Sequel to: Calls at Midnight (Chapter 12)

"Don't forget about the tree tomorrow," Vin said from the livingroom where he sat watching televison while Ezra sat at the kitchen table reading the paper. It was the day after Thanksgiving and they were enjoying the peace and quiet at their bunkhouse.

"What tree?" Ezra asked without looking up.

"Our Christmas tree," Vin told him. "It's a tradition we always put the tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Me, Nathan, JD, and Buck decorate it while Chris and Josiah supervise," he smiled. "I love putting the tree up. It'll be even better this year 'cause you're here," Vin said.

Ezra found himself actually looking forward to Christmas this year and he owed it all to Vin and his family.

"What's your favorite kind of Christmas tree?"

Ezra stilled. He didn't know anything about Christmas trees. Buying and wrapping gifts that was the extent of his Christmas knowledge. With a shake of his head Ezra was about to change the subject when Vin continued.

"Chris is allergic to pine and Nathan to cedar so we've only ever been able to have artificial trees," Vin said. "Of course, artificial trees are just as pretty as real ones and they don't make nearly as much of a mess."

He filed that away for future reference.

"What kind of tree did you have growing up?"

Ezra froze. He knew it was coming. Knew that one of them would ask him about his 'family' traditions sooner or later. And of course, it had to be Vin. The one person Ezra could never lie to. The others yes, but never Vin.

"Ezra? Did ya hear me?"

"I heard you," he replied in a quite voice. Ezra could feel Vin watching at him, but refused to look at him.

"Ezra?" Vin he was suddenly beside him removing the paper and sitting in his lap.

Ezra still wouldn't look at him. "Maude and I moved around a lot," he shrugged. "Then once she got a little money she shipped me off to boarding school and I usually spent the holiday there," he told him in a voice devoid of emotion.

"Oh, Ezra," Vin sighed and wrapped him in his arms. "This year won't be like that. This year your Christmas will be filled with laughter. Lots of food. Gifts. Family. Noise. And love. Lots and lots of love."

Ezra wrapped his arms around Vin's hips and pressed his face into his lover's chest wanting so badly to believe, but past experiences wouldn't let him. Not fully anyway.

Around noon the next day Vin and Ezra walked hand in hand into the kitchen to find Josiah stirring a big pot of soup.

"You boys better hurry and get in there before they finish the tree without you . . ."

"What?" Vin cried with his hands on his narrow hips. "They started without me," he huffed. "Buck! JD! Nathan!" he hollered as he hurried from the room.

It was going to happen. It was actually going to happen, Ezra silently told himself. But still he hesitated. He didn't want to seem too excited. Didn't want the others teasing him.

"Aren't you going to help?" Josiah asked him.

"Why aren't you in there?" Ezra questioned buying him some time.

Josiah snorted and said, "I learned a long time ago to never get in the middled of Vin, JD, Nathan, and Buck when it comes to decorating the tree."

The Southerner smiled then looked up as his lover returned and frowned at the hurt look on his face.

"I cannot believe those bastard's decorated that tree without us!" Vin fussed.

"They didn't wait on you . . ."

"No! They didn't wait on us! And I swear that, that's the ugliest damned tree I ever saw . . ."

"Quit your whining," Buck told as him and the others walked into the kitchen.

Ezra saw that Casey, Rain, Inez, and Chris's new girlfriend Sarah were with Vin's brothers.

"Hell, ya didn't even save us an ornament!" he pouted.

"Vin . . ."

"Putting the tree up is suppose to be a family thing," he reminded them. "Ya should have waited for me and Ezra. We're apart of this family incase you forgot!"

"You weren't here," JD lamely pointed out.

"Oh, so you don't know how to use the phone?" Vin countered. "Hell, we live right there . . . ya could have hollered."

"The girls wanted . . ."

"The girls," Vin repeated with a nod of his head. "Don't go blaming them. You should have waited."

"We're sorry," Sarah quickly said.

"Don't worry about it, "Chris told her. "He's just acting like a baby."

Over the last few months Ezra had been real careful to stay out of any and all family squabbles. Unless, it concerned the ranch he usually stayed quite and out of the way. And while, he understood the others wanting to please their lady friends, he wouldn't allow them or anyone to deliberately hurt Vin.

Seeing the hurt in his lover's blue eyes had Ezra closing the distance between them and was by Vin's side before he knew it. "It's okay, Vin . . ."

"No, it ain't okay, Ez!" Vin cried. "It's suppose to be a family tradition!"

"We'll get our own tree," Ezra quickly told him. "And start our own tradition."

"Really?"

"Really," he assured him.

Suddenly Vin smiled and grabbed Ezra hand, "Come on. We're leaving!"

"What about supper . . ."

"What about it?" Vin told Josiah. "No one else 'round here seems to give a damn about traditions so why the hell should we."

Vin had finally calmed down and after Ezra fixed them the best omelet he'd ever eaten he was once again watching television while Ezra worked on their bank statements.

"So what kind of tree are we gonna get?" He switched the TV off, twisted around on the couch so that he could look at Ezra.

Ezra glanced at him from the kitchen table and said, "Well, last night you said real trees were messy . . ."

"Yeah, but that don't mean we can't get one if ya want to."

"Whatever you want is fine with me . . ."

"Oh, no," Vin fussed. "Tell me what kind ya want . . ."

"It doesn't matter . . ."

"Yes, it does," he argued. "What kind did you have last year?"

"Last year?" Ezra repeated with a frown. "I was by myself last year . . ."

"So?"

"So, I . . . I didn't have a tree."

Vin could have kicked himself because he should have known. Ezra probably hasn't bothered with a tree for years. "Where were you last year at Christmas?"

When Ezra didn't answer Vin got to he feet, walked over, and once again sat in his lap.

"Vin . . ."

"Talk to me," he said. Vin watched as his lover sighed and then hang his head.

"I was undercover last year," Ezra told him.

"Oh, Ezra," Vin whispered. Then wrapped his arms around him and held him tight.

"In fact, I don't remember the last time I had a tree," Ezra said with his head pressed against Vin's chest.

Vin ran his fingers through Ezra's soft hair and shivered as Ezra began rubbing his legs. "We'll go into town first thing in the morning and get us one. What ever kind you want . . . we'll get."

"Can . . . can we have lights?"

Vin felt tears sting his eyes at that question. "Of course. And ornaments. Tinsel. Garland. What ever you want Ezra we'll get."

"And we'll decorate it?"

"Just the two of us," he promised. "And once it's decorated we'll lock the door, turn off all the lights, and make love under the twinkling lights."

Early the next morning Vin turned over and reached for Ezra only to find that his lover wasn't there. He couldn't help but smile in anticipation of the day ahead. His smile widened as Ezra walked into the room carrying two cups of coffee.

"Morning, green eyes," Vin said sitting up and reaching for a cup.

"Blue eyes," Ezra smiled in returned.

"Did you shower without me?" Vin asked as he noticed that his lover was already dressed and ready to go.

Ezra shook his head, no. "I figured we could forego our usual morning shower and have breakfast in town then we could go . . . get our tree."

Setting his cup to the side Vin did the same to Ezra's. "Sounds like a plan," he said planting kisses along his lover's jaw. "And I while I can forego our morning shower I refuse to forego this," Vin said capturing Ezra's lips in a deep sensual kiss.

"Vin," Ezra moaned.

Vin shuddered as Ezra began to rub against him and reluctantly pulled back. "Let me get dressed and brush my teeth then we can go," he told him as he got to his feet and grabbed some clothes.

"You big tease," the Southerner whined.

"I'll make it up to you tonight," Vin promised with a grin. "I plan on making love to you with nothing but twinkling lights lighting our way."

"Get dressed so we can go," Ezra told him and began making the bed.

An hour and a half later they were in the department store. They had decided to go with an artificial tree as neither of them liked the idea of killing a tree just to use for a month or so.

Vin had to laugh to keep from crying at how excited Ezra was. His green eyed love hadn't stopped smiling since they entered the store. It made him sad to realized what kind of childhood his lover must have had. Not that all of Vin's had been much better before being adopted by the Larabees. Thoughts of his parents brought his brothers to mind and he frowned as he remembered last night.

While Ezra napped on the couch Vin had gone back over and gotten the paper knowing that his lover would want to read it once he woke up.

Without a word Vin walked through the kitchen and into the livingroom. When he returned a few seconds later Buck quickly said he was sorry and how they hadn't meant to hurt either of them.

