Page 56 of Liam

"Winter is coming," Mamma said. "Hope you like it."

I tore the wrapping away. It was a toque and scarf in a dark rust colour. I ran my fingers over the knitted wool and looked up at Mamma. "Did you make these?"

"I hope they're all right," Mamma replied. "I had to make them in a hurry. Jamal didn't give us much warning that it was your birthday coming up."

"They're perfect. Thank you." I pulled the toque onto my head to distract myself as I fought to contain the threat of tears. Mamma had made these with me in mind.

Dammit.

A tear travelled down my cheek.

"Oh, sweet boy." Mamma rose from her seat, came over to me, and hugged me. "You are such a tender soul. It's no wonder you and our Jamal have become such good friends."

She obviously had no idea what I wanted to do with her son.

"Us next," Meera said and set a present in my lap once Mamma went back to her seat. "It's from me, David, and Zahir." The shape of the present—it was definitely a book.

I removed the wrapping. It was a mixology book featuring British Columbia spirits. I cracked it open and scanned through a few pages. I could influence our drink menu with this.

I closed it. "I can make good use of this at work." I smiled at Meera. "Thank you."

Meera laughed. "Phew. I wasn't sure."

"I love it," I reassured her.

I looked at Noah. "I'm going to assume you and the guys will give me something later."

Noah smirked. "You've got that right."

Our history of giving each other gag gifts on our birthdays was going strong. Last year, they'd bought me a small vibrating butt plug, knowing damn well I'd never had anything up my ass.

"I'm going to give my gift to Liam when we're alone," Jamal said.

Meera's right eyebrow shot up.

Thankfully, the innuendo didn't appear to land with any of theadults. Mamma drew everyone into a conversation about a trip she and Jamal's pappa were planning to India. They hadn't been back to visit family in over ten years. They'd be gone for a month. Zahir would be in charge.

Brody stood. "We're going to go now."

Noah joined him. "Yes, our sitter has to study for a test." He gathered up Mamma's hands in his. "As always, Mamma, your generosity has been awesome. Thank you for inviting us." He turned to Jamal's dad and shook his hand. I could see the mutual respect in their posture and features. I hadn't got there with Harsha yet.

"We'll walk you out," Jamal said and tapped my leg, alerting me to the fact we were finally getting out of there. I sprang to my feet. I held Mamma's hands the way Noah had.

"Thank you for dinner and the gift. They meant a lot to me."

"You're so welcome, dear boy."

I nodded at everyone else, shook Harsha's hand, and caught up with Jamal at the top of the stairs. He'd alreadytransferred into the chairlift seat. I carried his wheelchair downstairs.

We met Brody and Noah at the front door.

Noah shoved my shoulder and smirked at me. "Enjoy unwrapping your present from Jamal."

"Haha … fuck off." My attempt at a brush-off, but I couldn't subdue the grin on my face.

"Stop lingering," Jamal said to Noah and Brody, smiling, and hauled open the door.

Noah laughed. "Such hospitality."

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