The fourth and final Colin and Martin Christmas story sees the two men leaving Yorkshire to begin new lives in Australia. Martin Kellam has no qualms about saying goodbye to what remains of his family, while Colin’s parting gift to Martin’s brother is a well-deserved punch in the nose. Before leaving, the two men have one final Christmas in London with Colin’s parents, who are pulling out all the stops to make it an occasion to remember. Martin enjoys teasing his husband. He knows Colin can never resist going in search of presents before Christmas Day. As this is their last winter Christmas, Martin boxes up a lump of coal and puts it somewhere where Colin will find it. The festivities are brought to an abrupt halt when Colin’s mother reveals disturbing news that throws Colin and Martin’s emigration plans into turmoil. Despite Martin’s much-needed comfort and reassurance, Colin is torn between family obligation and the future he and Martin have longed for. Can Martin show him that he can have both?

Colin and Martin's Goodbye Christmas

“You liked the straw one I had a couple of Christmases ago, so I thought I’d get you the genuine article this year.”


“Great.” Martin smiled, his fingers running around the brim. “Put it on for me.


There was a moment of confusion; Colin put the hat on Martin’s head, but Martin had been expecting that Colin would wear it. Yet again Colin was reminded how giving Martin was. Martin had expected his gift was actually for Colin, and that he would only get the pleasure of knowing that Colin was wearing it. Colin knew that this was mainly his fault. When they’d been in Australia, Colin’s Christmas present to Martin had been to dress up as an Aussie cowboy and give Martin the pleasure of letting him feel what Colin was wearing. True, Colin had also organized a breakfast picnic, but Colin still felt guilty that his gifts paled in comparison to those Martin gave him.


“This turkey is so moist,” Colin told his mother through a mouthful of food. He swallowed. “Sorry.”


Chapter 9