Vin continued toward the door and with one hand on it turned back and told them he had wanted to show Ezra what a Christmas with family was like. He wanted Ezra to share their traditions with them. To be a part of it all. Vin then told them not to worry about it, because him and Ezra would start their own family traditions and they would not be invited to share.

He broke out his musings as Ezra asked him something.

"What kind of lights are better? Colored or white?"

"Both are pretty, but I'm thinking the white will go better with the gold and silver decorations."

Ezra nodded and placed the white lights in the buggy. "So what are we going to get for the top? An angel or a star?"

"I like the star," Vin told him.

"Me too," he said

Then to Vin's amazement Ezra began to blush.

"I don't know about us making love with an angel watching us."

Vin burst out laughing at that. "Oh, Ezra I love you!"

Ezra ducked his head as if embarrassed then said, "So now what?"

"Well, now let's see . . . We have Christmas balls, lights, garland, plus all these other ornaments . . ."

"Don't forget the star," Ezra reminded him.

"And the star," Vin corrected with smile. His smile grew as he watched Ezra once again start one of the music boxes on display. "We can get that if you want," he told him.

The Southerner shook his head and said, "No. We've all ready gotten to much as it is . . ."

"There's not a thing in this buggy that we didn't need," he pointed out. Stepped closer he grabbed a box with the music box Ezra wanted and placed it in the buggy.

"Are you sure?" Ezra asked sounding like a little boy, tearing at Vin's heart. "It's a tune from the 'The Nutcracker'. It's the one thing . . . the one time that Maude and I actually did something where it was just the two of us."

Vin didn't care how much that music box cost, he was getting it for Ezra. "Is there anything else you want?" Vin asked to break the tension and to give his lover time to compose himself. While he waited he grabbed a couple of extension cords and a surge protector just to be on the safe side. Realizing that Ezra hadn't answered him Vin looked up and felt his face heat up and his body respond to the look in those green eyes. "That will have to wait until we get home," he whispered.

They stopped for lunch then headed straight home and were unloading the truck when his brothers and their girlfriends walked out of the house.

"Man, it looks as if ya'll bought out the store," Buck teased.

"I know," Ezra said with a shake of his head. "We . . . I . . . kinda went overboard. There was just so much to choose from . . ."

Vin leaned over and gave Ezra a kiss on the cheek. "Hell, this is our first Christmas together Ezra and we had to make it special," he said. Vin wasn't about to tell them that this was probably Ezra's first real Christmas in years.

"Wow, look at all this stuff," JD cried and reached for one box in particular. "Is that a train? Did you guys get a train? Man I always wanted a train!"

Vin slapped his hand away and said, "Yes. For 'our' tree. Since you didn't seem fit to share yesterday with us . . . then we ain't gonna share today with you. Ezra and I'll put our tree up without your help."

"You're being a real bastard," Chris told him.

"Yeah, well you'd know," Vin replied.

"What have ya got there, Ezra?" Josiah asked.

Ezra blushed and shot Vin a nervous look before saying, "An ornament that Vin brought me. See a bulb fits in here which reflects the light so that it looks like a sunset. I never knew they made things like this."

"I bet that's going to be real pretty," the older man told him with smile.

"Once we get tree up and decorated ya'll have to come and see it," Ezra said in an excited voice.

"But not tonight," Vin quickly warned them. Seeing the guilt in everyone's eyes told Vin that they finally understood just what they did yesterday.

"Where's the directions?" Ezra asked after removing everything from the box that the tree came in.

"Ya don't need directions," Vin told him. "Look, see ya just have to match the colors on the branches with the colors on this stick thingy."

"Oh, yeah, I see," he replied with a happy smile. This was really happening. Finally, he thought to himself, I'm going to get the kind of Christmas I've always dreamed of.

Assembling the tree didn't take that long, but shaping it did.

"Okay, there," Vin said a little while later.

"Hey, this doesn't look half bad," Ezra said with a smile. "In fact, I think it looks pretty damned good." Looking over at his lover he felt tears sting his eyes at what Vin was giving him. Stepping closer Ezra gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and whispered in a gruff voice, "Thank you . . . for all this."

Vin gathered him in his arms and said, "You don't have to thank me Ezra. I'd give you the moon if I could. Besides, it's my pleasure."

Ezra pulled back and asked, "So now what? What's next?"

"Well, now I say we get us some of that wine and a couple of those Christmas cookies you bought," Vin replied and headed for the kitchen. "Then we can put the lights on. Then the garland, the ornaments, and finally the star."

Two hours later they stepped back and exchanged a look then grinned. "This is the most beautiful tree I've ever seen," Ezra whispered and vowed he wouldn't cry. The tree was seven feet tall and really full with silver and gold glass Christmas balls. One of the balls had the words, their first Christmas, written on it along with the year. There were an assortment of ornaments as well, a Santa wearing a cowboy hat and another carrying a briefcase. Vin said their mom always put apples on the tree so they had a couple of gold and silver apples as well. There were turtle doves, snowmen, as well as gingerbread men, and a few crystal stars. But Ezra's favorite were the ones that the Christmas lights fit into, granted he hadn't seem them lit up yet, but he just knew they would be beautiful.

"It's perfect," Vin agreed with smile.

Ezra shot Vin an expectant look, but his lover was still looking at the tree. He cleared his throat and finally asked, "Can we turn the lights on now? Or is it not dark enough yet?"

Vin grinned at him and said, "If we close all the curtains and turn all the lights off then . . . yeah I think so."

They quickly switched off the lights and closed the curtains. Ezra grinned at Vin and asked, "Now?"

"Not yet," Vin told him as he placed a clothes pin on a curtain to hold it closed.

"Now?"

"There's two more things we have to add to the room first."

"What?" he asked barely able to contain his excitement. "Did we forget something? Where the hell are you going?" Ezra asked as his lover walked out of the room.

"I'll be right back. Close your eyes," Vin called from the other room.

Ezra rolled his eyes but didn't shut them.

"Close those sexy eyes, Ezra," his lover told him as if he could see that Ezra didn't have them closed. "And keep them closed."

Ezra quickly complied and heard him return then removed something from a plastic bag.

"Okay, you can open your eyes now."

The Southern felt tears sting his eyes at the sight that greeted him. There hanging from the mantel were two red Christmas stockings. One had Blue Eyes written on it and the other had Green Eyes. Stepping closer Ezra tentatively stroked each. Turning to Vin and after his third try said in a watery voice, "You got me a stocking."

"Of course, I did. It's not Christmas without a stocking . . ."

"I've never h..had one before . . ."

"Oh, Ezra, I wish I could make up for all those other Christmases," Vin told him, pulling him into his arms.

"You are," Ezra told him. "This is my best Christmas ever."

"It's only gonna to get better."

Raising his head Ezra took Vin's lips in a slow burning kiss, trying to tell him without words just what all this meant to him. Just what Vin was giving him. Pulling back Ezra gave the light of his life a tight hug then with a pat on the ass stepped back. "Okay, now can I turn the lights on?" At Vin's grin and nod Ezra quickly returned to the tree and plugged in the cord. Then gasp at the sight of their sparkling Christmas tree. The clear white lights reflected off all that gold and silver in a way that made the tree seem like it was glowing.

"Damn, Ezra look what we did," Vin whispered as he stepped closer to him.

Ezra once again felt tears sting his eyes and welcomed Vin's arms when he wrapped them around him from behind. "It's beautiful," he whispered. Turning his head he kissed his lover on the cheek and relaxed against him.

"How about I clean up this mess and you fix us a couple of those omelets like we had last night?" Vin suggested after few minutes.

Turning around Ezra ran his hands up the arms surrounding him, across board shoulders, and twined them behind Vin's neck. Looking into those blue eyes Ezra said, "I love you, Vin."

Vin lowered his head until it his forehead rested against Ezra's. "I love you, too, Ezra."

With a smile Ezra placed a kiss on Vin's nose then moved to step back only to feel Vin's arms tighten around him.

"Kiss me," Vin told him.

Ezra's smile widened and he gave him a brief kiss then once again tried to step back, only to have Vin pull him closer.

"You can do better than that," he prompted with a grin.

Cupping Vin's face in his hands Ezra titled his head, pressed their lips together, then made a loud, mmmm sound that had them both laughing.

"Ezra," Vin giggled.

