Title: White Christmas
Author: Bj Jones
Rating: FRM
Summary: Speed wanted to show Eric a white Christmas
Sequel: Christmas Wedding
~*~
“It’s cold.” Eric pulled his coat around him.
“We’re almost there,” Speed turned up the heater, trying not to suffocate from the heat.
“Why are we up here, in the snow?” Eric looked out at the snow covered ground. “Why couldn’t we just have stayed in Miami?”
Speed sighed. “I thought it would be nice to get away from Miami for a while.”
He looked over at the Cuban-Russian. They had been together now for seven months. The longest relationship he had since Sam. He had wanted to take Eric to where he grew up, tell him about Sam – his past. Have a white Christmas. But the Miami native hadn’t stopped complaining since they left the airport, hell before that, when he sprung the trip on him. It was starting to get on his nerves.
“To New York?” Eric griped.
Speed ignored him as he pulled up to the small cabin and turned off the engine. “We’re here.”
“Where’s here?” Eric looked out at the cabin. “This is it?”
“Yes.” Speed got out of the car and slammed the door. He hoped the cold air would cool down his emotions. He was very close to hitting his lover. He found the hidden key under the welcome mat.
The cabin belonged to Jack and Pam, Speed’s adopted family. They had taken care of him after Sam’s death, helping him cope and subsequent introducing him to forensics. When he had suggested taking Eric up to Syracuse they offered their cabin. They promised it would be stocked and ready for him.
After opening the door he went straight for the fireplace, sighing with relief that there was a pile of chopped wood. He started a fire and then went to check the rest of the cabin. By the time he got back from making sure the generator was fully charged and everything was up and running Eric had brought their luggage inside and was standing in front of the fireplace.
“I can start something for dinner,” Speed suggested.
Eric shrugged, not turning around, “Something warm.”
Speed counted to ten and just headed for the kitchen. “Once we eat and warm up we can head out and find a tree …”
“You want me to go back out in the cold?” Eric asked appalled.
“It’s not that bad,” Speed turned and looked at his lover. “You know people actually live, work, and survive up here.”
“Why?” Eric shivered.
“We don’t have to go out today, tomorrow is supposed to warm up.” Speed walked back into the kitchen.
“You can go out, I’m staying in here.” Eric grabbed a blanket and curled up by the fireplace. “I’m not stepping foot outside until we go home where it’s warm.”
Speed looked out the kitchen window watching the snow fall. He remembered as a kid playing in the snow, enjoying the first snow fall. Then later, before the accident, he had fond memories of loving Sam by the fireplace. Just before the accident they had spent Christmas up at a cabin, similar to this one. Sam had asked him to marry him. Oh they knew they couldn’t legally marry, but they could be with each forever. Two weeks later their dreams had been destroyed.
He had brought Eric up here to show him how beautiful the snow could be, make love to him by the fire, and ask him to marry him. But it was obvious to Speed; Eric didn’t want to be here. He sighed and finished up with the soup.
“Dinner,” Speed called out.
Eric walked in still wrapped in the blanket. “Soup?”
“I have to go to the store for fresh supplies,” Speed said. “I turned the heater on; it’s not that cold in here.”
“It’s freezing,” Eric sat down warming his hands from the steam. “You know we could have just stayed home…”
Speed had it. He tossed his spoon down and got up from the table. “I’m going out.” Speed grabbed his coat, scarf and gloves and stormed out slamming the door behind him.
~*~
Speed came back an hour later, he leaned the small pine tree against the porch. He stomped the snow off his boots and headed inside the cabin. He hung up his scarf, gloves and coat by the door, and then walked into the living room. Eric was reading by the fireplace.
“I got a tree,” Speed offered.
“That’s nice,” Eric didn’t look up.
Speed ran a hand through his fingers. “I’m surprised you’re still here. You hate it so much.”
Eric looked up at him. “The airports are closed.”
Speed stared at him. “You weren’t even going to give it a chance?”
“You didn’t ask if I wanted to come up here and freeze my ass off,” Eric pointed out. “It would have been nice to be included in our vacation/holiday plans. Now I’ll be missing Christmas Eve Mass with my family.”
Speed sighed. “Damn it Delko, do you even listen to me when I open up? We’re in Syracuse, New York.”
“So?” Eric tossed the book to the side.
“Fuck you,” Speed walked past him and into the bedroom slamming the door shut. He sure as hell was rethinking his plans. He grabbed his bag and found the small box. He looked at the ring nestled inside it. It was a simple white gold band, with a Celtic eternity knot engraved along the band. He closed it and put it back in his bag. He was tired from the trip; maybe it will be better tomorrow. He lay down on the bed and fell into a restless sleep.
