Page 48 of Dragged Home for Christmas

He collected his papers into a sheaf before removing a folded sheet from his pocket. He opened it up and gazed at the familiar scrawl, his chest tightening.

“What’s that?”

“Nick’s letter.” Mike sighed. “I must’ve read it about ten times since you gave it to me.” He glanced at Sam. “Actually, you should hear this. You get a mention. All of you do.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

He smiled. “But I want to.” He cleared his throat.

Dear Mike,

First off, please let me say the time I was able to spend with you ranks high among my most treasured memories. Even when you were young, I knew you had flair and style. I figured if you ever decided to try drag, you’d rock it hard. I will admit, I’m sad that I won’t be around to see it.

I know that sounds depressing and a little morbid, but I’ve just got a feeling, that’s all. I’m writing this the night before my heart op. The doc thinks it’ll go well, but …well, you never know, right? And just in case it doesn’t, I want to make sure I’m leaving my house in order.

About that…

If you’re reading this, then by now you’ve inherited my place. I’m certain you met the girls—well, I hope you have, assuming they’re still living at the house. They’re a motley crew, but among the fiercest friends and family you’ll find. They’re the only things that made me smile during these last few months.

I remember you as a kid. Your grandmother kept me up to date with what you were doing, at least, she did until she passed. Mom was a great lady. I wish you could’ve seen her the way I got to in her last years.

But now you’re an adult, and I’ve just handed you a whole new set of priorities. I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe you’ll sell the place, maybe you won’t. I hope not. I’d really love to keep the place in the family—including the sisters you’ve just met.

Regardless, the house is yours to do with as you see fit. But know that it’s given with love and admiration. Because I have always admired you.

I hope you stay in P-town and make a life for yourself. You’d be a good fit. Think of me now and then.

Uncle Nick

Mike folded the sheet and put it back in his pocket. Not for the first time, he wiped away the tears. When he caught a sniff, he glanced across the table to find Sam doing exactly the same thing.

“Got something in my eye,” Sam said in a gruff voice. He stood. “Guess we’re left minding the fort tonight.” Then he stilled. “I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you come to my room, I’ll fire up the laptop, and we’ll find a movie on Netflix.Something uplifting, to make us smile.”

Mike loved that. “We got any wine left in the fridge?”

Sam grinned. “Enough for a couple of glasses, I think.” His eyes gleamed. “Unless you want to drink it straight from the bottle again.”

That was all it took to drag Mike’s mind back to a sandy beach, a beautiful sunset, and that first kiss.

Then he recalled Sam’s Ten Kiss rule—and where they were up to.

“A movie sounds great.”

“Having the place to ourselves sounds even better,” Sam added with a smile.

It was the recipe for the perfect evening. Well, it would be—as soon as Mike grabbed a shower.

Just in case.

Sam closed the laptop. “Well? Do I have good taste in movies or what?” He thought he’d nailed Mike’s mood pretty well, judging by Mike’s expression as they watched.

Mike laughed. “Okay,Ratatouillewouldn’t have been my first choice, but you were right. It made me smile.” They sat on Sam’s bed, propped up by pillows, the laptop on the comforter between them, connected to an external speaker. They’d killed the last of the wine and Sam had a nice buzz going on.

Mike was adding to that buzz, and then some.

Sam chuckled. “I must’ve watched it five or six times, and it always has the same effect. It’s what I put on when I need a pick-me-up.” He placed the laptop on the nightstand.

Mike gazed at him. “You’remypick-me-up.”

---