Ezra laughed and captured Vin's lips in mid-laugh and gave him a kiss that left them both trembling. He pulled Vin's hands out his shirt and placed an open mouth kiss in the center of each palm then stepped back and headed for the kitchen.

"And you called me a tease," Vin said in a gruff voice.

Vin quickly shoved the boxes in a corner then hurried into their bedroom, grabbed the spread off the bed, and a comforter from the closet. Stepping back into the livingroom he dropped the spread in the chair then pushed the couch back a little.

"What are you doing?" Ezra asked as he placed two plates on the kitchen table.

"Setting the mood," Vin said a wiggle of his eyebrows. Closing the distance between them he ran a teasing hand up Ezra's arm then stepped around him and whispered in his ear. "This one present I'll take my time unwrapping." Vin tugged Ezra's shirt free of his jeans and with the tips of his fingers he teased the tender flesh of Ezra's stomach. "I can't wait to see you in nothing but twinkling Christmas lights."

He smiled as Ezra sagged against him. Tightening his hold Vin held his lover for a moment then pushed him a little away.

"Vin . . ."

"Food's getting cold . . ."

"Food?"

"I'll just wash my hands then we'll eat," Vin told him then slapped him on the ass.

"Bastard," Ezra muttered under his breath, but Vin heard him and laughed. "This is the second time . . . today . . . that's you've done this to me . . ."

"Are you keeping count?"

"Yes, I am," the Southerner replied. "Just remember that pay back's a bitch."

Vin just laughed then together they sat down to enjoy their supper. Both sat so that they could see the tree as they ate. "It's beautiful," he said.

"Most beautiful," Ezra agreed in such a tone that Vin turned then blushed as he saw that his lover was looking at him and not the tree.

"Stop it," he said, causing his Southerner to grin.

"Well, I'm done," Ezra said then picked up his plate and carried it into the kitchen where he sat it in the sink. Walking into the livingroom he grabbed a blanket and said, "I'll fix these while you do the dishes."

"'Kay." Vin found his gaze caught and held by his lover's ass as he bent to spread the blankets.

"Why do we have to make love on the floor?"

"Huh?"

"Why can't we make love on your beloved couch?"

"Huh?" All Vin heard was something about the couch and nothing else. Giving himself a mental shake he pulled his eyes away from Ezra's ass and tried to focus on what was being said.

"The floor's hard. And cold," Ezra complained. "If we're going to do this then I'm getting more blankets. And our pillows."

Vin quickly washed the dishes. Drying his hands on a dishcloth he watched as Ezra returned with an arm load of blankets and couldn't help, but grin. "You know it might have been easier to pull the mattress off the bed," he teased then laughed at the thoughtful look that crossed his lover's face. "I'm kidding!" he quickly told him and closed the distance between them. Taking the blankets he tossed them on the couch. "You won't be needing all of those," Vin placed a finger over his lips to stop Ezra from interrupting. "I'll keep ya warm," he promised as he lowered them both to the floor.

Taking those sensual lips with his own Vin gently kissed his lover, teeth gently grazing Ezra's tender sweet lips. Slowly unbuttoned Ezra's shirt, Vin opened it just enough to get his hands on the warm skin inside.

Ezra pressed against him and sighed. Vin could feel his erection as well as Ezra straining in their jeans, as they reached for each other. He deftly unzipped and pushed Ezra's jeans down past his narrow hips. Then hissed into Ezra's mouth as his own jeans were pushed aside and his own flesh was released. With teasing fingers Vin zeroed in and began rubbing the hot, swollen shaft with his fist. Using just enough pressure so that Ezra trembled, but not enough to make him come.

"Vin," Ezra moaned.

The Texan shivered as Ezra's fingers traced up his back and wove themselves into his hair at the nape of his neck. Vin loved when Ezra played with his hair like this. In the past, before Ezra and he wore his hair longer Vin always had guys wanting to run their fingers through it and it had felt nice. But nothing compared to the way Ezra did it. Ezra's touch was possessive. And Vin loved it. It wasn't just a lover's touch, but a mate's. His mate. His Ezra.

Vin gently pushed Ezra onto his back and quickly remove the rest of their clothing. Covering Ezra's body with his own Vin captured Ezra's lips in a fierce kiss. Their breathing became a harsh, desperate rasp. They rubbed and grinded against each other pushing themselves closer to the edge.

"Wait," Ezra panted against his throat.

"Why?" Vin gasped in response.

"I need to . . . have you . . . in me."

"Oh, I plan to be in you . . . several times," he replied as he sucked hard on the base of Ezra's throat and picked up the pace. "This is just to take the edge off."

They both screamed as their bodies exploded. Gently rocking against each other they rode out the pleasure. Then held each other savoring the closeness.

Vin rose to rest on his elbows and proudly smiled at the after glow that graced Ezra's beautiful face and body. Once again Vin marveled at the knowledge that Ezra had no idea how sensual he was. Not most of the time anyway. Oh, but sometimes Ezra would give him a look at set Vin's blood afire with a passion that threatened to burn him from the inside out.

Ezra blinked his passion heavy eyes at him and smiled. "Now that the edge is off," he teased as he rolled them over, "what's next?"

Vin grinned at him and said, "You'll see." Then Vin proceeded to do just that. They made slow sweet love well into the night before collapsing into a sated, but exhausted sleep.

Way too early the next morning Vin jerked awake as someone pounded on the door. Pressing a kiss to Ezra's cheek he stumbled to his feet then wrapped a blanket around himself and headed for the door. Pulling the door open Vin violent shook as the cold air hit him. Squinting up at a grinning Buck he mumbled, "What?"

"Sorry, but Chris and me were wondering if ya still wanted to go with us to Clearwater?"

Vin frowned and said, "Aww hell, I forgot all about it." Glancing over his shoulder he smiled at the sight of Ezra sleeping on those sex rumpled covers and decided that he didn't want Ezra waking up alone. Turning his attention back to Buck, Vin said, "Thanks for askin' Buck, but I think I'm gonna stay home today."

Buck slapped him on the shoulder. "I don't blame you. I don't blame you at all."

"Ya'll be careful," Vin told him, closed the door, and locked it. Standing next to the pallet on the floor he indulged in one to his favorite past times - watching Ezra sleep. The Southerner looked so sweet and innocent. And Vin could honestly say it was true . . . partially anyway. The way Ezra reacted to a simple Christmas tree was proof of that.

Vin grinned and dropped to his knees because as much as he enjoyed watching Ezra sleep - he enjoyed sleeping with him even more. Feeling Ezra's warmth against him. Hearing his strong and steady heartbeat. Breathing in his scent. Being able to taste him. There was nothing better in this world.

Slipping under the covers Vin deliberately rubbed his cold feet against Ezra's causing his lover to shiver. His grin grew as those feet immediately moved. Shifting he once again brushed against those feet. And once again Ezra moved away from him. Silently laughing Vin never noticed that Ezra was now awake until his sexy sleep rumbled bleary eyed lover had him flat on his back.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Vin smiled up at him and shrugged, "What?"

"What?" Ezra mimicked. "You said you'd keep me warm," he reminded him.

"And I did, didn't I?" Vin asked as he ran his fingers across the jagged scar above Ezra's heart.

Ezra grinned and replied, "Yes. Yes, you did. But what's with those blocks of ice you call feet?"

"I kept you warm last night," Vin said flipping them over so now he was on top. "So I figured it was your turn to warm me . . ."

"But only your feet are cold. What am I'm going to do with rest of you?"

"Whatever you wanta do," Vin said as he began nibbling on his lover's neck. He shivered, but it wasn't from the cold but Ezra's hands running up his sides and then down his back to squeeze his ass.

"So I can do what I want?" Ezra whispered.

"Anything. Anything at all," he quickly agreed.

"Well, then," Ezra said as he wrapped his legs around Vin's waist, gripped his shoulders then rolled them over and in between kisses continued, "Then . . . I'm . . . going . . . to go . . . back to . . . sleep."

Vin laughed as Ezra rolled off of him and settled back under the covers. "Are you serious?" he nudged him after a couple of seconds. "Ezra, you can't just work me up like this and . . . and go to sleep," he fussed. "Ok . . . ok I'm sorry I put my cold feet on you." His lover didn't budge. "Ezra." Nudge. Nothing. "Ezra," he whined and nudged him one last time, but still Ezra didn't move. Feeling dejected Vin flopped down on his back and rubbed his hands over his face in frustration. He covered his eyes with his arm and silently cursed. He should have known better than to wake Ezra up so early. His lover hated early mornings almost as much as he hated being cold. And by putting his cold feet on him Vin had managed to do both. Damn, he swore.