~*~
Speed blinked at the morning light, he turned over to an empty bed. Eric hadn’t even come in last night. He groaned as he sat up. He had to figure out what to do. He grabbed a quick hot shower, got dressed and headed out to the living room. He looked into the guest room, noticing the bed had been used.
He sighed and went looking for Eric. He needed to apologize and maybe just tell him the plans for the week. He stopped when he saw Eric’s bags by the door. He walked into the kitchen and looked at Eric.
“Are you leaving?” Speed asked.
“Airport opened up,” Eric shrugged. “I was able to get a flight home.”
“That’s it,” Speed looked at him. “You don’t like the cold so you decided to leave. Never once asking why I wanted to come here?”
“My family is important,” Eric looked at Speed. “I decided I didn’t want to be away from them on Christmas.”
“And what about me?” Speed leaned against the wall.
“You don’t have to stay here,” Eric pointed out. “My taxi is waiting.”
“You were going to leave without telling me?” Speed blinked back fresh tears. “Just walk out.”
“I’m sorry,” Eric grabbed his bag. “But this was a bad idea.”
“Yeah it was,” Speed whispered. “I’ll see you after the New Year.”
“Come home Speed,” Eric laid a hand on his lovers arm.
He laughed harshly and looked at Eric. “I am home.” He shook Eric’s hand off and walked back into the bedroom. He held back the tears as he heard the front door close.
~ Miami ~
Eric sighed as he drove to his parents’ home. He didn’t understand why Speed was adamant about going to New York. Not a place he wanted to vacation in, it was cold and, well, cold. He hadn’t spent a Christmas away from his family in his entire life, and didn’t plan on doing that now. If Speed didn’t understand that, then maybe it wasn’t meant for them to be together.
At least he knew his family would be happy to see him. His mom had been upset when he told them he would be out of town for the holidays. He pulled up in front of the house and parked his car.
As happy he was to be home, he couldn’t get Speed’s look and tone out of his head. Speed had told him that he had found his home in Miami, and even more so with Eric and his family. So why the comment, hell why even leave home in the first place.
He got out of the car and headed up to the house. Opening the door he dropped his bags by the door, a little surprised to see bags already there. Shrugging, he walked further into the house.
“Mom,” he called out.
Clorinda stared at her son in shock. “Eric?”
“Hey momma.” He kissed her cheek.
“Eric?” Marisol asked equally shocked.
“What are you doing here, son?” Pavel asked as surprised as the others.
“I couldn’t be away from my family on Christmas,” he smiled at them.
“Where’s Timothy?” Clorinda asked concerned.
“He decided to stay,” Eric shrugged. “I told him that I didn’t want to be away from my family.”
“Tell me my son is not that stupid,” Pavel looked at his wife.
Clorinda stared at her son. “You left your boyfriend behind in New York before Christmas? Alone?”
“Why are you mad at me?” Eric asked defensively. “You were the ones upset I wasn’t going to be here for Christmas and now you’re upset because I decided to come home.”
“Eric he took you home,” Marisol blinked at him. “The man who opens up to no one took the man he loved…” Marisol stopped and looked at her brother. “Oh MY GOD!”
Clorinda and Pavel stared at their son. “You have no idea do you?”
“What?” Eric demanded. “He’s the one that made plans without asking me and dragged me up to some out of the way cabin for Christmas. Why the hell would I want to go to Syracuse?”
The slap echoed on the walls. Marisol glared at her brother. “Man, you are fucking dense.”
Eric looked at his sister in shock holding his cheek. “What is your problem?”
“You selfish asshole,” Marisol yelled. “All you’ve thought of is yourself. I’m going to miss Christmas with MY family. Speed is part of your family or have you forgotten? He planned this for months, talking about it non-stop, couldn’t wait to surprise you. You are so wrapped up in woe is me that you didn’t even give him a chance. If you had you would have found out that Speed knows how much family means to you – he arranged for the family to show up on Christmas EVE!”
“And you abandoned him,” Clorinda shook her head. “I thought I raised you better than that.”
“He didn’t tell me that,” Eric looked down.
“It’s called a surprise,” Pavel sighed. “You were supposed to just be content to be with him. A getaway to a romantic cabin, falling snow outside, with a warm fire inside, and you my son just screwed up the best relationship you ever had.”
“Can we keep Speed?” Marisol asked seriously. “And get rid of him?” She pointed at Eric.
“The sad, truly sad, thing,” Clorinda looked at her son. “You still don’t know the importance of Syracuse.”
Eric looked at his family in shock.
‘What’s this?’ Eric held up a book.
