Simple Gifts - Andrew Grey

ready.”

    After a quick kiss, Eli became a bundle of energy, rushing upstairs to change into heavy winter clothes. Geoff smiled as he watched, knowing how happy he’d made his lover.

    Geoff met Eli in front of the barn, and he looked on as Misty was led into the horse trailer and secured. Then they both got into the truck and Geoff pulled away from the farm.
    The roads were clear as they made their way through town and out toward the Amish community. About a mile from Eli’s family’s farm, they stopped the truck and unloaded Misty. Eli swung up onto her back, and Geoff handed him the new saddlebags. “Call me when you’re ready, and I’ll come pick you up right here.”
    “Thanks, Geoff.” Eli slipped off a glove.
    Geoff took Eli’s hand is his. “You’re welcome. Merry Christmas, Eli.” Geoff let Eli’s hand slip from his and stepped back as Eli urged Misty forward. He watched Eli for a few minutes, thinking how lucky he was before getting in the truck and heading back to the farm. Every day, Eli gave him the greatest gift possible, his unconditional love. Eli had repeatedly chosen him over his family. Geoff smiled to himself as he realized that this time even though Eli would have chosen him again, he didn’t have to.
    * * *
“GEOFF, will you stop pacing?” Len scolded, as Geoff turned, flopping down onto the sofa.
15
Simple Gifts * Andrew Grey
    “Why hasn’t he called?” Geoff checked his watch for the umpteenth time in the last ten minutes before getting up to go stare out the window. The afternoon was already waning and the sun and clear sky from earlier in the day had given way to clouds that looked heavy with snow. To make matters worse, the wind was starting to come up, and if it continued, would start to drift the roads closed.
    The phone in Geoff’s pocket began ringing. “Finally!” He flipped it open.
“Geoff, I’m starting out now.” Eli sounded off and Geoff couldn’t place his tone.
    “Okay. I’ll leave now and we’ll meet up where I dropped you off.” Geoff closed the phone and began rushing around to get his gear before heading to the truck. After a quick check in the back to make sure he had blankets and feed for Misty, he climbed in the cab and pulled out onto the road. Geoff drove as fast as he dared, the snow starting, wind blowing it in front of his headlights. The last of the light was fading as he arrived at where he thought he’d dropped Eli off.

    The snow was coming down harder, but thankfully the wind hadn’t picked up. Getting out of the truck, he looked through the snowstorm, but didn’t see Eli. Was he in the right place? He looked around—it appeared to be.

    Getting back into the truck, Geoff began moving slowly forward, hoping he’d meet Eli. The snow made everything look different and he wondered if he was in the right spot. Had Eli somehow passed him?

    He craned his neck, looking all around him for landmarks, but the temperature was dropping and the snow was coming down harder, silent and cold, covering everything in a uniform blanket of white.

    Simple Gifts * Andrew Grey

    Then, he saw a large figure materialize in the gloom, and he breathed a huge sigh of relief as his headlights illuminated Eli and Misty. Stopping the truck, he got out as Eli dismounted.
    “You had me so worried.” Geoff grabbed Eli and hugged him hard.
“It wasn’t snowing when I called you.”
Geoff nodded and turned his attention to the task at hand. “Get her saddle off, and I’ll get the blankets from the back. We need to get home.”
    Eli went right to work, pulling off the saddle and putting it in the truck. Geoff got the blankets and put them over Misty’s back before leading her into the trailer and securing her. Closing the door, he heard Eli get into the truck. Geoff got in as well and pulled out onto the road. He drove at a steady pace, the snow blowing in front of them.
    Their luck held until they were through town, and then the wind came up. Snow began blowing wildly across the road. “We’re almost there.” Geoff was straining to see.
    Eli didn’t say anything, his eyes watching the road, helping Geoff spot any obstacles. Finally, they pulled into the farm yard, bringing the trailer up next to the barn. They’d made it. Opening the back of the trailer, they unloaded Misty and led her into the barn to her stall. “Is she okay?” Eli fussed as he felt her legs and changed her blanket.
    “I think so,” Geoff replied, “It wasn’t too cold,