His body while losing some of it's fever still ached and throbbed not only from desire, but from knowing that Ezra was in touching distance, yet completely out of reach.

Lost in his thoughts Vin never noticed that Ezra had turned over and was now facing him. Never saw him grin in delight at his frustration. Never even felt Ezra carefully maneuvered himself over Vin, poised as if he was about to do a push up. However, his body immediately responded as Ezra's penis brushed against his.

Vin sucked in a breath, removed his arm, and looked up at him in surprise. "Ezra?"

"I think you've been punished long enough," Ezra said as he slowly lowered his body onto Vin's, "don't you?"

Vin nodded his head, but didn't say a word as he pulled Ezra flush against him then captured his mouth. "Ezra," he panted as his lover pulled back and began kissing and nibbling his way down Vin's chest. His head was tossed back with wild abandon, one hand clinched in Ezra's hair, while the other clutched the covers as his nipples were teased. Vin loudly groaned as he felt Ezra's tongue in his belly button. God, he loved that. He spread his legs invitation and tried to rub against his lover, but the Southerner kept just out of reach.

The Texan bucked his hips and nearly came as he felt Ezra take him in his mouth. Ezra must have sensed this because he pulled back causing Vin to moan in regret. "E z r a," he whimpered.

"Not yet," Ezra told him in a sexy gruff voice. "Turn over."

Vin quickly complied and rose to his knees in anticipation. They didn't often make love in this position, but somehow now it seemed the only way. Vin jumped as he felt warm air brush his entrance then shivered as a wet finger entered him. He moaned as two began to move within him. He pushed back and eagerly welcome the third finger that entered him. He had no time to miss the fingers as they were removed as he felt Ezra's penis pushing into him.

They savored the feeling of being joined once Ezra was completely within him. Clinching his inner muscles around his lover made them both moan. Ezra grasped him by the waist and held him still as he began to slowly move driving Vin to the edge time and time again.

Vin trembled with need and was painfully hard. "Ezra . . ." His words trailed off as Ezra wrapped a hand around his waist and pulled him to his knees so that his back was to Ezra's chest. Vin groaned as Ezra was pushed deeper within him. "Oh," he panted and once again clinched his inner muscles. Ezra's free hand wrapped around his weeping shaft and Vin was allowed to move. He thrust against the fist around him then impelled himself on Ezra's shaft. Vin was nearly mindless with pleasure as he was able to control the pace of both sensations. That control quickly fled as Ezra pinched his nipples and bit him lightly on the side of his neck making Vin howl as he erupted with Ezra quickly following him. Then everything went black.

A couple of minutes later Vin blinked opened his as reality returned and he welcomed the feel of Ezra's strong arms around him. Forcing his eyes opened he saw that they were laying on the pallet on the floor. Lifting one of Ezra's hands Vin placed a kiss in his palm. "I love you," he whispered then drifted off to a deep sleep.

Ezra placed the present he'd just finished wrapping under the tree then glanced at his still sleeping lover. He couldn't help but grin at the sight because for once he had awakened before Vin. If they hadn't made love most of the night and as well as this morning then Ezra would have been worried about his long legged lover. Because Vin never slept past eight in the morning. Glancing at the clock on the wall he saw that it almost one in the afternoon and decided it was time to awaken his very own sleeping beauty.

Stretching out beside Vin, Ezra watched as he began to wake up on his own. Ezra grinned as a hand slapped him in the face as Vin flung his arm out as he stretched. Grabbing that hand Ezra held on to it to keep from being hit again. Sleepy blue eyes blinked up at him and causing him to smile, "Hey, lover mine."

Vin smiled at him and replied, "Hey. What time is it?"

Ezra laughed. "One a clock . . ."

Vin sat up and asked, "In the afternoon?"

He grinned and nodded his head, yes.

"God, I can't remember ever sleeping so late before," Vin said with a shake of his head. "You're a bad influence on me," he accused Ezra with a smile on his face.

"I know," Ezra laughed. Standing up he then pulled Vin to his feet and gave him a quick kiss. "Go shower while I pick this stuff up and fix the bed."

"Come and wash my back for me," Vin suggested as he tugged on Ezra's hand.

"Nah, ah. I'm conserving my strength . . ."

Vin grinned at him. "Yeah, you're gonna need it."

Ezra laughed, shook his head, and enjoyed watching his lover's enticing ass as he walked away. "Steady," he told himself and made himself pick up a blanket. Hearing the shower running had Ezra biting his lip as a distraction from the image that sound brought to mind. "Steady," he forcefully reminded himself.

He knew that the other's would be over here any minute now. In fact, he was surprised that they hadn't made an appearance yet. Usually they were in and out of the place more than himself and Vin were. Not that Ezra minded, because he didn't. He cared a great deal about Vin's family . . . his family. Their family. Ezra suddenly grinned and then laughed as a thought came to mind. With him and Vin living together . . . did that make the others his . . . brothers-in-law. He wasn't sure how he felt about that and with a shrug finished folding the blankets and headed for the bedroom.

Ezra stopped in his tracts as Vin stepped from the bathroom drying his hair with a towel and wearing nothing but that sexy crooked grin of his. He shallowed hard as he watched Vin grab some clothes.

"Steady," he growled under his breath and deliberately turned away. His brothers are coming, Ezra repeated this in his head over and over again. Dumping the blankets in a near by chair Ezra grabbed the spread and quickly fixed the bed. He had just finished tucking in the ends when Vin jumped on the bed naked as a jay bird. Good Lord, he groaned and briefly closed his eyes, but it did no good because the image was already burned into his mind.

"Do ya want to fool around?" Vin asked him.

Ezra grinned as Vin batted his eyes at him and wiggled his eyebrows. Leaning closer he nuzzled Vin's shoulder with his nose and whispered. "No . . ."

"No?"

"That's what I said . . ."

"I can't believe it," Vin shook his head in confusion. "You turned me down . . ."

"It's not the first time . . ."

"Oh, yes it is!"

Ezra gaped at him.

"Since we've been together this is the first time you've said no."

Ezra nodded his head. "Okay, you're right. I was thinking before we declared our undying love for each other . . ." His words were suddenly cut off as Vin hit him with a pillow. "Oh! So you want to play do you," Ezra grabbed the pillow and they began to wrestle. Both were laughing, but Ezra quickly pinned his squirming lover to the bed. "Your brothers will be here any minute . . ."

"You . . . don't know . . . that," Vin panted between laughs.

"Yes, I do," he told him. Ezra grunted as he suddenly found himself on his back with his lover sitting on his chest.

"I just don't know what I'm gonna do with you Ezra Standish," Vin stated as he started unbuttoning his shirt. "First you don't want to shower with me and now you don't want to fool around. What's the matter? Do ya need some vitamins?"

Ezra laughed and began to lightly stroke Vin's legs slowly inching his way closer to the apex of his thighs and the semi hard muscle that was taunting him. "No. No vitamins. Just didn't want to start something we couldn't finish . . ."

"Who says we can't finish . . ."

"Your brothers, that's who," he felt the need to point out. "They haven't been here . . ." Ezra gasped as Vin pinched his nipples. "All d..day . . ."

"Buck was this morning," Vin said then bit his lip.

Ezra had reached his goal and was slowly caressing him into life. Sitting up he pulled Vin tighter against him making his lover gasp as his tender flesh rubbed against Ezra's jeans. Running his hands up and down Vin's back Ezra raised his head and just as their lips touched there was a knock on the door. He gave his lover a quick kiss then rested his head on Vin's chest.

"I told you," he groaned. "You know I care deeply for your brothers, but I'll be damned if I didn't wish that they didn't live quite so close."

"Do ya still got your gun?" Vin jokingly asked then got to his feet.

Ezra sighed in disappointment as Vin pulled on a pair of boxers then some sweats. Getting to his feet he buttoned his shirt and left the room.

Stepping into the livingroom he opened the door and just had to grin at JD and the rest of Vin's brothers standing there. He motioned them inside.

"Wow," JD said as soon as he saw the tree.

"That's a beautiful tree," Josiah said as he stepped in behind JD. Nathan, Buck, and Chris quickly followed. "You boys did good."