Speed looked over at him. ‘Oh God, I haven’t seen that in years.’ He picked it up. ‘It’s my yearbook.’
Eric glanced up at him ‘Syracuse High School?’
Speed laughed. ‘I’m not Miami born like you, I had to get used to humidity.’
“Lookie the light bulb just went off,” Marisol eyed her brother with her arms crossed in front of her chest.
“Oh Shit!” Eric paled.
“Yeah.” Pavel sighed. “Now what are you going to do?”
Eric turned, grabbed his bag, and ran out of the house. He made record time back to the airport, parked the car, and ran into the terminal. ‘Shit Eric you fucked this up! My God he took you home… the home he never talks about…’ He had the urge to slam his head into the counter. ‘You’ll be lucky if he speaks to you let alone take you back.’
“Sir, we have no flights…” The attendant said.
“NO!” Eric growled. “I have to get to Syracuse tonight. I don’t care how you get me there. I must be there tonight!”
“Sir the last flight leaves in ten minutes.” The attendant smiled. “I can book you on the 9…”
“Get me on the flight,” Eric demanded. “I don’t need luggage check in; just get me through security and onto that plane.”
“I can’t do that…”
“LOOK I need to be on that plane. I… I have to okay – I need to get back to…” Eric swallowed he was choking on his own words.
The attendant picked up the phone. “Sally, we have a late passenger hold till he gets there.”
“Thank you,” Eric smiled at her.
The attendant smiled, got him registered, and booked onto the flight. She called to one of her co-workers to take over and ran him down to the loading gate. “I hope she’s worth it.”
“He is.” Eric ran down the gangway and into the plane. He sighed as he sat down in his seat. Now all he had to do was win Speed back. He swore he heard Marisol’s voice in his head. ‘Grovel’
~ Syracuse ~
Eric arrived back at the cabin just after midnight. He was exhausted. The tree Speed had found was still leaning against the porch. He searched for the key finding it under the welcome mat. He entered the house, setting his bags by the door. His heart broke. Speed was sitting in the chair by the fireplace wrapped in the blanket Eric had used just a day before.
Eric knelt in front of the sleeping man. “Speed?”
“Eric?” Speed muttered as he began to wake.
Eric shook him slightly. “Speed, baby I need you to wake up.”
Speed blinked then looked at Eric, confusion on his face. “What? Eric?”
“I’m a selfish asshole who doesn’t deserve your love let alone your forgiveness.” Eric took Speed’s hand in his own.
“I don’t understand?” Speed tried to sit up. “What are you doing here?”
“Groveling, begging…” Eric whispered. “I’m hoping I didn’t screw this up…”
“You left,” Speed pulled his hand out of Eric’s grip.
Eric looked down then back up, catching Speed’s brown eyes. He flinched at the hurt and pain he saw in them. “I’m so sorry…I…God…” He stood up and began to pace. “I don’t know what I was thinking. At the time it seemed so righteous. I was upset we weren’t home, that I would miss Christmas with my family, and that was your fault.”
“I know how important family is to you,” Speed fidgeted with the blanket. “I arranged for them to come here.”
Eric cringed at the pain in Speed’s voice. “And I fucked it up beyond reason. I didn’t connect Syracuse to you. I just thought it was some place…”
“Even if it was, it shouldn’t have mattered,” Speed stood up angrily. “I wanted time with my lover, a romantic setting, a get-a-way from the world. You left me alone.”
Eric turned and looked at his lover, tears in his eyes. “Is there anyway for me to make it up?”
Speed ran a hand through his hair, “Honestly. I don’t know. You broke my heart, Eric. All I wanted was to show you where I grew up, tell you about the only other person I loved and lost, make love to you by the fire…I can’t deal with you right now.” He turned and went into the bedroom, the soft click louder than the slam the previous night.
Eric slumped into the seat Speed vacated. “What the hell am I going to do?”
‘Keep groveling.’ Marisol’s voice echoed in his head. ‘Don’t walk away, don’t give up – beg, plead. Show him you are the sorriest ass that doesn’t deserve him, but will promise to love him until his dying breath.’
Eric wasn’t sure if he should be worried that his subconscious sounded like his sister or not. He got up and grabbed his bag, setting it in the guest room, he knew he wasn’t welcome in the Master Suite. If he had just had got over his attitude he could be curled up with him now. He dropped the bag on the bed and unpacked. Figured at least that would show he was serious. He paused when he opened the closet. He set his clothes on the bed and began to go through the boxes.
They were Christmas ornaments, stockings, tinsel, garland, and an angel. Eric grinned and pulled them out into the living room.
