Todd's Christmas Surprise

by Rob Warr

Chapter 6

Jeff awoke first with Marylin in his arms. He smiled when he looked down at her face. In sleep she looked angelic and more beautiful than ever. He kissed her face softly and slowly her eyes drifted open.

"Mmm…beats the hell out of an alarm clock," she murmured.

"Good morning, Angel," Jeff said kissing her again, "have I told you lately how much I love you?"

"Not since last night, but a girl never tires of hearing that."

"I love you. I love you, and I can't believe how long it took me to figure out just how much you mean to me. You've been there, right under my nose the whole time, and it took a silly Christmas party to bring us together."

"And one teenage boy," she reminded him, "and speaking of him, is he up yet, do you think?"

"I don't know, it is Christmas day and kids have been known to rise quite early on that day."

"Maybe we should get dressed and go see," she said, yet still not moving from Jeff's strong arms.

"Maybe, in a minute. It's so warm and cozy under the covers with you."

"Something is poking me," she teased, "maybe you should go take care of that first."

"I already peed, earlier. It's not that kind of problem," he said grinning.

"Oh, well…maybe I can help you out with that…"

Across the hall, a certain teenage boy had also awoke with a problem. Besides being a bit disoriented as to where he was, his bladder ached for relief, but he hated getting out from under the warm covers. But need finally drove him from the bed and he padded off to the bathroom to relieve himself.

He thought he heard giggling coming from Jeff's room and he smiled. So, Marylin and Uncle Jeff were having some fun. That was great. And if they got married, well…he'd have a mom and a dad, not just an uncle and aunt. Things were going great, and he couldn't wait to see how it all turned out.

Todd still had some concerns about leaving Micky, but it was unreasonable to think that Uncle Jeff would adopt him as well. But as long as Micky stayed at the Boys Home he could at least visit him and have him come here for sleepovers. Their relationship was still in the friend zone, but he'd hoped it would move to the next level soon, and then all this stuff with Uncle Jeff happened.

He finished emptying his bladder, washed up a bit and brushed his teeth, then went in to get dressed. He'd brought enough clothes to get him through the weekend, but if the snow kept up he might have to recycle some of them. He didn't care, after all, it wasn't like he was going to get all dirty, or do a lot of sweating.

He wondered if he should stay in his room till the two adults got up, but finally decided to go to the living room and wait for them. For one thing he wanted to see how much more it had snowed and the balcony doors offered the best view.

He tiptoed down the hall past Jeff's room, but all was quiet now, and he wondered if they'd gone back to sleep after making love. He smiled again, despite being gay, he got it. He knew some guys liked girls and that some girls liked guys, and that was cool. Necessary, really, or the race would die out.

The snow had continued to fall overnight, but it was a light snow and it really didn't look much worse than it had the night before. If the snowplows cleared the streets he figured Jeff could get him back to the home on Monday, despite his wishing for a reprieve.

"Good morning," Jeff said slipping up on the boy and daring to place his hands on Todd's shoulders.

"Good morning," Todd said happily, "it snowed some more, but not a lot."

"Hmm…well…we'll see what it looks like Monday before we make any decisions. I'm keeping Marylin here at least until then."

"Good morning, boys," Marylin said as if speaking her name had caused her to appear, "are you hungry?"

"Starved, do you cook?" Jeff answered, "I have all the basics for a good breakfast."

"Do I cook?" Marylin scoffed, "I'll have you know I'm the total woman. I can cook up the eggs and bring home the bacon…" she laughed.

"I should have known," Jeff chuckled, "but I'm no slouch myself, I'll help."

Todd liked hearing the easy banter between the two and it reminded him of happier times when his dad was still alive and he and his mom used to joke around with each other. His thoughts must've shown on his face, for Marylin suddenly walked up to him and gave him a hug. She didn't speak, no words were needed, and as Todd hugged back he felt a warm glow in his heart.