Ezra nearly groaned at the site of their girl friends. Oh, well, 'tis the season, he reminded himself. Then smiled as Vin joined them. The smile turned into a grin as he saw the women eying Vin's chest. Feeling a little possessive Ezra walked over and helped his lover with his t-shirt. Sorry ladies, but this is mine and I will not share, he silently said as he made eye contact with each of them just so they understood.

He gave Vin a kiss on the cheek, took his hand and together they stepped closer to the tree. "Wait until you see it all lit up," Ezra said in an excited voice.

"Can I plug it up?" JD asked.

"Sure," he quickly said. "Then you can help us put the train together . . ."

"Really? Cool!" the younger man said as he switched the lights on. "We should have waited on you . . ." his voice trailed off as he realized what he said.

"It's okay, JD," Ezra told him. "I'm kinda glad you didn't . . ."

"What . . ."

"Don't get me wrong. I would have loved to have been included, but this way . . ." Ezra didn't know how to say what he wanted to say without sounding like a baby. He wouldn't have wanted Vin's brothers to see him act like he had yesterday in front of Vin. With Vin, Ezra knew it was safe to be himself. Knew that Vin would love him all the more for it. But with his brothers Ezra didn't want them seeing that side him. Not yet. Wasn't sure he ever would.

"This way," Vin said tightening his grip on Ezra's hand, "we got to create memories for our first Christmas together. Without witnesses."

Ezra nodded his head and had to clear his throat before saying, "Let's get his train set up shall we."

They quickly emptied the box and Ezra started looking the directions. "So where are the directions?"

"Ya don't need directions," Buck said as he pushed his way between Ezra and JD where they sat on the floor.

"So you've done this before?" Ezra asked.

Buck shook his head. "Nope," then shrugged. "But how hard can it be?"

"Yeah, you just have to connect the tracks and then put the train on it," Vin added.

"I don't know guys," Nathan said. "I'm with Ezra. I think we need the directions."

"No we don't," Vin, JD, and Buck said together.

Ezra and Nathan shared a look then they shook their head. He couldn't help, but laugh at the site of all of them sitting around the tree as if they were children putting a train together. Oh, if only Mother could see me now, he thought.

"So Ezra is your mother coming for Christmas?" Josiah asked.

"No . . ."

"We know yet," Vin interrupted him. "We haven't heard from her."

"Dammit!" Buck muttered.

"Give me that before you break it," Vin said.

"She wont show," Ezra said as he shook his head at the others. "Believe me. I know." When Vin had first asked him about inviting Maude to join them Ezra thought he was joking, but his lover had been serious. So Ezra told him to go ahead and invite her if he wanted, but not to be disappointed when she very politely refused. That was two weeks ago and that hadn't heard from her yet.

"Here let me try," JD offered.

"She might," Vin told him. "If we can't get this piece together then I know you can't . . ."

"We'll be lucky to get a Christmas card from her."

"Bet I could . . ."

"You got it upside down!" Nathan told them. "If you had read the directions this wouldn't have happened . . ."

"Shut up, Nathan!" they all said.

Ezra laughed and rolled his eyes. But between the ten of them it didn't take that long to connect the tracks or the fifteen train cars. They all grinned as the train circled the tree, whistling on occasion.

Two hours later Ezra sighed as Vin's arms circled his waist from behind. They stood at the door watching the others leave. Vin pulled him back then closed the door and locked it. Ezra shivered as the back of his neck was nibbled on.

"Let's go take a shower and go to bed," Vin whispered in his ear.

"It's kinda early . . ."

"Never. It's never too early," his lover stated.

Turning in his arms Ezra gave Vin a fierce kiss and his a gruff voice said, "Okay. Go get the water ready while I pick up this mess."

"You'll be right behind me right?"

"Yes . . ."

"Promise?"

"Promise." Ezra watched his naked lover walk away and grabbed the few dishes scattered around the livingroom and dumped them in the kitchen sink. Turning Ezra once again looked at one more dream come true. He had a Christmas tree. He had someone that loved him. Hell, he even had a family. This had been one hell of a year and he thanked God for everyday of it.

"Ezra? You coming?" Vin shouted from the bathroom.

Ezra grinned and began unbuttoning his shirt as he headed for the bathroom. The rest of his clothes quickly joined his shirt on the floor. Stepping into the bathroom, he felt his breath catch in his throat as he saw his glistening wet lover through the shower door. He jumped as droplets of water hit him in the face. Looking up he saw Vin standing in the opened door.

"You just gonna stand there or join me?"

The weeks leading up to Christmas past very quickly and two days before Christmas a package arrived along with a large envelope addressed to Ezra. Vin signed for it then looked at the bold feminine hand writing and rushed into the house, past his brothers heading straight for the study.

Ezra looked up in surprise and smiled at him.

"It's from Maude," Vin told him placing everything on the desk.

"I told you she wouldn't come," Ezra gloated.

Vin shook his head. "Just open the damned thing Ezra and see what she sent ya," he told him.

"I don't know that I should," he hesitated.

"You are the most contrary man I have ever met!"

"But you love me," Ezra stated with a smile.

"More than life," Vin agreed. "Now open it."

"Fine," he said. "I'll open this one and you open the envelope."

"Okay," Vin grabbed the envelope and quickly tore it opened. Then pulled out six smaller envelopes one for each of his brother's.

"She gave you money," Ezra told him. "It's probably a check. And if you were and your brothers I'd cash that sucker first thing in the morning."

Vin shook his head and smiled, "You don't have much faith in Maude do you?"

"It has nothing to do with faith, Vin," the Southerner pointed out, "but experience. And knowledge."

"Aren't you gonna open that?"

Ezra sighed and tore the box opened then pulled a smaller box from it.

Vin carefully watched his lover and was immediately by his side as Ezra opened the other box and froze. "Ez? Are you okay?" He bit his lip as Ezra looked up as him with wide green eyes. "Ezra? What is it?"

His lover didn't say a word as he removed a small worn, obliviously old nutcracker from a bed of tissue paper.

Pulling Ezra to his feet Vin wrapped his arms around him and sat back down settled his lover in his lap and held him close.

"W..when I was eleven . . . Maude . . . my mother took me to see 'The Nutcracker," he whispered. "She said she would, but I didn't believe her. But she did. I didn't understand any of it, but she took me Vin. My mother took me. It was just the two of us."

Vin pulled him closer and rubbed his back.

"Once it was over and we were walking to the car we passed this gift shop and there in the window was this toy nutcracker . . ."

He could see his lover struggling with his memories and his tears, so he just held him and kissed away the lone tear dared to escaped.

"She marched right in there and b..bought it for me," Ezra finally managed to say. "I carried the stupid thing around for weeks. Then one day it was . . . g..gone. I looked everywhere, but couldn't find it."

"Do you think this is it?" Vin quietly asked.

"I know it is," he whispered. "See," Ezra turned the toy over, "here's my initials. E.S."

Vin gently traced those child like letters. "That day must have meant as much to her as it did to you . . ."

"But why would she take it from me . . ."

"Maybe she found it and put it up for you," Vin suggested. "Does it really matter? I mean you have it now."

Ezra nodded.

The two them sat like that for a long time. His lover was so quiet and still that Vin thought Ezra had fallen asleep, but then he started talking.

"Aren't you going to open that envelope?" Ezra asked.

Vin nodded and open the one with his name on it, pulled it free, and gasped at the amount of the check. "I can't take this . . ."

"How much is it for?"

"$300." Vin saw his lover's eyes widen in surprise. "I can't take this Ezra . . ."

"The hell you can't," Ezra quickly told him. "If my mother gave you money then you're damn well going to take it."

The Texan watched as his lover got to his feet then tugged him to his. "Where are we going?"

"To see how much the others got."

Vin's brothers all received a check for a $100.

"She must really like you guys . . ."

"Why?"

"Because Maude Standish never gives money away," Ezra explained. "That's why you're going to cash them tomorrow while they're still good."

Later that night as they lay in bed Vin snuggled against his lover still thinking about why Maude had given them money. Or rather him. He didn't want the money. Didn't want her thinking that he'd changed his mind. Because he hadn't. When he told her that he wasn't gonna leave Ezra or give him up. Vin had meant it. So with that in mind he got to his feet, grabbed the check of the dresser, some matches, and headed for the bathroom.

"Vin?" Ezra said as he too got to his feet. "What are you doing?"

"I know I should have told you this sooner, but I didn't want to cause any trouble between you and your ma," he shrugged, "so I didn't . . ."

"She offered you money didn't she," Ezra stated rather than asked.