~ Morning ~
Speed rolled over moaning at the morning sun. He heard movement around the cabin, groaning he buried his head into the pillow. Eric had come back. He wasn’t sure if he should be pissed, relieved, or what. It hurt deeply when Eric walked out. He had seriously though about calling Horatio and resigning.
He once again found himself taking a warm shower, dressing, and facing an uncertain morning. He stepped out into the living and froze. It had been transformed over night. The tree was up in the corner, decorated. Stockings hung by the fireplace. Garlands and lights were strung around the living room. Even candles were burning on the mantle place, which housed a roaring fire.
Speed blinked. Blinked again. Then followed the sounds of Christmas music into the kitchen. This didn’t excuse Eric, but Speed had to admit it touched him. He watched Eric in the kitchen fixing breakfast, a quick whiff and he knew Eric was in full grovel mode.
“Waffles?” Speed asked.
Eric turned around startled. “You’re up.” He fixed Speed some coffee and handed it to him. “The waffles should be done soon, also frying up some sausage.”
“Where did you get the material? I never went to the store.” Speed asked sipping the coffee.
“I went to the store this morning,” Eric went back to fixing breakfast.
“You drove in the snow?” Speed asked a bit alarmed.
“I slid mostly, but didn’t do to bad.” Eric grinned.
“You should have…” Speed paused.
“Woken you up?” Eric finished for him. “Can’t grovel if you ask the one you’re groveling to, to get up and go to the store.”
Speed put his cup down. “Why?”
“Why am I groveling?” Eric put the food onto plates. “Because I will, no matter how long it takes, work at taking that pain from your eyes. I put it there and I’m going to take it away.”
Speed looked up at him, he caught Eric’s hand. “Why did you leave? I mean you said something about family, but…”
Eric sat down not letting go of Speed’s hand. “I’m still trying to work it out in my head. Either I’m the most selfish person in the world…”
“It wasn’t you…or the you I love,” Speed whispered.
Eric caressed his thumb over Speed’s knuckles. “Let me see if I can say this in words without making things worse.”
“Believe me it can’t get worse,” Speed grinned slightly.
“I have a hard time seeing you with a life before Miami,” Eric paused. “My family is your family, it’s all connected. What happened before Miami didn’t equate into my thinking. You never really talked about and I though that was because you didn’t want to remember it. So it was hard for me to understand why you wanted to be away from our family…and I got stuck on that. Not looking at anything else but the fact that we weren’t home.” Eric lifted his hand to stop Speed from responding. “Not realizing that home is where you are. I was being selfish and childish and I hurt the one person I love more than life itself…” He sighed. “I’m not very good at this.”
“You’re doing fine,” Speed whispered. “Miami is my home; your family is the family I never had. But there are things in my past that made me the man I am and I wanted you to see where I came from.”
Eric looked over at Speed. “Honestly, Speed, Tim. I don’t need to know where you come from. The man before me is who I love and want to spend my life with.”
Speed smiled. “I’m still pissed at you.”
“You have every right to be,” Eric agreed. “Though at least let me bribe, grovel, beg, and make it up to you.”
“Did you remember on your own?” Speed asked.
“Honestly, Marisol slapped it into me.” Eric chuckled. “They were ready to take you over me.”
“Well I am cuter,” Speed sipped his coffee.
“I got a flight back as soon as I realized,” Eric grinned. “Begged the attendant to let me on the last flight out.”
“Flashed that Delko charm?” Speed picked up his fork and dug into the breakfast.
“Told her that I had to get back to the one I loved,” Eric answered.
Speed looked up at him, a blush on his cheeks, before going back to eating. “I want to introduce you to someone later.”
“Okay,” Eric nodded as he began to eat. The two settled into a comfortable, but still hesitant silence.
~ * ~
Eric followed Speed up a small path. The cemetery was quiet. Eric thought it was breathtaking with the snow covering the old markers and stones. He stopped in time before running into Speed.
Speed looked up at him then back at the grave. Eric followed his gaze.
Samuel Tolls
Born: May 24, 1973
Died: July 1, 1993
Friend, Lover, Best Friend
“He was my first lover,” Speed said. “He sat down next to me in the library when we were twelve, never to be parted. He was the only person I loved until I met you.”
Eric took a deep breath, realizing the depth of this meeting. He looked over at Speed. “He was lucky to have you.”
“I was lucky to have him,” Speed smiled. “He showed me what love was. My parents were busy with their life. When my brother came around, that was when they decided it would be cool to be parents. By that time I was set in my ways.”
“What happened?” Eric asked.
“We were eighteen, senior year of high school,” Speed looked back at the grave. “Snowmobiling, he hit a slick patch in the ice and crashed. His neck broken, paralyzed from the neck down.”
