It was late by the time everyone retired. John and Alec remained in the drawing room a little while longer, watching the fire die down. They moved to the settee where Alec put his arm around John’s shoulder, and John slouched against him, his long legs extended and crossed at the ankle, his large hand curled palm up on Alec’s leg.
That hand looked unexpectedly vulnerable and sweet. Alec traced the fingers one by one with the tip of his own.
“It was above and beyond to give such expensive gifts to my friends,” John said.
Alec shrugged. “They cost me nothing but the time it took to make them, which I am happy to give. I couldn’t find anything in the shop for you, though, nothing that felt right. But I thought—I’d love to carve your likeness, if you would sit for some sketches.”
John tilted his head back to look at Alec fondly and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I would love another carving from you. But I’d prefer you be the subject. ‘Self-portrait in wood by Alec Allston.”
Alec laughed. “Good God, don’t make me do that.”
John grinned. “Whatever pleases you. Now I have something for you.” He sat up and took something from the pocket of his breeches. He held it in a closed fist. “I’m afraid I didn’t have time to wrap it.”
“What is it?” Alec sat up straighter. He felt a smile tug at his cheeks. “You got me so many gifts this month. This entire Christmas has been a gift.”
“Yes, but this is an actual Christmas present. No, don’t argue, just hold out your hand.”
Alec did, and John dropped into it what felt like a coin. Alec examined it, holding it close to the nearest candle.
It was a love token of the sort enamored young couples exchanged. It looked like it had been made from a halfpenny, the original imprint sanded down, and a simple carving etched in its place. At the top was “1752”. Below it was a heart with two arrows. An “A” was on one side of the heart and a “J” on the other.
“It’s the dearest thing,” Alec said honestly.
“It’s wretchedly sentimental. But you have that effect on me, so it’s no use to pretend otherwise.”
John motioned to Alec and wasn’t happy until they were just as they’d been before, with Alec’s arm around his shoulder and John slouched against him, legs outstretched. It was very pleasant to sit like that, and Alec was in no hurry to move, although he was very hopeful of another few splendid hours once they got upstairs.
“Should we pass her on, do you think?” John asked after a time.
“What? Pass who on?”
John nodded his chin at the tree. “The angel. Maybe she could work her magic elsewhere. Bring some other lonely soul their heart’s desire.”
Alec tilted his head and regarded her, considering it. “Hmmm. I think not.”
“No?”
“No. There are several unattached personages in this very household.”
John barked a laugh. “Oh, is that how it is? Poor Stockbridge.”
“And Mr. Dante.”
“Ha! Dante will never settle down,” John tsked.
Alec gave a doubtful hmm. “Why do you say, ‘poor Stockbridge’? Have things turned out so very badly for you?”
Alec was teasing. But in answer, John turned his head, wrapped one hand around Alec’s neck, and kissed him deeply and relentlessly, his tongue warm in Alec’s mouth and tasting deliciously of brandy. John kissed him until they both lost their breath.
“I hope that answers your question,” John said when he finally released Alec.
It was a moment before Alec could speak. “John. Will you be honest with me?”
“Always.”
Alec hesitated. But he had to know. Because he was falling so hard and so fast it was frightening. “How long do you think your interest in me might last? Because I... I tend to be very much an all-or-nothing sort of fellow. And I should attempt to guard myself if this affair is not a serious matter to you. I don’t want to be devastated again. And my regard for you is.... Well.”
John sat up, his face serious. He took Alec’s hands. “I know that about you, dearest. When you give your heart, you give it completely. And I would never have asked for it if I didn’t want you. Completely.”
Alec stared at him. “Do you mean it?”
“I love you, Alec Allston. And I want you in my life. For as long as you’ll have me.”
“My love,” Alec said, and it was his turn to kiss John for all he was worth.
You will find joy by and by, more joy than you can even imagine right now.
And so he had.
THE END