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

“It’s okay,” Martin said quietly, getting up to stand behind Colin’s chair.


“Mum?” Colin turned pleading eyes to his mother.


“They caught it early. There’s every chance I’ll make a full recovery. I just need to have an operation and some chemotherapy.”


Colin’s mind wasn’t processing this. It couldn’t be happening. His maternal grandmother and one of his aunts had died of cancer. Cancer ran in families, didn’t it? He shivered and his eyes filled with tears. He could barely feel Martin’s hands massaging his shoulders.


“Why?” Colin got out. He shook his head. “You can’t.” He stood and pushed away from the table, he had to leave, think. This wasn’t happening, not to his mum. She was too young to die. He still needed her.


“Colin,” his dad said as Colin reached the door to the dining room. “Come back to the table.”


Suddenly Colin felt angry. “You weren’t going to tell me.” He whirled on Martin. “Any of you.”


Chapter 11