“I’m sorry,” Eric closed his eyes, feeling Speed’s pain.
“Didn’t stop us though,” he smiled. “I started Columbia, he was working with doctors trying new procedures, but then two years later I lost him. His heart gave out. I buried him and disappeared.”
Eric watched as his lover relived those moments. “I ended up in Miami with Jack and Pam, Sam’s aunt and uncle.” Speed grinned. “Jack introduced me to Megan and the rest is history. I finished my degree in a year and came back to Miami.”
Eric pulled Speed to him, cherishing the feel of him in his arms. “Thank you.”
“I love you.” Speed buried his head in Eric’s neck. “I know you’re sorry and in a weird way I can understand what happened…”
“I still have a lot to make up for,” Eric kissed his temple. “You lost faith and trust in me.”
Speed pulled back. “You came back.”
Eric leaned down taking Speed’s lips into a soft gentle kiss. “And I’m never leaving.” Eric looked into the soft brown eyes, seeing the love in them. “I had a glimpse of life without you and I don’t ever want to feel that again. I love you, I want to spend my life with you, marry me?”
Speed stared at Eric in shock. “I…”
“I know it’s a surprise, but I want a life with you…” Eric smiled. “Speed?”
“I…” Speed stuttered. “Are you sure?”
“I think you’re the one who would have doubts,” Eric pointed out.
Speed looked over at the grave; he smiled and turned back to Eric. “Yes…and when Alexx gets here I won’t let her kill you.”
“Alexx?” Eric asked in fear.
“She’s a mother hen. I swear two hours after you left she called and asked what was wrong.” Speed grinned at the fear in Eric’s eyes. “I couldn’t lie to her, never could, I don’t think anyone could. No matter how hard I tried to convince her not to come, she insisted and she and the family are on their way up. Be here Christmas Eve.”
“She’s going to kill me… and my sisters will probably help.” Eric ran a hand through his hair. “You will protect me?”
“I won’t let her kill you,” Speed shrugged. “But as Horatio says there are consequences for our actions.”
“This is your revenge.” Eric eyed him with a smile. “Okay, I can take it….maybe…who am I kidding?”
Speed laughed a bright smile on his face. “I’ll tell her you’re making an honest man out of me.”
Eric cupped his face and kissed him. “I’ve got to get you a ring.”
“I don’t need one.” Speed laid his hand over Eric’s.
“Yes, you do.” Eric said. “But I know I can’t drive that far, it was scary going to the small store.”
Speed closed his eyes; he could feel the tears escaping. Eric took his gloves off and wiped the tears away. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“No,” Speed took a deep breath. “The Christmas before the accident Sam proposed. I felt like I had found a home. When he died I was so lost. You have no idea Eric. That year,” he sighed. “I did things I’m not proud of. Now this moment over ten years later I finally feel like I’m complete, that I found my home.”
Eric’s heart ached at the though that he had almost lost this. He pulled Speed to him and held him close.
~*~
Speed grinned as he was kicked out of the jewelry store. Eric wanted it to be a surprise. He figured it would best if he went shopping for Christmas dinner and came back to pick up the hyper Cuban. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. He had had high hopes for the weekend that were dashed to bits, but in the end it was turning out even better. It still hurt, but at the same time he realized that in the end things got out in the open that probably would not have otherwise.
“Timothy Speedle?” He was heading back to the car with his groceries when he heard his name called out.
Speed looked up and stared in shock. “Mrs. Tolls?”
“It is you.” She smiled at him. “What brings you up here? I heard you moved south.”
“I live in Miami.” He unlocked the car and started putting the groceries away. “I’m up here on holiday.”
“Stopping by to see your parents?” she asked.
“No,” Speed didn’t look up. He had always been amazed how both sets of parents refused to see the true relationship between him and Sam. “I’m celebrating with my fiancé.” He smirked knowing full well what the woman was thinking.
“Congratulations.” She beamed at him. “Is she around?”
Speed sighed. “He’s heading this way now.”
Mrs. Tolls turned and looked shocked when Eric ran up. “Speed?”
“Sorry, Eric.” He took Eric’s hand. “Mrs. Tolls, this is Eric, my fiancé.” He was enjoying this too much.
Eric looked a bit surprise, but smiled at the older woman. “Tolls? Are you related to Sam?”
She stiffened. “He was my son.”
“What Speed told me about him, he was a good person,” Eric said.
“I should go,” Mrs. Tolls voice got formal and cold. “Timothy you should stop by and see your parents. Tell them the good news.”
Tempting. “It was good seeing you,” Speed waved as she walked away in a hurry. “Not.”
