Naughty & Nice (Merry Elf-Mas 2)

Chapter 18

Rolly

A s I looked around Santa’s village, I was shocked by the appearance. This was the same setup that I’d worked at for the past month and a half, but somehow it looked more magical. Maybe the embellishments and sparkly things that had been added weren’t that impressive, but it was more about the atmosphere. My nephew was marrying into town royalty, after all.

I’d seen more Armani suits and Vera Wang dresses in the last ten minutes than I did watching the Oscars. That was exaggerating, but not by much. It was one thing to know Jack had money and another to have it shoved in my face like this. Wearing my dress blues that I was surprised still fit, I felt quite out of place.

“It doesn’t even look like the same place, does it?” Damon came to stand beside me looking sexy as hell in his custom made navy suit.

When Jack had heard about the incident at the department store, he’d set up an appointment with his personal tailor for Angel and Damon. We’d tried to refuse, but Jack Winters didn’t take no for an answer. To my surprise, Holli had backed him up. Seemed my nephew was picking up some of his Daddy’s bad habits.

“It’s not that different. They just dressed it up a little.” Angel joined me on my other side, looking just as delectable as Damon. If I wasn’t careful, I’d be sporting wood through this entire wedding.

I took a moment to think some unsexy thoughts before responding. “Well, whatever it is, the place looks great. The perfect backdrop for Holli’s wedding.”

It choked me up a bit to think of the little boy I’d watched grow up getting hitched and starting a family. Speaking of families, little Flora had escaped from Lolly again and was barreling in my direction.

Stooping down, I scooped her up into my arms and put a big kiss on her cheek. My freshly trimmed beard brushed her baby soft skin and brought about a chorus of giggles. “And what is this little princess up to?”

“Wearing this poor old lady out.” Lolly came trudging along behind Flora, looking totally worn out.

“Flora, you have to be nice to your Nana.” Damon admonished her, but it had little effect since he made a funny face at her.

Angel sighed and rolled his eyes. “Just put a leash on her. Then she can’t run off.”

“No! I too pretty.” Flora’s little face twisted with horror, and she struggled free of my hold. I set her on her feet, and she dashed off before Lolly could catch her.

“Sorry.” I received an irritated glare in response to my apology. Now I was in the doghouse with her.

I gave Angel an unimpressed look, but he just shrugged. I sighed. For all the growing he’d done, my kitten was as prickly as ever. I gave his butt a good swat just so he knew he’d pay for that later. Angel gave me a wary look, and Damon snickered, earning him a warning look from me. These two could be such a handful sometimes, and I loved it.

Looking around, I thought now was as good a time as any to slip away and see Holli before the ceremony. I pulled my boys close and pinned them with a stern look. “I’m going to visit Holli really quick. You two…” I pointed at each of them. “Behave and play nice with the other guests while I’m gone.”

I knew it went without saying, but I loved to tease my boys. They rolled their eyes at me, which just made me chuckle. I kissed each of their cheeks before heading out to see my nephew. I found him in the locker room. Billy was there, too, fussing with Holli’s hair.

Poor Holli was looking a little green while his foot bounced incessantly.

“If you don’t chill the fuck out, then I’m going to knock you out until the ceremony starts.” Billy tweaked the end of Holli’s nose, his lips pursed in irritation.

Holli brushed his hand off with a glare. “I’m allowed to be nervous. It’s not like I’ve ever gotten married before.”

“That’s good to know. Otherwise, my gift would be a bit awkward.” I walked through the open door with my lips curled in a warm smile.

“Hey, Uncle Rolly.” Holli gave a little wave and some of the tension eased from his body. He was looking good in his tux, and Billy had worked his drag magic on his hair and face.

For a split second, I was taken back to the first time I’d seen Holli. That chubby little boy had been chasing after his cousins at Aunt Dolly’s house. It had been shortly after Colly had abandoned him with her and Lolly. For all the heartache he’d suffered, that sweet boy had still smiled.

Now he was a grown man and about to have his own family. Time was a thief, but I couldn’t be mad because I was so proud of the man he’d become. “Hey, Billy, can you give us a minute alone?”

“Sure. I need to finish getting myself ready, anyway.” Billy strutted to the door but paused just before leaving. “Don’t you dare touch your face or hair. I just got everything perfect and have zero problem making Jack a widower if you mess anything up.”

That said, he strode off, and I had to keep from laughing. Billy was all bark, but it made for some entertaining threats. With him gone, I turned all my focus to Holli. I had something important to give him.

I pulled a chair up so that we sat eye to eye before pulling a small box out of my uniform pocket. The weathered black velvet had all but worn off. What was held inside didn’t carry a ton of monetary value, but what it represented was priceless.

