Grey walked to one of the ovens, opened it, and burst out laughing. The turkey took up the entire space. Heat poured out of the oven along with the most delicious scent. “How are you cooking it?”
“Butter and white wine,” Clay answered. “I soaked that cheesecloth in both.”
Grey’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. “You?” Clay was not a cook under the best of circumstances.
Clay smirked and flipped him off. “Dane was there the entire time, helping me.”
“Smells incredible.” His stomach growled, and he sneaked a piece of bacon.
Cort had headed to the coffeepot and was busy pouring them each a mug. He thanked him when Cort handed him one. It was his Fuck Off. I’m Writing! mug, and he grinned.
“There are cinnamon rolls coming up shortly,” Wiley said. “We didn’t do a big breakfast because we’re eating a huge meal early. Clay and Dane got the turkey in at the crack of dawn this morning.”
“We’re having all the traditional dishes. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, and Calder made some kind of brandied cranberry thing.” Lucien rubbed his hands together. “I can’t wait.”
“And Dane and I made pies yesterday.” Wiley took a sip of coffee and reached down to pet Ruby’s nose. “Pecan and pumpkin.”
“Sounds like enough food to feed an army.”
“We figured the goddesses might show up to celebrate with us and this time, they won’t have to make a thing.” Clay stood and walked into the kitchen to steal bacon.
Dane shook his head and put more into the pan.
Clay wrapped his arms around Dane and nuzzled his neck, the bacon still in his hand.
“This is nice,” Cort whispered. “Normally, I’d fly out to Arizona and spend the holiday with my sister, but I’m glad I’m here with you this year.”
“Maybe we’ll be able to do that next year.” Grey didn’t mention that he’d only be able to do it another ten years or so before his sister started noticing he wasn’t aging. It was a problem they’d deal with then. Just like the pestilents and the fact that John got away wasn’t going to ruin this day for him. He took a sip of his coffee just as the buzzer on the oven went off. “I’ll grab them,” he said.
He pulled the cinnamon rolls out of the oven and set the huge pan on two potholders on the counter. The guys wandered into the kitchen to get some along with more coffee. Cort started a new pot. It was all just so domestic, it hit Grey again that he had a huge family now. He looked at them, taking in the way they interacted with each other, the affection and camaraderie, and felt truly blessed. Yeah, maybe he’d traded a quiet life for one filled with danger, but these guys made it worth it.
Especially Cort, who was now laughing at something Wiley was telling him. He threw his head back, the sound joyous.
“We need a bigger breakfast table in here,” Dane murmured as he walked up to stand next to Grey. “There’s certainly room for one.”
“I suppose everyone could have gone into the dining room, but I think they want to be in here with the decorations. You guys did a great job on that, by the way.”
“Thanks. We missed you last night, but understood you wanted to be with Cort. You’re still in that honeymoon phase after all.”
“And you aren’t?” Grey pointed to a red mark on his neck.
Dane blushed. “I suppose we still are. Can’t complain, that’s for sure.”
The handyman looked happy but maybe a little subdued. Were the holidays hard on Dane because of the loss of his first family? Grey kept the thought to himself, not wanting to bring the man down. Dane looked contemplative as he watched everyone milling about the kitchen.
They all took their plates into the family room. “Winter Wonderland” blared from the small phone in a holder on one of the side tables. Ruby trotted into the room and walked up to Queenie, who opened her eyes to glare at the dog. But the German shepherd didn’t bother her, instead lying on the floor right in front of her. Queenie shut her eyes again. Seemed the animals were feeling a bit of the Christmas spirit, too.
Grey settled on the couch with Cort sitting so close, their thighs touched. He balanced his plate on his lap and stretched one arm around the man. Cort smelled fresh from their shower, and he was reminded of how he’d only been