Page 53 of The Orc Who Hated Christmas
Graal had been worried about how to help today, as he didn’t know how to cook or bake. And he worried with his size and clumsy fingers he might just end up getting in the way in the crowded back.
“If you like, you can be in charge of setting up the table,” Cas had said with a smile.
Graal had been surprised at being given such a big responsibility, even though he knew he could move the tables into place. But then Cas had mentioned decorations. Graal wasn’t sure about decorations. He worried he would screw that up. And he didn’t want to screw up Christmas.
But Cas had smiled at him and merely said, “You’re the mate of the Christmas pixie. You’ll do an excellent job.”
Graal surveyed his work. He had to admit it looked nice.Not as nice as if Cas had been the one to set it up. But still nice. And very Christmassy. He took a deep breath, pride filling his chest with the knowledge he’d contributed to the family’s Christmas Day.
Glancing out the window, he watched snowflakes drift down. It looked pretty.
The sounds of wings beating caused Graal to turn. Cas flew into Graal, wrapping his arms around his chest. “You finished already? I was going to come and help. But you didn’t need me at all.” Cas looked around. “It looks beautiful, Graal!”
Graal flushed with the praise. “It does, doesn’t it?”
Cas nodded. “Perfect for Christmas.”
Graal stroked Cas’s hair, admiring the room, including the table, the decked-out Christmas tree, the hanging garlands and baubles, and the stunning pixie in his arms. He had everything he needed for a magical Christmas.
So many Christmases, Graal had sat alone in an empty place with no decorations or anyone who loved him. Today was different.
“Are you all right?”
Graal cleared his throat. “Just thinking. For years, I’ve been an orc who hated Christmas. This time of year has always reminded me of how unloved and alone I am. But today, I don’t hate Christmas. All I can think of is how lucky I am to be celebrating this day with you.”
Cas’s expression softened. He slipped his hand into Graal’s. “I look forward to celebrating many more Christmases together. I love you, Graal.”
“I love you too.”
Then Cas pulled Graal in for a kiss.
After a few seconds, Cas pulled back. “And I have something for you too.” Cas reached into his pocket. He pulled out a tiny box.
Graal frowned. “I thought everyone was doing presents after lunch.” Graal had been nervous and excited when Cas mentioned exchanging gifts with the family.
Cas had a lot of family, and Graal had never bought presents for anyone, and at the time, there had been two days until Christmas. But Cas had laughed and said they could make chocolate truffles and that could be Graal’s gift for the family this year. Next year, though, Graal wanted to buy gifts. He’d probably need Cas’s help. But he looked forward to it.
“We are. But I wanted to give you your first ever official Christmas present now. I thought you should wear them during lunch.” Cas held out the white box to Graal. “Come on. Open it! I want to see what you think.”
Graal took the box containing his first ever Christmas present. Holding his breath, he lifted the lid.
“I know you only wear gold hoops and studs, so these aren’t your style. But I thought?—”
“We’ll be matching,” Graal cut him off.
His heart leapt in his chest. He reached into the box. He lifted out the pair of earrings. They looked so tiny in his hand. Little gold Christmas baubles dangled on thin gold chains attached to hooks that would go into his ears. A perfect match to Cas’s silver ones.
Cas beamed. “Exactly.”
“They’re perfect. Thank you.” Graal kissed Cas on the forehead. “Will you put them on me?”
Cas took out a stud from each of Graal’s ears and replaced them with the bauble earrings.
“There.” Cas surveyed the look. “Now you are the perfect Christmas orc.”
Graal chuckled and lifted Cas into his arms. Then he kissed Cas with all the joy and happiness he had bubbling inside him.
Pixie dust filled the air. Pixie dust, which tasted sweet and citrusy. But only to him. Because regular pixie dust didn’t have a taste. Unless you were the pixie’s mate.