"You knew?"

"She is my mother," he replied with a smirk. "I would have been more worried if she hadn't."

Vin didn't know what to say to that so he explained what he was going to do. "I'm not taking this money, Ezra. I don't want her thinking I've changed my mind . . ."

"Vin, if Mother was trying to change your mind then she have sent a hell of a lot more money than that. But if you want to burn it . . . then by all means do so," Ezra said turning around. "Just make up your mind 'cause I'm going to bed and I need you to keep me warm."

Watching his lover leave Vin once again looked at the check in his head and decided against burning it. Instead, he would give it to charity. All of it.

Ezra was proud of Vin. Proud that he'd chosen to give the money to charity instead of burning it. The others had cashed theirs and Ezra was glad of that as well.

It was Christmas Eve and Ezra was in the shed where he parked his car with Josiah putting the finishing touches a surprise he had planned for Vin. Glancing over that the tarp wrapped bundle in the corner he frown. He had worried over that particular present. Even though Josiah had reassured him countless times that Vin would love it. Ezra had no doubt that he would, but he just didn't want to stir up any painful memories.

"Quit worrying," Josiah told him.

"I'm sorry," Ezra replied and smiled. "It's just that . . . presents have never held so much meaning. In the past when I was forced to give a gift I usually just grabbed something, paid the lady to wrap it, and I was done. But this," he pointed to the bundle. "This is different. It's all different."

"Good . . ."

"Good?"

"Yeah, I'm glad that Vin and the rest of us have given meaning to your Christmas," Josiah explained. "It's what families do."

"Thank you," he whispered.

"Now get over here and help be finish this," the older man told him.

"Will we have it ready in time?"

"Should," Josiah grinned.

"What are you grinning at?"

"Nothing. I just never would have guessed it."

"What?" Ezra asked as if he was afraid of the answer.

"That you had such a romantic heart . . ."

"Shut up!" Ezra muttered and felt his face heat up causing Josiah to laugh.

Three hours later they were done and stood back to admire their handy work.

"Vin's going to love this."

"I love it!" Ezra laughed. "Thanks for helping me," he said and quickly gave him a hug.

"It was my pleasure," Josiah told him. "Of course, you know the others will want to borrow it. Me included."

"And ya'll can," he stated. "But only after we get our turn."

"Come on," Josiah said tossing him his coat. "We'd best get inside before Vin comes looking for you."

Stepping onto the back porch they stumped the snow from their feet then headed inside.

After removing their coats they headed for the livingroom and the nice warm fire. Ezra frowned as he noticed that the furniture was pushed back. "What's going on?"

Vin grabbed his hand and began to rub them. "'Bout time you got in here. I was fixing to go look for you," he told him.

Ezra smiled as he someone turned on some music.

"Dance with me," Vin said pulling him away from the fire and to the middle of the room.

"Okay, but only a couple . . ."

"Why?"

"'Cause I have a surprise for you . . ."

"What kind?"

"A special one," was all he said as he wrapped his arms around Vin and rested his head on his lover's shoulder.

Soon everyone was gently swaying to a Christmas tune. They all laughed as Buck started singing, 'Silver Bells' a little off key. The next song to play was 'The Christmas Song' and they all joined in.

Resting his forehead against Vin's, Ezra sang in a soft clear voice. Caught up in the mood and the feel of Vin in his arms the Southerner didn't notice that he was the only one singing. Until the sound of just his voice reached him causing him to pause. Then with a shrug, a blush, and a grin he continued until he finished the song.

"Hey, Ezra it's starting to snow," Josiah said from his place next to the window.

"It can't!" he cried.

"Calm down," Josiah told him. "This might work out even better . . ."

"Oh, and how is that," Ezra snapped as he stepped away from a confused Vin.

"This will be more romantic," he pointed out with a grin. "But you wouldn't be able to stay out as late."

"Those are very good points, Josiah," Ezra said. "You will still help me won't you? I didn't mean to snap at you."

"It's okay, but let's go," Josiah said. "You go grab the stuff while I . . ." he paused and they both looked over at Vin.

"Okay, what the hell is going on here?" Vin asked with his hands on his narrow hips.

Ezra ignored him and stepped closer to Josiah. "Okay. You take care of that part and I'll be right behind you," he told him. Turning to Vin he said, "Patience. All will be revealed in time. Stay in here and I'll be right back." He was almost out of the room when he turned back around. "Well, you can get your coat on, but stay away from the windows."

He rushed from the room threw on his coat and headed for their house. He quickly grabbed the stack of blankets off the couch and the two thermoses off the counter. Stepping outside Ezra grinned at Josiah as he pulled the sleigh to a stop in front of him. It was typical sleigh, he supposed. It looked a lot like Santa's. Him and Josiah had found it at the junkyard when gone looking for Vin's Christmas present.

It needed a little work, but between the two of them they had it looking as good as new. They had painted it a shiny candy apple red and trimmed it in gold. The sides were a little low, but high enough to block, at least, some of the wind. They had placed reflective lights on the back, front, and the sides. Even added jingle bells so if they happened to cross the road then they wouldn't be run over. It even had a pole with a hook on the end that held a lantern, that would light their way.

With Josiah's help they quickly spread the blankets then Ezra headed for the front door.

"Vin," Ezra called out. He held his breath as Vin emerged from the house and came to a complete stop.

"Oh, my God," Vin whispered. "Where'd you get this?" he asked as he slowly circled the sleigh.

"I c..can't tell you."

"Did you go and steal Santa's sleigh, Ezra?" Buck teased.

"Do . . . do you like it?" Ezra hated that needy little break in his voice.

"I love it," Vin said then threw himself at Ezra.

The Southerner wrapped his arms around Vin and grinned.

Vin gave him a hard kiss then said, "Let's go."

"After you, my dear," Ezra said with a grand sweep of his arm. Once Vin was seated he joined him and spread two blankets on top of them.

"This hot chocolate?" Vin asked holding up the thermos.

"One of them is. The other has brandy in it."

"Ya'll have fun," Josiah told them. "But don't stay out too long . . ."

"We'll be gone half an hour at the most. So if we're not back . . . come looking," Ezra said. He smiled at his lover and they got under way.

They rode for half a mile talking the whole way then turned back.

"Do we have to go back so soon?" Vin whined.

Ezra looked at his lover, noticing the red nose and cheeks. "Yes, it's cold out here," he told him. "I don't want you catching a cold."

"This was great, Ezra. Thank you," he said.

"It was my pleasure," Ezra replied. "I love you."

"I love you, too. Can I drive back?"

Ezra handed him the reins and laid his head on Vin's upper arm.

All too soon they were pulling up in the yard. They quickly unhitched the horse and were headed for the barn when Vin shook his head and stepped in front of him.

"You can't go in there Ezra."

"Why not?"

"'Cause you can't," Vin told him. "Go cover the sleigh then tell Josiah and the others that we're going home."

"Sir. Yes, sir!" Ezra said with a smart salute.

"Just go!" Vin laughed.

He quickly covered the sleigh and was headed for the house when he saw Chris and Sarah standing at the window and thought they made a very nice couple. Motioning to get their attention Ezra pointed toward his and Vin's house then waved at them when Chris nodded his head in understanding.

Stepping inside Ezra sled his coat and walked into the kitchen, grabbed some items then headed for the bathroom to run some water for a bath.

Thirty minutes later Ezra had his legs and arms wrapped around Vin as they sat in the tub drinking wine and eating Christmas cookies.

"This is the life," Vin said with a contented sigh causing Ezra to smile in agreement and he kissed the top of Vin's head.

Ezra was almost asleep when Vin got to his feet a few minutes later.

"Come on. Let's go to bed," he said with a big yawn.

Stepping from the tub they dried each other off then hand in hand they walked into their room. Vin turned down the bed while Ezra checked to see that everything was locked and turned off. A minute later he crawled into bed and lay his head on Vin's chest then sighed as strong arms wrapped around him.

"Tomorrow's Christmas."

"I know."

Ezra could hear the smile in Vin's voice. Raising his head he placed a kiss on Vin's chest. "It's our first Christmas together."

"The first of many," Vin told him. "And they're only gonna get better."

"It doesn't get much better than this."

"Night, green eyes."

"Night, blue eyes."

