Simple Gifts - Andrew Grey

put his mug in the sink before going back upstairs. Soon, thumping and bumps echoed through the house, and Geoff turned to Len. “I’ll go see what he’s doing.” Len got out of his chair. “I’ll start dinner.” Geoff followed the noise and found Eli in the closet of the spare bedroom, digging through boxes. “What are you looking for?”
    “The things for the tree.” He didn’t add a “duh,” but it was clearly 4
Simple Gifts * Andrew Grey
implied in his tone.
Geoff tapped him on the shoulder and pointed to a neat stack of four large boxes standing in the corner of the room. “I got them out yesterday.”
    Eli returned the boxes he’d dragged out to the closet and shut the door. “Would you help me carry them downstairs?” Eli picked up two boxes and began carrying them out of the room. Geoff didn’t answer, but picked up the other two boxes, smiling as he watched Eli’s backside, that butt flexing as he descended the stairs.
    They put the boxes in the living room and Eli began digging through them. Geoff got out of the way and let Eli have his fun. He’d learned the year before that this was something Eli absolutely loved to do.
    Papers were spread on the living room floor and Eli hauled in pine boughs he’d cut and gathered. Boxes were opened and ribbons, bows, and simple wooden decorations spilled out. Geoff rested on the sofa, listening to the sounds of home. He heard Len in the kitchen, the dishes clanking, and footsteps as Eli moved through the room, covering the mantle with pine boughs tied with gold and red ribbon.
    “Do you need help?”

    “No,” Geoff heard both Eli and Len reply as they continued their tasks. The aromas of dinner drifted in from the kitchen as the room filled with the scent of pine. Eli hummed softly to himself as he worked, tying sprays with bows that hung on the spindles going up the stairs. Feeling guilty, Geoff got up and went into the basement, returning with the large tree stand, placing it in the back so it would be ready for the tree. Then, figuring “What the hell,” he slipped on his coats and boots, took the stand outside, and fastened it onto the tree.

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    Simple Gifts * Andrew Grey

    Giving everything a good shake, he hauled the tree in the back door, through the kitchen, and to the living room, setting it in front of the large window.
    Eli stopped what he was doing. “I could have helped.”
“You were having too much fun.” Geoff stood back, looking at the tree to make sure it was standing straight and tall.
“Can I decorate it tonight?” The childlike wonder in Eli’s eyes was fun to see.
    “You could.” Geoff took off his coat and boots, putting them in the mud room and returning. “Or you could decorate it tomorrow.” Geoff slipped his arms around Eli’s waist, pressing his hips against his lover’s butt, Geoff’s chest to his back, as he kissed the base of Eli’s neck. “I know something else fun we can do tonight.” Eli dropped the pine bough he’d been holding, and it rustled as it landed on the papers. Eli’s hand slid along Geoff’s hip.
    “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Eli’s head nodded slowly as Geoff nibbled on a warm ear.
    “Hmm.” A throat clearing interrupted them. “Dinner’s almost ready.” They both heard the amusement in Len’s voice as they broke apart and walked to the kitchen for dinner. Geoff set the table, and Eli helped Len bring over the food. They sat down and dishes were passed. After filling their plates, they began to eat.
    “I stopped by the bakery today.” Len passed a plate of fresh bread. “Your uncle gave me a message.”

    Eli put down his fork, his attention riveted on Len. Eli’s Amish family rarely sent messages to him. His father didn’t approve of him living among the “English.”
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Simple Gifts * Andrew Grey
    “Your uncle told me that your family hopes you’ll join them for Christmas.” Geoff watched as Eli’s face lit up for second but then faded again. He knew that Eli missed his family, particularly at this time of year. But Eli couldn’t tell his family that he was gay. They wouldn’t accept him, but, more importantly, his family’s place in the Amish community would be threatened. The members would blame and possible shun his family if they found out, so though he visited them occasionally, it was always alone. Geoff knew Eli felt guilty that Geoff couldn’t come with him whenever he left to visit them, and even more guilty when he returned because of the