Simple Gifts - Andrew Grey

the bathroom and Geoff watched that tight bare butt moving across the room, his attention returning to the job at hand only once the bathroom door closed. Then he sprang into action; there was plenty to do.

    Pulling on his clothes, he headed downstairs, got his outdoor coat and boots on, and headed through the yard to the barn. The sky was as blue as could be, not a single cloud, the morning sun shining off the fresh snow. It really looked like Christmas.

    Opening the barn door, Geoff greeted the majestic heads that poked out from their stalls. Each horse received a pat and a treat as Geoff made his way down the line, adding hay and water to each manger.
    At Misty’s stall, he stopped and opened the door. “Sorry, girl, but today isn’t a holiday for you.” She whickered as Geoff closed the stall 12 Simple Gifts * Andrew Grey
door and rubbed her nose, slipping off her blanket. “You and daddy are going for a ride today.”
    Stepping out of the stall again, Geoff carried the blanket to the tack room and retrieved her saddle and a fresh blanket. Returning to the stall, he got Misty saddled and ready, then closed the door behind him as she began munching at her breakfast.

    Out front, Geoff heard cars pull into the yard and the tractor engine roar to life. The guys were there to check on the cattle before hightailing it back home to their families.

    Finishing up, Geoff stepped outside and closed the barn door.
    Without thinking, he looked over the farmyard, taking in the snow and the crisp air. As he looked at the house, he smiled when he saw the lights on the tree blink on and noticed Eli’s face looking out of the window like an expectant child. Geoff thought himself the luckiest man alive because of the man standing in that window, and his resolve firmed as he trudged back toward the house.
    Len greeted Geoff as he entered the kitchen, Len’s still-sleepy partner Chris sitting at the table, smiling and watching every move Len was making. This was a great Christmas: Len had someone special again, and he had Eli.

    “Geoff,” Eli’s voice called from the living room. Geoff kicked off his boots and stripped off his coat before following the voice of the person he loved most.
    “What is it, Eli?” The tree sparkled in the sun and Eli was down on his hands and knees underneath it, digging around in the gifts. “I can’t find the gifts for my family.” Eli sounded upset.
Geoff knelt next to him, a hand on his back. “They’re under there; it’s okay.”
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Simple Gifts * Andrew Grey
Eli’s face turned to look up at him, curiosity clearly evident.
    “I’ll help you get them in a few minutes.” Geoff moved to the sofa and patted the seat next to him. Once Eli sat down, Geoff began, “I thought a long time about what I wanted to get you for Christmas, and I settled on this.” Geoff reached behind the tree and pulled out the gift he’d placed there during the night.
    Eli’s eyes widened when he saw the pair of supple leather saddlebags. Geoff placed them on his lap and watched as Eli’s fingers glided over the soft leather. They were simple and undecorated, but fine. “They’re beautiful,” Eli gasped.

    “Look inside.”
    Eli opened the bags and scowled in confusion when he saw the gifts packed inside. “I don’t understand.” Geoff took Eli’s hands. “Every day I have you in my life is like a gift. The best gift I could have, so I hope I’m giving you something special today. Misty is saddled in the barn and the trailer is on the truck, so you need to get dressed.
    “Where are we going?” Eli’s confusion deepened.
“I’m driving you and Misty to within a mile of your family’s home so you can spend Christmas with them.” He handed Eli a cell phone.
    “All I ask is that you be back for dinner tonight.” Eli looked stunned and remained silent. Geoff broke the silence. “I know I can’t go with you, but this is important—for you and for them, Eli.”

    “But what about you?”

    Geoff let his forehead settle against Eli’s. “We’ll have the rest of our Christmas when you get back.” He hoped he’d made the right decision, and then knew he had when he felt Eli’s arms around him, pulling him close and hugging him hard. He had made the right choice.
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Simple Gifts * Andrew Grey
    “Thank you.” Eli whispered the words in Geoff’s ear. Geoff returned the hug knowing that this time he was putting Eli first, the way Eli always did for him.

    “You need to get