Vin stirred as his internal alarm clock woke him up. Shifting he snuggled closer to Ezra savoring his warmth. His smell. Ezra. Blinking the sleep from his blue eyes Vin placed a kiss between the should blades in front of him. He grinned as he realized that he'd never liked sleeping this close to anyone before. In the past when he spent the night with someone Vin always made sure to keep some space between him and his . . . He paused. His what? He didn't want to call the men in his past lovers. That was an endearment reserved only for Ezra. Vin thought for a moment and decided to call them dates. Anyway, he shook his head. He always felt uncomfortable . . . no closed in. Confined. Ah, that's the word, confined. Vin had never liked being held too close or too tight against any of his . . . dates.

But with Ezra, Vin had to grin, because with Ezra there was never a question of being too close, but not close enough. Quietly laughing Vin knew that with Ezra none of the usual rules applied. In fact, since he met his stalwart Southerner Vin had thrown the rule book out the window. Hell, Vin knew he was doing good just keeping up the man. And keep up with he would too, 'cause there wasn't no way in hell he was letting Ezra get away from him. The little time they had spent apart had proven to Vin that he was useless without the other man.

Vin stretched and pushed those depressing thoughts away. It was Christmas and he refused . . . It's Christmas! His mind suddenly cried and he sat up then nudged Ezra.

"Ezra."

The blanketed form barely moved.

With a smile he grabbed the covers and pulled them off his lover leaving Ezra naked before him. His smile widened as Ezra shivered then flung a hand out as he searched for the covers.

"Quit hogging the covers Vin," he mumbled and turned over still searching.

"You're the cover hog, not me," Vin told him and watched as those green eyes focused on him.

"What are you doing?"

He shook his head, as if to say nothing.

"Huh?"

With a grin on his face Vin crawled and gave him a kiss then said, "Merry Christmas, Ezra." Sitting back he saw the sleep leave Ezra's eyes as what he said registered and Ezra smiled.

"Merry Christmas, Vin."

Vin wrapped his arms around Ezra as he knelt in front of him. He tingled as strong hands gently caressed his back then cupped his ass. Lowering his head Vin parted Ezra's lips with his tongue, eager to share a proper Christmas kiss his with his better half.

"Mmm," Ezra moaned then licked his lips as they parted. "You know I love you, right?"

Vin nodded his head, yes.

"Normally there's nothing I'd rather do than make slow sweet love to you," he whispered in a husky Southerner accent that had Vin shivering. "But it is Christmas," Ezra said bitting his lip. "And I . . ."

"Wanta open the presents," Vin said for him. Then laughed as he suddenly found himself pushed aside.

"Come on, Vin. Get dressed," Ezra said grabbed some clothes. "We have our presents to open. Then we gotta trudge through the cold snow and open more presents with the others."

The Texan couldn't believe how excited Ezra was. But then remembered that Ezra hadn't had Christmases like he had and felt proud that his lover was sharing even more of himself. Vin easily caught the pair of jeans that were thrown his way. "Ezra?"

"Yeah?"

"Ya might want to fix your shirt."

"Why? What's wrong with it?" Ezra asked looking down at himself. "Doesn't it go with these pants?"

Vin grinned. Only Ezra, he thought to himself. "It looks great . . . except ya got it on backwards."

Ezra laughed and said, "I guess I'm a little excited."

He quickly dressed as Ezra fixed his shirt and together that headed for the tree.

They had each agreed to limit themselves to three presents each. Four counting the stocking stuffer. They took turns with Ezra going first.

Ezra tore the paper off the smallest gift, opened the box, and removed the bottle of cologne. "Oohh, I like that," he said after opening the bottle. "Thank you," he smiled then dabbed a little on.

"I caught a whiff of that in the store and thought of you," Vin told him. Leaning over he inhaling the cologne mixed with Ezra's own natural smell the combination had his body immediately responding. "Oh, yeah, that was made for you," he whispered.

Ezra shivered and kissed his cheek. "Your turn," he said, handing him a gift.

Vin ripped the paper off, opened the box, then smiled when he saw the tan colored cowboy hat. The old Calvary 'slouch hat' looked exactly like his old one . . . except it didn't have any holes in it. "Where'd you find this? I didn't think they made them anymore," he said placing the hat on his head then began shaping it like he wanted it.

"Internet," Ezra replied. "You can find anything and everything on it."

"How's it look?"

"Like it was made for you."

Vin smiled and gave him a quick kiss. "Thank you," he told him then reached for a bigger box. "Open this one next."

Opening the box Ezra removed a black Stetson cowboy hat. "Looks like we were thinking along the same lines," he said with a smile and placed the hat on his head.

"Can't have you living and working on a ranch without a cowboy hat," a grinning Vin pointed out. "You look like one of those gamblers from the old west . . ."

"Let me see," he said getting to his feet. Standing in front of the mirror that hung on the wall near the kitchen he gave a wide smile and stated, "Damn I look good."

Vin laughed at him and said, "You always do."

"Ok, open the next one," Ezra told him as he sat next to him.

Ripping the paper off Vin opened the box revealing a new pair of boots. He thanked Ezra then handed him his remaining gift.

"Wow," he whispered as he removed a black leather jacket. "This is beautiful, Vin. I love it."

Vin knew he was smiling like a damned fool, but he couldn't help it. Reaching for his gift, he tore the paper off then smiled even wider at the flannel shirts inside the box.

"They're nothing special," Ezra quickly told him. "Just plain old flannel . . ."

"There's nothing plain about them," Vin corrected him. "They're soft, warm, and I love them."

"Good," the Southerner said then jumped to his feet. "Come on, let's do the stockings now. You go first!"

Vin grabbed the stocking that was thrust at him. "No, you go first!"

"Vin."

"Ezra."

"Let's just do it together. Ok?" the Southerner suggested.

"Fair enough," Vin agreed. "Oooh, Heresy's Kisses . . ."

"No!" Ezra laughed. "Dig deeper. Past the candy."

Pulling out a set of keys had Vin looking at Ezra in question. "What did you do?"

"Gee, uhm, thanks," Ezra mumbled as he pulled out an odd shaped piece of medal.

"Did you do what I'm thinking you did?" Vin smiled at the confused look on his lover's face as he looked his gift.

"Yes and no," he said with a smile of his own. "I . . . I don't want to hurt your feelings . . . but what the hell is this?"

"It's a bit."

"Of what?" Ezra asked with a frown on his face.

Vin laughed and gave him a hug and a kiss then said, "The rest is outside."

"So's yours," he told him with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

"Let's get our jackets," they both said. Ezra new black leather jacket matched his new hat perfectly, just as Vin's hat matched the jacket Ezra had given him a few months earlier.

Ezra had his hand on the door knob when the phone rang. Vin quickly answered it. "Merry Christmas to you too, Buck," he said with a smile. "Yeah, we're heading outside now. Ok, we'll met you in the barn."

Stepping outside Vin headed in one direction while Ezra headed in another. "Where ya going?"

"Where are you going?" Ezra wanted to know the same thing.

"Barn."

"Shed."

"You're going first," they both said.

Vin gave Ezra his best puppy dog look and pleaded, "Please, let me give you mine first."

Ezra sighed then smiled at him and nodded his head, yes.

Stepping into the barn with Vin's brothers right behind them, Vin lead him to the back of the barn. "Ok that bit I gave you fits on this," he said.

"A bridle," Ezra said with a frown.

Vin watched as the wheels began to roll in that quick mind and he smiled as Ezra's mouth dropped opened and his green eyes grew round.

"You got me a horse," he whispered in awe.

Not trusting his voice Vin nodded his head, yes. Then stepped back to reveal a dark chestnut colored quarter horse.

"Oh, my God, Vin," Ezra uttered steadily blinking his eyes.

"His name's Chaucer," Vin told him. "He's real smart. And sassy. And beautiful," he shrugged then whispered just so his lover could hear. "Like you."

Ezra stepped forward and gently petted the horse. "Aren't you a handsome steed," he told him.

Vin laughed as Chaucer snorted then seemed to nod his head as if he understood. "I think the two of will get along just fine." He stumbled back a step as he found himself with an arm full of Southerner.

"T..Thank you. Words cannot express what all t..this m..means to me," Ezra said in a watery voice.

"I love you, Ezra" he declared in a tight voice as he held his love even closer.

After a few minutes Buck cleared his throat. "This is all very sweet," he said. "But it's cold out here and we still have another present to look at. Plus, all those in the house." Buck slapped both men on the shoulder then gave them a gentle shove. "So let's get a move on. 'Kay."