“I take it she didn’t approve of you and Sam?” Eric asked helping him with the groceries.
“There was no me and Sam,” Speed pointed out. “Or at least not to our parents, we were really close, best friends.”
“So you introduced me to her as your fiancé…” Eric got into the car.
Speed slipped into the driver’s seat. “Because you are and I enjoyed the reaction at the same time.”
Eric laughed then paused. “Your parents are in town?”
“No,” Speed looked at him. “We are not going to see them.”
“Why?” Eric asked.
“I haven’t talked to them in over ten years,” Speed said. “I don’t plan on starting now.”
Eric looked at him with a worried expression. “Okay. Besides you have how many adopted parents?”
Speed grinned. “Maybe I should send Alexx over there.”
“It would keep her from killing me.” Eric slumped into the seat.
~ Christmas Eve: Morning ~
The sun poured through the window, waking Speed up. He smiled and turned over to curl closer to Eric. They had talked most of the night, about themselves, their lives, family – the most they had ever done. He had fallen asleep curled up in Eric’s arms.
“You awake?” Eric whispered.
“Yeah,” Speed kissed him. “Are you still groveling?”
Eric grinned. “You want waffles?”
“Of course I do,” Speed laughed. “Then we have to get everything ready for the relatives.”
“I’m really starting to re-think the whole spend time with your family thing,” Eric sighed as he got out of the bed.
Speed snickered. “I’m telling your mother.”
“I’m already in the dog house, hell the dog has a house, and I probably wouldn’t even get that.” Eric stretched. “Shower with me?”
“Love to,” Speed pulled him into the bathroom waiting for Eric’s reaction.
“Damn,” Eric looked around the spacious room. The shower was large and separate from the spa tub. “Built for two.”
~*~
Speed smiled as Eric sat down carefully. Their lovemaking had been about reconnecting with each other. Later there would be time for soft words and comfort. At that moment it had been about claiming.
“Coffee?” Speed asked as he headed into the kitchen.
“Please,” Eric yawned. “I think everything is catching up with me.”
“We can have a relaxing morning, then prepare for the ….” he looked up at the door, “onslaught of family.”
Eric jumped up and hid behind Speed. “Did you call and tell Alexx I came groveling…”
“Knew I forgot to do something,” Speed grinned and headed for the door.
“SPEED!” Eric hid around the corner.
Speed laughed as he opened the door then stopped in his tracks. “Mom? Dad?”
Eric stepped out from the kitchen in shock. “Speed?”
“Timothy,” Hannah Speedle said. “Tina said you were in town, I asked around and they said you were using Pam and Jack’s cabin.”
Speed stared at them in shock. “I…”
“Speed,” Eric ushered him to the side and opened the door wider. “Come in.”
“You must be the fiancé?” Paul Speedle held out his hand. “I’m Paul, my wife Hannah.”
“Eric Delko,” Eric shook his hand and looked at Speed.
Speed just stared at them in shock. “What?”
“When we heard you were here,” Hannah smiled at her son. “We had to come see you.”
“Why?” Speed asked, coming out of his shock. “When I left you made it clear you never wanted to see me again.”
Both of them looked down, Paul looked back up. “We were wrong.”
Speed stared at them again. Eric looked between his lover and his parents. “Why don’t we sit down? I’ll get coffee.”
Speed grabbed him. “Eric.”
“Go,” Eric shooed them into the living room.
Hannah and Paul looked around the small cabin. “You decorated it nicely.”
“Eric did it,” Speed shrugged. “His family is coming up today.”
“How lovely, I would love to me them.” Hannah smiled.
“I don’t understand,” Speed looked at the two of them. “You ignored my relationship with Sam, didn’t understand the depths of my pain when he died, and practically tossed me out when I showed up to try and talk… And now?”
Hannah sat down on the chair and looked up at her son. “I wish I could just tell you how sorry we are, but it’s not that easy.”
“No, it’s not,” Speed glanced back at the kitchen. This Christmas had become an emotional rollercoaster.
Paul looked at his son, he started then paused. “Your brother’s in jail.”
Speed sunk into a chair near by. “What?”
“Speed,” Eric came back into the room hearing the pain in his lover’s voice.
“What happened?” Speed sat back in shock.
Eric kneeled next to him. “Baby…”
“He beat a man to death because he was gay.” Paul sat down in one of the other chairs.
Speed cringed as he took Eric’s hand. “So you have one son who is gay and another that is a bigot asshole who went to jail for murder.”
“Speed,” Eric tried to soothe the upset CSI.
“He was twelve when he started running with the wrong crowd, very anti-social, almost militant.” Hannah looked away from her son. “He started spouting off racial slurs and attitudes… I was appalled.”