His old life was over, and he'd resigned himself to living in foster care or in a group home, but now he was going to have a real family again, and he had nothing to be sad about. In fact, his new life might very well prove to be even better than his old one. He still felt the pain of being rejected by his mother, but when he thought about it they'd not been close since his father died. And when she'd married Graysen, she'd actually made her choice then. He just hadn't realized it till later.

"Thanks, for the hug," Todd said, "Can I help? They teach us to cook at the group home."

So between the three they had breakfast on the table in record time and were eating and chatting as easily as if they'd been a family for a long time. Todd loved this feeling of belonging, of being heard, and loved, and the smile that filled his face was infectious.

"After we eat, we'll exchange gifts, then we'll figure out how to keep busy today," Jeff said once there was a lull in the conversation.

"I feel kind of bad that I didn't have time or money to buy you guys anything," Todd said frowning a little.

"Hey, you're gift enough for us, kiddo," Jeff said patting his Nephew's hand affectionately, "but next year I'll expect a nice gift. So make sure you save some of your allowance."

"Allowance? I'll get an allowance?"

"Of course, but you'll earn it by helping out with chores and such. Like emptying the trash or clearing the dishes and loading the dishwasher."

"No problem. I did all those things at the home, and more, and I didn't get any pay at all."

The gifts weren't all that spectacular or expensive, but they were personalized and meant quite a bit to each of the recipients. For Jeff and Todd, Marylin had gotten matching Christmas Sweaters that actually lit up, just like the one she was wearing. Todd loved it, and Jeff made a big fuss over his, even if he'd never be caught dead in it outside of his apartment.

There was also a bottle of Jeff's favorite wine, which Todd begged to sample, and Jeff promised that he'd serve it New Year's Eve and he could have a half glass to toast in the New Year. Todd liked that idea, mostly because it suggested that he'd be visiting again, soon.

One of Jeff's gifts to Marylin was a pair of gold Christmas Tree earrings and she giggled excitedly as she tried them on.

"I know I should have given them to you earlier, so you could have worn them all season, but at least you'll have them for New Year's Eve, and next Christmas."

"I love them, they'll always remind me of this very special Christmas with my two favorite guys," she said, her eyes moist now.

Jeff had also given Marylin a pair of leather gloves because he remembered she'd said she'd lost one of hers. It wasn't an expensive gift, but the fact that Jeff had remembered that little fact, really touched her heart.

"I feel kind of stupid now, but at the time I was just your boss, not your boyfriend," he said grinning.

"I think it's sweet that you remembered that I'd lost one of my others, and these are very nice gloves. Thank you,": she said leaning in to kiss Jeff on the cheek.

Jeff's gifts to Todd were a handheld video game and a nice sports watch, both of which he gushed excitedly over as he hugged both Jeff and Marylin.

"This has been the best Christmas ever," Todd sighed.

"And the future is so bright you'll have to wear sunglasses," Jeff teased, quoting the lyrics from a song he'd heard.

Todd had heard the song as well, and he laughed, but it took Marylin a minute to catch up. When she did, she laughed as well, and they wound up in a group hug as they shared one more magical moment.

The snow continued throughout the day, but it was still a manageable amount and most roads had been plowed and were open. Only the side streets were a problem, but those with four-wheel-drive were able to maneuver through the snow just fine.

The three watched Christmas movies on TV, ate popcorn and cookies, washing it down with soda or in the case of the adults, adult beverages. Later, they ventured out onto the balcony, but returned quickly as the temps were in the 20's and it took a big mug of hot cocoa to warm them up.

"This is nice," Marylin said as they sat on the couch sipping their cocoa as they watched the twinkling lights on the tree.

"Yess," Jeff sighed, "It's like something out of one of those sappy Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel."

"I can't remember ever feeling this good at Christmas," Todd said, "not even when my dad was alive. But of course, I was only a little kid then."

"Didn't your family celebrate the holiday?" Marylin asked.

"Well, yes and no. We had a tree and presents, but it always seemed like something was missing. Maybe it was what they call the Christmas Spirit. I actually enjoyed last Christmas at the group home more than I did at my own home."