Ezra grabbed Vin's hand and with the others following them they headed for the shed where the Southerner's car was parked. Opening the doors they all stepped inside. Vin eyed the bundle under the tarp. "Ezra? What have you done?"

"Come on, Josiah help me uncover it," Ezra said then the two of them peeled the tarp off.

Vin gasped at the sight of the frame of a motorcycle. A Harley. He stared in shock and barely even heard his lover's anxious voice.

"I remembered you telling me that y..your father had talked about the two of you restoring one of these," the Southerner told him. "J..Josiah told me you'd like it . . . You told me he'd like it!" Ezra accused in a harsh whisper.

That broke Vin out of his daze and he pulled Ezra into his arms. "God, Ezra," he whispered. "This is the best present I've ever gotten. I love it."

"R..really?"

Vin nodded then smiled at him.

"That's really cool," JD told them in an excited voice. Then asked, "Can we open our presents now?"

"JD!" Nathan said with a shake of his.

"I'm with JD," Buck added. "It's too damned cold out here. You two can get all mushy in the house."

"Okay, let's go," Vin agreed and gave Ezra a kiss before they left the shed.

Once inside they warmed themselves up for a couple of minutes then Buck started handing out the presents. They each got an assortment of gifts such as wallets, watches, clothes, aged whiskey, novels, a new medical bag, and hand held and computer games.

Vin sat on the couch with Ezra pressed against his side trying to set his new watch and looked up as a shadow fell across them. Chris stood in front of them with an envelope in his hand.

"This is from all of us," Chris said dropping the envelope in Vin's lap.

"Are we being evicted?" Ezra teased causing the others to laugh.

"No, son," Josiah told him. "Just the opposite."

Opening the envelope Vin pulled out what appeared to be a deed. "I don't understand . . ."

Chris sighed and ran a hand through his hair before saying, "We know that living so close to us is a real pain in the ass . . ." he held up his hand to keep them from protesting. "So we're giving you two some land . . . so you can build your own house . . ."

"And have a little more privacy," Buck finished for him with a knowing grin.

Vin didn't know what to say. Looking at Ezra he could see the shock in his eyes.

"It's only a few acres," Nathan told them.

"But enough to put a house on."

"And a barn." Josiah and JD added.

Swallowing hard Vin finally found his voice and said, "T..Thank you. Ya didn't have to, but I . . . we thank you just the same." Getting to his feet he gave each of his brothers a fierce hug. "Where is it . . . the land?"

"That little wooded area that you like. You know the one with the hill and the little pond," Chris told him.

"Is . . . is he okay?" JD asked, his voice full of concern.

The Southerner had yet to say a word.

"Yeah," Vin smiled and knelt in front of Ezra. "I think he's just in shock. Christmas overload or something." Taking the Southerner's face in his hands he leaned over and whispered in his ear, asking if he was alright. Ezra slowly nodded his head, yes.

Finally Ezra gave a small shake his head, got to his feet, and held his hand out to Chris then each of them. "Thank you. Thank you," he said then smiled, a big happy smile.

Vin grinned at that 100 waltz smile on his lover's face and shot a look at Buck then the six of them surrounded Ezra and gave him a big group hug.

"Alright! Alright!" Ezra cried with a laugh. "That's enough of that!"

Keeping his arms around him, Vin pushed his brothers away and teased, "This is my man . . . so get your own!"

"This calls for a drink!" Buck declared.

"How about some eggnog?" Nathan suggested.

"Sounds great!"

"I think all these good tidings deserve a toast," Josiah said a few minutes later as Nathan and JD passed out mugs of eggnog. "To family and friends. And lots of love and good heath in the coming year!"

Then clinked their mugs together and downed the eggnog. The sound of a car pulling up in the yard had JD running to the window and saying, "The girls are here!"

Vin helped Josiah and Nathan clean up the mess, never noticing that Ezra had slipped from the room. A few minutes later he looked up and around for his lover, but couldn't find him. "Where's Ezra?" he asked.

The others shrugged. After checking the bathroom Vin grabbed his coat thinking that maybe Ezra had forgotten something at the house. Slipping out the back door he came to a stop as he spotted his lover standing at the end of the porch. He frowned as he was reminded of Ezra's first morning back in the spring after returning from Denver. Like then, Vin desperately wanted to go to his lover and hold him. To find out what was wrong, but didn't want to crowd him or overwhelm Ezra more than he already was.

And like then, Ezra, without looking holds a hand out toward him, beckoning him closer. Even now Vin has no idea how he does that. How Ezra knows he's there.

"Hey, green eyes," he said softly wrapping his arms around the Southerner from behind, resting his chin on Ezra's shoulder.

"Hey, blue eyes," Ezra replied. "I'm okay," he quickly told him. "It's just . . . that I've never experienced anything like this before and . . . and needed a moment alone to . . . get a handle on things."

"I understand. Take as long as you like," Vin told him. "I'm not going anywhere," he vows, slipping his hand inside the collar of Ezra's shirt, over that jagged scar so he could feel his lover's heartbeat.

"Are they always like that?" Sarah asked from where she stood at the kitchen window.

"Like what?" Chris asked from behind her.

"So affectionate with each other," she explained.

"God, yes," Buck muttered then received a slap on the arm from Inez.

"There's nothing wrong with being affectionate," Inez told him with a smile.

Buck grabbed her and pulled her close. "Of course, there isn't," he smiled, his blue eyes twinkling with humor and good cheer. "So long as I'm the one receiving said affection."

The others laughed and shook their head.

"They just don't seem to be the touchy-feely type," Sarah said with a shrug.

"They aren't," Nathan told her. "They only touch each other."

"Is Ezra okay?" Molly asked Josiah. Molly was the librarian at the local high school. She was tall with dark brown hair and hazel colored hair. And like Josiah, she had taken an immediate liking to the contrary Southerner.

Josiah gave her a kiss on the cheek and said, "Yes. Ezra's going to be just fine. They both will."

"They make a very handsome couple, don't they," Rain stated with a smile. "Do they always surprise each other like last night?"

"Hell, yes!" Chris muttered this time. "Ezra cannot go to town without bringing something back for Vin. Even if it just some candy . . ."

"That's so sweet," Casey sighed. "Vin's so lucky. JD's never gives me nothing!" she fussed.

"That's not true!" JD argued. "I took you on that buggy ride the last time we were in Denver!"

"Yeah, but I had to pay for it!"

"Only half!" he reminded her. "Beside, I had just bought you those roses. Yellow roses, remember?"

"A buggy ride. That sounds," Sarah said with a smile. "Chris has never taken me on a buggy ride."

"And I probably never will," Chris told her.

Sarah put her hands on her hips and told him, "Well, I got news for you buster! You're taking me on a sleigh ride. Got it?"

"Yeah, got it!" the other ladies added looking at their men.

"Yes, ma'am," they all said. Then shot a blameful look out the window.

"Molly and I are going first . . ."

"How do you figure that?"

"Simple," Josiah told Chris. "I helped Ezra fix it up . . ."

"So?"

"So," the older man repeated, "we're going first. Period." Then poked Chris in the chest.

"Don't you poke me," Chris warned him.

Vin and Ezra walked into the kitchen, saw the others paired off having a heated argument, and decided to stay and enjoy the show. Ezra pulled a chair out and pulled Vin down into his lap.

"Are your Christmases always so loud?" Ezra asked a few minutes later.

Vin laughed and kissed his cheek. "Just wait until New Years."

They sat in a comfortable silence lost in their own world, simply enjoying being held. Their breathing patterns soon changed as their bodies began to respond to each other. Ezra slipped a hand inside Vin's shirt and teased his belly button causing the younger man's breathing to hitch. "Let's go to your room and finish what we started this morning," Ezra whispered in Vin's ear.

Vin got to his feet, bent over his lover, and gave him a tender sweet kiss full of promise. "Come on. They'll never even miss us."

Hand in hand they slipped from the room, leaving the others to their argument. Ezra couldn't resist pinching the ass in front of him as they headed up the stairs.

"Hey! Save it for the bedroom, stud."

Ezra just grinned.

Stepping into Vin's old room Ezra wrapped his arms around Vin and said, "Merry Christmas, Vin. I love you."

Vin rested his forehead Ezra's and replied, "Merry Christmas, Ezra. I love you, too."

Then together they pushed the door shut, then locked it. Each ready to consummate their first Christmas together.

The End

<<<<Happy Holidays>>>>

Continued in Only The Beginning