“You know, Uncle Solly would have loved to have been here today.” I swallowed the small lump of emotion rising in my throat. “He didn’t get to see any of his children get married and it was always something that weighed on his heart.”

Holli’s eyes were misty as he looked at me. He’d never gotten to meet his grandfather but had heard many stories about him. I knew in his heart Holli held great reverence for the man. As did I.

I held the box up for him to see. “Before he passed, he gave me this box and told me to wear them at my wedding.” I snapped open the box to reveal a set of mother-of-pearl cufflinks. “These cufflinks belong to your great-great-grandfather. According to Uncle Solly, our family used to be well to do just like Jack’s family.”

The way Holli’s eyes widened in surprise made an amused smile curl my lips. Guess we’d all been remiss in sharing our family history.

“Then we lost it all during the Great Depression. Though we didn’t lose everything.” I took Holli’s hand and checked his shirt cuffs. “I’d wanted you to wear them on your wedding day, but it looks like you don’t have the right shirt.” I closed the box and placed it in his hand. “While you can’t wear them, I’d still like you to have them.”

“Uncle Rolly.” He looked on the verge of tears. “I can’t accept such an important gift. You should save them for your own wedding.”

He tried to force the box back into my hand, but I refused. “There’s no guarantee I’ll be getting married.” I gave him a half smirk. “How could I ever choose between my boys for who I’d marry?” Pulling back my hand, I closed his around the box. “You take these and give them to your son or grandson someday. I want you to always remember that your family loves you and this can be a symbol of that love.”

Holli was making a valiant effort to hold back his tears. He clutched that little box to his chest as if it were the greatest of treasures. “Thank you, Uncle Rolly.”

I coaxed him to his feet and pulled him into an embrace. I’d never have a son of my own, but I was sure this is how I’d feel if I did. I loved Holli and was so proud of him. He deserved all the happiness in the world and more. I gave him a gentle pat on his back before releasing him. “Now you go get your happily ever after.”

All he could do was nod and give me one more hug. I left and returned to the village. Scanning the space, my eyes found my boys with little effort. They were sitting with Lolly and the rest of my family. They were both laughing, and I stopped to soak in the moment.

Seeing my boys getting along with my family was something I thought I’d never have. Not too long ago, I thought I’d be alone forever. Then, by chance, these two had wandered into my life. I’d never admit it to Chris, but I was now thankful he’d dragged me out to that kinky Halloween party. It was the night my world tilted on its axis.

Damon looked up, and when he noticed me, he waved at me animatedly. Ah, my pup was so exuberant. I walked over and joined our group. “What was everyone laughing about?”

“Mom was telling us about her wedding. Did you know Great Uncle Tolly got so drunk he took off his shirt and was dancing on top of a table?” Lolly looked like she was about to bust a stitch.

I was still caught off guard by this knowledge that my prim and proper dad had done such a wild thing. I’d bet he was rolling in his grave with that dirty secret coming out. “He really did that, Aunt Dolly?”

“Indeed, he did. Though the old stick in the mud denied it until his dying breath.” Aunt Dolly gave a wistful sigh. “Our wedding was simple. Nothing as grand as this, but we made some beautiful memories.”

She dabbed at her eyes, and Angel surprised me by hugging her. “It sounds like a blast, Dolly. I’m sure Solly would have loved to be here, too.”

If I hadn’t already been head over heels for my kitten, that right there would have sealed the deal. Aunt Dolly patted his hand and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Your name suits you, sweet boy. Rolly had better never let you go. Otherwise, I’m replacing him with you.”

We all busted out laughing, and I was filled with overwhelming love. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the man acting as Jack’s best man, gazing our way. To be specific, he was staring at Lolly. It wasn’t hard to put two and two together.

Never one to miss an opportunity to tease my cousin, I leaned into Lolly. “Is there a reason Jack’s best man keeps giving you bedroom eyes?”

She turned red as a cranberry and sent a glance toward the altar. “I do not know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure, Lolly. Maybe Holli isn’t the only one able to land himself a rich husband.” I chuckled and gave her a teasing wink.

“I’ll land something on you. Hold still, you jerk.” Lolly threw a punch at my arm, but I easily dodged her before taking a seat between my boys.

A few moments later, the ceremony began, and I was biting back tears. I held tight to Damon and Angel’s hands as we watched Jack and Holli exchange their vows. I knew that the law wouldn’t recognize the three of us being married, but I still wanted this. To stand in front of my family and friends to declare my undying love for Damon and Angel. Because they were it for me and I hoped the same went for them.