Shelf-Made Man

Epilogue

O ne year later.

“You taste like a candy cane.” To illustrate his point—or really, just because he wanted to—Tobias licked Alfie’s ribs.

Alfie, who was often ticklish, wiggled and laughed. “Keep doing that and I might fear that you’re trying to eat me up.”

“I already did,” replied Tobias smugly. “Once last night and then again?—”

“I remember the events quite fondly. You needn’t remind me.”

Tobias laughed and snuggled up against his husband’s smooth, strong body. Alfie did taste like peppermint, and it wasn’t because of the soap they used. His skin temperature was always a little cooler than a human’s, which was heavenly in summer and also nice in winter, considering that Tobias tended to run hot. Also his hair was like watered silk, his lips were never chapped, and he had the most adorable dimples right?—

“Tobias. Don’t you think we ought to get out of bed? We’re expected for dinner.” Alfie sounded on the verge of laughter, which in turn made Tobias chuckle.

“I don’t think they believed us when we said we needed a nap.”

Alfie touched the tip of Tobias’s nose. “Did you believe them when they said they needed their naps?”

“Alfie! Surely you can’t believe that— She’s in her nineties!”

“But she seems to be enjoying a second flush of youth.”

That was undeniably true. Tobias had wondered whether it was due to magic or simply being reunited with her long-lost love, but then he had decided it didn’t matter. Aunt Virginia was clearly happy. She’d filled her closet with new clothes, and she and Olve frequented the opera, theatres, museums, and restaurants. They both found it amusing to watch people’s reactions to them as a couple: a man seemingly young enough to be the elegant woman’s grandson.

Anyway, thinking about his godmother’s sex life killed Tobias’s amorous mood, so he sighed and rolled out of bed. Alfie ogled him before following suit, and then they teasingly jockeyed for space in the en suite as they washed up. While they dressed, they discussed a couple of highlights from the past year, including Tobias’s relief that there had been no troll corpses when they returned to the house in Portland.

Alfie put on an outfit that Tobias had sewn him for special occasions: shiny gold tights and a forest-green tunic with gold embroidery. Alfie had even found pointy-toed slippers, also in gold and green. He said it was the sort of thing he would have worn to a semi-formal occasion at the castle, although he chose to forego the traditional peaked cap.

As for Tobias, he donned a pair of nice khakis, a white button-down shirt, and a blue tie embroidered with white snowflakes. Alfie had seen the tie a month earlier and insisted that Tobias buy it.

Tobias thought that he looked plain and boring compared to his husband, but Alfie’s eyes shone when he looked at him. And Alfie always seemed to be telling the truth when he said that Tobias was beautiful.

Aunt Virginia and Olve had redecorated over the past months, so all the rooms were fresh and bright, and her first husband’s paintings carefully hung. For today, Olve had also added several dozen small shiny balls that hung from the ceiling without visible support and slowly twirled, making the light dance and glitter. Together with the winter greenery and flowers arranged around the room, the effect was enchanting, like stepping into fairyland.

But honestly, Tobias’s entire life seemed enchanted nowadays .

He and Alfie were still admiring the effect when Aunt Virginia made her grand entrance, as she liked to do. Her tea-length cocktail dress was iceberg-blue with a glittery lace bodice and a flared skirt, and her hair—naturally white—was done up in an elegant arrangement.

“My Lady.” Alfie executed a deep bow. “Are you the Countess of Contovello or the Snow Queen?”

She waved a hand. “I’m your Aunt Virginia.” But she looked pleased.

“You do look amazing,” agreed Tobias.

Before she could pretend to fend off the compliments, Olve appeared, dressed in a good but entirely ordinary suit. He was slightly plump now, with rounded cheeks and eyes that often lingered on his wife. His smile rarely faded. “I hope you’ve worked up an appetite,” he announced, winking broadly, which made Tobias blush.

Then, at Olve’s insistence, everyone else sat and he started toting in food from the kitchen. It had turned out that he loved to cook and, for that matter, to serve. “A good meal is the best kind of magic,” he liked to say.

It was a feast. There were two kinds of salads, turkey baked in puff pastry, along with cranberries and hazelnuts, glazed carrots, and crusty brown bread. It was all perfectly delicious, and the conversation flowed like good wine. Olve and Aunt Virginia spoke of some recent museum exhibits and of their planned springtime trip to Italy. Tobias and Alfie talked about some of the renovations they were doing on their Portland bungalow. Last year’s fight with the trolls had caused some property damage, which provided a good excuse to finally restore the woodwork and floors to their original state.

“One more piece of good news,” Tobias announced as they drank tea and ate spiced cardamom cookies. “Alfie’s going to enroll in the community college next semester.”

Aunt Virginia clapped her hands. “How lovely! Do you have a plan of study in mind, dear?”

Uncharacteristically, Alfie looked a bit shy. He was still getting used to the concept that he had value even though he was no longer a prince. “I, er, I was thinking of becoming a nurse. My healing skills are all well and good, but I think that science would be helpful as well.”

Tobias reached over to squeeze his hand. He was so damned proud of his husband, who’d adapted to an entirely new world with enthusiasm and grace.

Olve nodded. “Remember, magic is science—it simply hasn’t been studied properly to find out how it works. I’m doing a bit of that myself and, Tobias, perhaps later we can discuss some software to help me. Alfie, I’m certain you’ll make an excellent nurse.”

Of course he would. What patient wouldn’t be cheered by Alfie’s charm and soothed by his kindness? Whenever Tobias had a frustrating day at work or felt awkward in a social situation, all he needed was a smile from his husband or a gentle touch, and his mood immediately brightened .

“How about you, Toby?” asked Aunt Virginia softly. “Do you have any special plans for the coming year?”

“To support Alfie and be happy together. And maybe have a small adventure or two with him. You know, YOLO and all.” He grinned at her.

And that was it. He had all he needed: family, friends, and love. His heart was so full it was a wonder it still fit in his chest.

As the conversation continued around him, he looked up at the shelf next to the dining room door. Arranged there carefully were the porcelain elves with their skis and their bags full of gifts. They looked merry.

But their companion looked considerably less happy.

Sitting on the shelf beside them was an elf doll with brown hair, lavender eyes, and a decidedly sour expression. Its Christmasy tunic and hose bordered on garish, and its pointy hat was slightly too small. Tobias gave the doll an evil trollish grin.

Then he squeezed his beloved’s hand, put another few cookies on his plate, and listened to Aunt Virginia tell a scandalous, hilarious tale about her third husband, the movie star.

This was easily his best holiday so far. With, he knew, many more to come.