Late December
“WELL, IT’S done,” Forge said as he came into the living room. “The law office is closed for good. Everything has been shuttered and the books finalized, attorneys, paralegals and other staff taken care of, and that’s a huge monkey off my back.” He sat in one of the large black chairs that he loved, putting his feet up on the ottoman. As expected, after the revelations about Francis and who he’d been doing business with, the law practice had imploded on itself. Forge worked with the other attorneys to get them through the fiscal year. He made sure everyone was taken care of and then went through the process of closing the business for good. Not that they were getting any new clients.
The attorneys all drifted away, along with their staff. The hardest part had been subleasing the space, but another firm, started by one of the lawyers who’d worked closely with Granger, had come forward with a plan to start a new practice. Forge arranged for them to take over the lease, and he’d left the furniture and other materials, including the law library, for them. That alone had made the deal sweet for the new firm and got the old firm out of its lease and its one major remaining financial obligation. Even after closing, the firm had had a stellar year, so Forge made sure Granger’s parents received part of the payout.
“That’s a huge relief,” Gage said as he sat on the edge of the ottoman. “What about work?”
“I’m not getting the thrill out of it I was a while ago, so I’m thinking of doing something else. I’m not sure what yet, though. I haven’t given notice or anything, but I wanted to talk to you first.”
“You have a great eye,” Gage said, looking around the living room of their large bungalow-style home. Forge had sold his house, and he and Gage had bought something smaller, but with immense amounts of character. “Do what you want to do. You have plenty of money.” By the time Forge had settled the estate and found out what Granger had squirreled away, there were millions of dollars that needed to be handled. Forge hired an investment manager, and his nest egg was growing at a rate that outstripped his salary.
“I want to travel and see things. I want us to be able to take trips and go places that are fun. I was thinking Australia in March if you can swing the time away. By then I’ll have made a decision.” Forge reached over to turn on the Christmas tree that stood in the corner. He loved how festive it made him feel.
“My parents are coming for dinner.”
Forge blinked. He had completely forgotten.
“Go ahead and get a shower. I have the gifts wrapped and under the tree for them. They called ten minutes ago to let us know they just crossed the state line.” Gage went back in the kitchen. It seemed that both Forge and Gage had discovered a love of cooking. “I have a job that will start after the first of the year.”
“What kind of job?” Forge asked as he went down the hall toward their bedroom to undress.
“Interesting one. A singer, famous and all, is going on tour, and they want extra protection, as well as a fresh set of eyes on their security plans, so they called me. I’m going to be spending three weeks on tour with them.”
Forge looked up when Gage came in the room. “Who is it?”
“Derrick McCarthy,” Gage told him, and Forge nearly fell over. “Yes, the one man on earth that you’d leave me for.”
“I don’t know about that, but I’d love to have his babies. Wait, that wasn’t what I meant.” Forge fell onto the bed in a fit of laughter. “See… I get all weird when I think about him.”
“Do you want to come with me? I told his people I had a husband who was an interior designer, and apparently Derrick also wants his coach interior redone, and he hates the inside of the house he bought in Saugatuck.” Gage stood still, eyebrows raised. It took a few seconds before Forge caught what Gage was trying to tell him.
“Holy crap… I could design for Derrick McCarthy… and he’s gay?”
Gage shrugged and left the room.
Forge jumped into the shower, taking a quick one before hopping out, drying himself off, and dressing. He cornered Gage in the kitchen, plastering himself to his back. “He really wants a designer?”
“Yes. And if it works out, it could be a huge door opener. But if you aren’t interested in doing that any longer….” Gage was teasing, Forge knew it, and normally he’d have tickled him, but with all the hot stuff around, he just held Gage tighter and kissed his neck. “God, I love you. Tell him I’d be honored to work with him and try to make his home away from home feel more comfortable.” Forge didn’t move. “And of course I’ll be an extra set of eyes for your team.” Forge expected an argument, but before Gage could give one, the doorbell rang, and Forge hurried to open the door for his in-laws.
“Merry Christmas,” he greeted as Gage’s mom and dad walked inside. They came up about once a month, and he and Gage went to see them about as often. They were all working to improve their relationship, and it really seemed to be helping.
Harry greeted him warmly with a handshake, and Shirley hugged him. Gage shared a hug with both his parents, and it spoke a lot about how far they’d come.
“How’s business?” Gage asked his dad.
“Better than ever. We reworked a lot of our systems, streamlining things, and now we have more customers and are making more on what we have, so it’s a real win.” Harry sounded happy as all get-out, and Shirley sported a diamond necklace Forge hadn’t seen before, which Shirley kept fingering absently.
“A sparkly present?” Forge asked, and Shirley blushed and beamed at her husband. She then directed Harry to put the gifts under the tree, and they all sat down for a wonderful family evening that lasted well into the night. Forge had prepared the guest room for them, and after they said good night, he and Gage sat in the living room with wine and only the light of the tree.
“In this light you look just like you did when I first met you.” Forge leaned in, kissing Gage lightly. “I’ll never get over meeting you again… and just when I needed you most.” He leaned closer, sliding off the arm of the chair and onto Gage’s lap.
“Hey, that goes both ways.” Gage drew him closer, exploring his mouth, and the taste of wine and Gage mixed on Forge’s lips. “Do you want your present?”
“I already got my present.” Forge set his glass on the table beside the chair and drew Gage in for another kiss. He’d gotten the very best present of all, even if it had taken seventeen years and a trip to hell and then back to an amazing life.