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"So they were in on it too."

"It's a lot of work making you feel welcome here," He sat on the sofa and gestured for Alec to join him.

"I'm sorry I'm so much trouble," Alec said, moving to him. He said it as a joke but wondered if it might be true.

"If you were easy, I wouldn't be interested."

"Demarco seems to think I can spend more time here… writing, but keep my place in DC.

Maybe even keep my job too."

"Yeah?" said Tyler.

"Christmas too."

"I knew I'd like him."

"I hated fighting with you, Ty. I've been miserable."

"So miserable he went hightailing it back to hisshitty ex."

Alec looked at him with mock annoyance.

"I know, I know," said Tyler. "Bad joke. But that wasn't a fight."

"Oh… you were mad at me. You made me leave your house!"

"I could never stay mad at you for long. And I wasn't really mad, Alec. I was sad. Sometimes it just comes out that way."

"Well, you won." Alec placed his glass on the coffee table and nestled back into Tyler's arms.

"I'm here for as long as you'll have me."

Tyler squeezed him. "I may never let you out of my sight again."

To the left of the fireplace was a Christmas tree… a modest one, small, freshly chopped, with

only lights and a few sparse ornaments. "You went all out. And in such a short time."

"Didn't have time to get presents though."

"You're all the present I need."

They sat there a while, listening to the crackling fire, saying nothing and everything. Finally,

Alec broke the silence: "Are we in love?"

"I am," Tyler said.

Alec sat up and turned toward him, surprised by his promptness. He was on the spot now,

vulnerable… and he had initiated it. Tyler's expression was firm, honest. He was beautiful there in the firelight, his features chiseled in shadow and glow. And in that instant, Alec knew… knew that this was not the same as before… knew that this man was of a caliber far stronger than any other… and

knew that he was extremely fortunate to have found him.

Tyler was a man who needed him for who he was, not what he was. And it felt good.

"I am too," he said, leaning in to kiss his cowboy.