Bowing to his parents’ homophobic demands, Professor Henry Rodimacher always chose Christmas with his family over spending it with his partner. However, when Jeremy became terminally ill, Henry defied his family and stayed home for Jeremy’s final Christmas. After Jeremy passes, Henry decides it’s time to mend fences, so despite a raging snowstorm, he starts the long drive home. Before he gets very far, though, he’s alarmed to see a hitchhiker out in the weather, Henry offers the man a ride, and is surprised the hitchhiker is Jimmy Wilks, a former student of his. The heavy snow eventually forces Henry and Jimmy to leave the highway and take refuge in an abandoned log cabin. As the two hunker down to wait out the storm, they give into their mutual attraction and celebrate a wonderful Christmas together. Can their newfound love survive once the snow thaws? Will history repeat itself with Henry going back home alone, or will the magic of their best Christmas ever live on into the New Year and beyond?

Best Christmas Ever

Henry turned on his side, away from Jimmy. He stopped and turned back. He spooned against the young man, draping an arm over him and drawing him close. Henry kissed the top of Jimmy’s head. Jimmy took a deep breath, placed a hand on Henry’s, and scooted closer. He raised Henry’s hand to his lips and kissed it. 8


The combined aromas of coffee and cooking food woke Henry. He rolled over and realized Jimmy and Vixen weren’t in bed. He got up and walked out of the bedroom. Jimmy was setting the table. He smiled at Henry as he approached. They embraced.


Henry nodded. He held Jimmy for several moments.


Jimmy broke the embrace. “Sit down. Breakfast will be ready in a minute.”


Henry sat. Jimmy brought him a cup of coffee. “Hugo had sugar and dry creamer in the pantry. Do you need it?”


Chapter 21