Colin Rogers and his civil partner, Martin Kellam, are invited to spend Christmas down under with Colin’s uncle Matt on his sheep station. Colin has lost his job and worries about the airfare. But Matt offers to help with the cost, and also mentions the possibility that the pair will like Australia so much they’ll agree to emigrate. Two years earlier when Matt spent Christmas with Colin’s family in London, he’d talked about his feelings for Bruce, his foreman. However, on arrival it soon becomes obvious he hasn’t said anything to Bruce, so Colin and Martin decide to play matchmakers. Many decisions have to be made. Can Matt trust his heart? Will Australia be the new start Colin and Martin need? Or is England, despite its cool temperatures and warm beer, too comfortable and familiar to leave?

Colin and Martin's Australian Christmas

Dressing quickly and grabbing the small bag of gifts for Matt and Bruce that Nance had kindly agreed to wrap, Martin knocked on Matt and Bruce’s door and was told to ‘come in.’


“Happy Christmas,” three voices chorused, making Martin smile. 


“And to you, too.” Martin remained in the doorway because he didn’t know the layout of the room.


“I was going to show you your present now, but Uncle Matt says he has an announcement,” Colin said excitedly.


Matt laughed, “Martin was right, you’re like a kid when it comes to Chrissy.”


“Okay then, give Martin his gift and I’ll stay mum.” 


Martin was pretty sure he already knew what Matt had to say, but held his tongue.


“Bruce and I, you ill-educated ignorant bastard,” Bruce corrected.


Chapter 14