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

“Anyone for Christmas pudding?” Avril asked, getting to her feet.


Her question was met with groans and three men rubbing their distended bellies.


Colin was about as full as he could ever remember, but he loved his mother’s Christmas pudding, and this would be the last time he’d get to taste it in a while, so he said he’d have some. “Just a bit, though.”


This brought a genuine smile from Avril. “Martin has the recipe, so he’ll be able to make it for you next year.”


Colin groaned. He remembered the meal Nance, Matt’s housekeeper and Bruce’s mother, had made for them. Nance was a wonderful cook, maybe not as wonderful as his mother, but such a heavy meal on one of the hottest days of the year had been too much. Colin had been uncomfortable for several hours afterward.


Chapter 10