not many around the tree, Vince found the box and handed it to Steven. Steven carefully opened the paper, commenting on the beautifully wrapped paper. Sliding the gift from the wrapping, Steven opened the box. With his mouth dropping, he knew they couldn't afford it, he picked it up holding to his chest. It was a beautiful Iceberg cashmere sweater, not wanting to complain, he thanked them for the beautiful sweater – he knew deep in his heart that they spent more than they could afford.
Tom's gift to Steven was the last one addressed to him under the tree. Opening the gift, Steven tried to think what Tom would get him. Wondering if it was safe to unwrap in front of his family. Looking at Tom trying to judge, he saw his lover's smile beam from ear-to-ear. Unwrapping the gift, Steven was stunned! He got a wide-angle camera lens for his camera. It was the one he always meant to buy but never had the spare cash or the time to get it. Standing up he hugged Tom tightly. Tears filled his eyes, even though they were strangers last year at this time, Tom was more amazing than he could ever possibly imagine.
As he hugged his husband, Tom whispered, "The rest will have to wait until we're alone."