“I remember sitting there looking at his friends thinking why he couldn’t he find someone like Sam,” Paul sighed. “It was with perfect clarity I realized the mistake I had made.”
“We looked you up,” Hannah smiled at Speed. “We knew you were in Miami and started doing some research. Discovered you were a CSI and working up the ranks. We had thought about contacting you then, but…”
“But what?” Speed demanded. “Still ashamed…”
“Yes,” Paul nodded. “But not of you, of ourselves. We claimed to be open minded, to accept others for who they were, but couldn’t accept our own son because he loved a man. I felt like a complete and utter failure.”
Speed sighed. “Well not a complete failure. I turned out okay.” He looked at Eric. “Don’t even comment.”
Eric grinned, “Coffee’s is ready, you want some?” He stood up and headed back towards the kitchen.
“Yeah, add some baileys to mine will you?” Speed leaned back. “Why didn’t you contact me with William?”
“We had a criminal son on one side, who hated gays. On the others side his brother is a gay cop, we didn’t think it would be a pleasant meeting,” Hannah leaned back in her chair. “Though it might have been entertaining.”
Speed grinned at Eric as he walked back in with two mugs of coffee. “Hope he doesn’t bend over in the shower.”
“We can’t make up for how we treated you,” Paul accepted the coffee mug from Eric. “But we can come here ask for forgiveness and hopefully build a new relationship.”
“‘Tis the season,” Eric smiled at his lover.
Speed glared at him, “If you wanted forgiveness why not show up in Miami?”
“Fear,” Hannah said accepting the other cup. “What if you didn’t want to see us? We didn’t want to upset your life.”
“So we heard from Caroline that you were here with your fiancé…” Paul sipped his coffee.
“She just loved telling us that she saw you with another man,” Hannah rolled her eyes. “This coming from the woman who still believes to this day, you and Sam were just friends and that he was dating Barbara…”
Eric sat down next to Speed who choked on the coffee he just handed him, “Barbara Rollins?”
“Yeah,” she grinned.
“Does she know Barbara came out with her girlfriend at our high school graduation?” Speed snickered.
“Denial,” Paul shook his head.
“Seriously,” Speed laughed.
“So we took the chance,” Hannah smiled. “I would like to get to know you, and your fiancé. When’s the wedding?”
“Don’t know,” Speed shrugged. “He proposed yesterday.”
“Your family is coming up?” Paul asked Eric.
“Should be here in a few hours,” Eric nodded. “Why don’t you two stay for Christmas Eve dinner?”
“I don’t get a say in this?” Speed asked.
“If you don’t want us here…” Hannah stood up, setting the cup down. “But I hoped you would give us a chance…”
“You just want them to distract Alexx,” Speed followed suit.
“Anything to distract her,” Eric cringed at the thought.
“Alex?” Paul asked. “Who’s he? Old boyfriend?”
Speed laughed, “Alexx, with two x’s. She adopted me and is very much a mother hen.”
“Good, you need one,” Hannah smiled. “I failed miserably at it.”
Speed got up and walked over to her. “Eric’s right ‘Tis the season. If you’re willing, I am.”
She cried and hugged him. “Thank you.”
Paul looked over. “Would it be unmanly if I asked for a hug?”
Hannah pulled her husband into the hug. Speed pulled back, a small smile on his face. “Why Alexx is pissed at Eric is that we had a falling out when we got here, everything’s fine, but…”
“I’m in the dog house,” Eric stated. “As matter of fact you’re probably the only ones that like me.”
“You hurt my baby?” Hannah eyed Eric.
“That’s not fair,” Eric groaned. “How do you do it?” He grinned at Speed. “Everyone just mothers you; my mom, my sisters, Alexx, Calleigh… hell even Horatio.”
Speed laughed, he slipped his arms around Eric kissing him on the neck. “I love you.”
Eric turned in his arms, kissing him with tenderness. “I love you, too.”
“Is there anything we can do?” Hannah asked. “You just added two guests for dinner.”
“Do I need to remind you where I was raised?” Speed eyed them.
“Is there enough space here?” Paul asked. “I can open the restaurant.”
“You still run it?” Speed asked curious.
“We have franchises now,” Paul beamed with pride. “Do you still cook?”
“Yes, he does,” Eric smiled brightly. “Though only a few know. He hides it.”
“The manly image ruined?” Hannah asked.
“No, he just tells nothing about his life to anyone.” Eric paused then smiled at Hannah. “Any embarrassing baby pictures?”
“Eric,” Speed growled.
