‘Tis the night before Christmas and hardware store owner Harry Pettit was all alone in his store with only his accounts and a recording of La Boheme for company. When someone knocks at the shop’s door, Harry is surprised to see a knight in full armour. Thinking it’s a drunken prank or a hold up, Harry is reluctant to let the knight in. However, upon discovering the knight’s helmet is stuck closed, Harry’s good nature and the fact it’s Christmas has him invite the stranger inside. Once freed from the helmet, Harry is immediately captivated by the shy man underneath the armour. Seems George White was destined to attend a fancy-dress party with his brother, but when the brother cancels, George, like Harry, finds himself with nothing else to do on Christmas Eve. So why not spend it together? Can St. Nicholas deliver a happy Christmas and a good night to both men? Warning: this short holiday-themed story contains romance, poetry, snow, and a can of WD-40.

The Knight Before Christmas

“You got any plans for tomorrow?” George asked, accepting a cracker loaded with a slice of red farmhouse cheddar.


“Apart from waking up next to a sexy knight?”


“Sorry, but you are. Sexy I mean. I’ll go and spend some time with my dad in the afternoon.” He didn’t add that his dad lived in a nursing home and, thanks to senile dementia, was unlikely to recognise Harry. Wanting to banish that unhappy thought, Harry asked what plans George had.


George swallowed his food. “You mean apart from waking up next to a heroic hardware shopkeeper?” The playful glint in George’s eyes was back.


“Yeah, right.” But Harry kissed George for the compliment then handed him a glass of wine


“Thanks.” George took a sip. “It’ll be quiet. Just Mum and me, although Toby and Chantelle will probably come round in the afternoon. Mum’s a good cook and Chantelle isn’t, so they’ll eat Christmas dinner with us.”


Chapter 10