“What? Like my mom isn’t going to want to see them.” Eric walked over to Hannah. “So what was he like as a kid?”
“Is he good to you?” Paul asked seriously.
“Yes,” Speed answered.
“This fight…”
“It was hard and it hurt, but it actually brought some things out that needed it,” Speed said.
“You seem happy,” Paul observed. “Your eyes light up, you lost that after Sam’s accident.”
“Eric makes me a better person. He got me to open up and love again.” Speed’s voice was soft and full of love.
The door opened, “Speed, honey… ERIC!”
“Excuse me, I need to go save my fiancé from an attacking lioness,” Speed walked up to Alexx. “Alexx…”
“What is he doing here?” Alexx glared at Eric, who was hiding behind Speed’s mom.
“He came back that night, has been groveling since,” Speed explained. “Actually, he proposed…”
Alexx turned from glaring at Eric to Speed, “Baby…”
Speed smiled “We’re fine…he’s still groveling, but we’re fine.”
Alexx smiled then hugged him. “My baby’s getting married.”
“Alexx I want you to meet someone,” Speed turned towards his mom. “Alexx, this is my mother, Hannah. Mom, this is Alexx.”
Alexx sized the woman up. She had tucked her baby in a few times when he was drunk. She heard some of the things he muttered about only ones who loved him were ‘Sam’ and now Alexx.
Hannah knew a protective mother when she saw one. Alexx had taken in her son and she was going to damned if anyone was going to hurt him. She smiled and held out her hand.
“Tim’s told me about you. That you took care of him.”
“Someone had to,” Alexx took her hand politely.
“I’m glad he had you,” Hannah smiled.
“Tim, honey, any other surprises?” Alexx eyed her boy.
“Eric’s family is showing up, surprised you weren’t on the same plane.” Speed grumbled.
“We were,” Clorinda grinned as she walked in.
“So you knew I came back,” Eric looked down at both women’s glare. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”
“He’s been good,” Speed assured the woman.
“He better have been,” Marisol yelled towards the kitchen. “Hi,” she hugged Speed. “Who’s this?”
“My mom,” Speed gave introductions. “And before the baby talks begin, dad offered the restaurant and we might want to take that offer up. Since this cabin won’t fit everyone.”
“We’ll go get everything ready,” Hannah patted his arm. “If you’ve got pen and paper, I’ll give you my cell number and the restaurant.”
Speed watched in fascination as the woman all got their phones out and exchanged numbers. “That is scary.”
They ignored him. “We’ll be there in a couple of hours or so,” Clorinda smiled. “Want to get everyone settled in their hotel rooms.”
“Paul, let’s go,” Hannah yelled out. “By the way your son is darling. We’ll have to talk about wedding plans.” She grabbed Paul and walked out.
“Wedding plans?” Clorinda and Marisol looked at Speed.
“Your son proposed,” Speed grinned.
“Where’s the ring?” Marisol demanded.
“He hasn’t given it to me,” Speed watched as Eric’s older sister stalked into the kitchen.
“OW!” Eric yelled. “What was that for?”
“Let’s see it,” Marisol demanded.
“No,” Eric glared. “I’m giving it to Speed in a private moment between us.”
“I have a great idea,” Marisol looked at her mother and Alexx. “Have the wedding now. Speed’s parents have a restaurant; Horatio and Calleigh are on their way up. It’s perfect for a Christmas Wedding.”
Speed and Eric looked at the three women. “Ahh….”
“That would be beautiful,” Clorinda agreed. “We can get a tree and decorate with white lights… I wonder what the restaurant looks like…hold on…” She held the phone up. “Hannah we had an idea… how about having the wedding at the restaurant tonight…. You have a banquet room, that’s an enclosed patio…sounds beautiful….We are on our way.”
“The boys will need tuxes or suits; I can head over to the nearest mall. It should still be open,” Alexx looked at her watch. “I’ll call Peter and tell him where the restaurant is.”
“I’ll make sure Calleigh and Horatio know when they arrive…Wonder if we can get some poinsettias add color…” The three women walked off planning.
Speed looked at Eric; he looked a shock as he did. “If we leave now we can make Miami by midnight?”
“They would kill us,” Eric pointed out.
“We’re getting married,” Speed smiled at him.
“Yeah we are,” Eric pulled him into his arms and kissed him deeply. “More importantly… we have the cabin all to ourselves.”
“So this would be the wedding morning?” Speed grinned as he pulled Eric towards the bedroom.
“Practice for later,” Eric smiled. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Speed kissed him tenderly. “But I’m not taking your name.”
Eric’s laughter turned into a moan as Speed began to make love to him. They had survived and had come out stronger. Now they had the rest of their lives together.