"Well, Christmas will be special from now on, Kiddo, I promise," Jeff said pulling Todd in for a hug.

"Thanks, Uncle Jeff," the boy said as he gazed lovingly into Jeff's eyes.

"You two are so cute together. A perfect match. You look more like father and son by the minute," Marylin noted.

"If you adopt me, will that make you my dad?" Todd wondered.

"Legally, yes. Look, I'm not trying to replace your real dad, because I know that was a very special relationship, and if you don't feel comfortable calling me dad, after the adoption, that's fine."

"No, that's not what I meant," Todd insisted, "I'd want to call you dad. I loved my other dad, but he's gone, and so's my mom as far as I'm concerned. He'd want me to be happy, even if she doesn't give a crap, and I don't think he'd mind me having a new dad."

Jeff smiled, "And I'd be proud to be that new dad."

"You two are making me cry," Marylin complained as she dabbed at her eyes.

"You can be my mom, too," Todd said grinning, "that is if Uncle Jeff…or should I say…dad, is smart and marries you."

"This is all happening so fast…" Marylin said swooning a bit.

"Is it?" Jeff chuckled, "you confessed that you've had a crush on me for a while, and I've admired you from afar, never really believing someone like you could fall for me, so…truthfully, I think it was supposed to turn out this way, it just took a while to figure it out. Maybe it's one of those Christmas Miracles you see in those movies. First, Todd practically falls into my lap, and then you and I finally wake up and figure out that we were meant to be together. Nah, it's not happening too fast, it's happening just right."

Then suddenly Jeff slid to one knee before Marylin and took her hand, then in a shaky voice filled with emotion he said, "Marylin Caldwell, will you be my wife? Sorry, I don't have a ring, yet, but I promise I'll buy you any ring you pick out if you say yes."

"Whoa, what happened to the third date?": Marylin teased, "Oh Jeff, the ring isn't important. We'll pick something out we both like, and it doesn't have to be expensive. But to answer your question…yes, yes, yes."

"Yaaaay!" Todd cheered as he congratulated them both, "this is so awesome, seeing my new family get formed right before my eyes."

Jeff laughed as he stood and pulled Marylin up so he could hug and kiss her properly, "We'll figure out a date and you can start planning the wedding, anything you want. And we can invite anyone you want, money is no problem."

"I've never really wanted a big wedding. Something simple, family and friends, and maybe the boys from the group home," she said grinning, and Dr. Hardesty of course."

"Whatever you want, how about Valentine's Day for our wedding date? That way I'll never forget our anniversary," he teased.

"Suits me just fine, what I have in mind won't take that long to plan or set up."

"Awesome," Todd said beaming, "will you have to wait till you're married to adopt me?"

"Well, we'll start the process right away. It takes anywhere from six months to a year to clear, but if things go as planned you'll be living with me while all that happens. But not here, I also have a house in the suburbs that I sometimes use in the summer. I think it's time to make a permanent change of address."

"You have more than one home?" Todd said in awe.

"Well, actually…I have a house in Florida, too, and a cabin in Vermont…"

Todd's mouth fell open, "Wow, you really are rich," he laughed.

"But even with all that money and all that stuff, I wasn't happy till you two came along," Jeff said smiling, "I've finally realized that unless you have someone to share it with, it all means nothing."

"Wow, it's going to take some adjusting," Todd said still looking shell shocked.

"I don't want you to grow up as a spoiled rich kid though," Jeff warned, "that's why I said what I did about your allowance and doing chores. Yeah, I probably overdid it a bit this Christmas, but don't expect that every year. I mean, yeah, you'll get neat stuff, but nothing crazy…"

"I don't care about the stuff," Todd assured him, "I'd be just as happy being poor and having people who loved me and who I could love back, like you two."

"That's sweet, Todd," Marylin said, "and I agree. I don't intend to become a pampered rich lady with six poodles and a standing manicure appointment every Tuesday."

Jeff rolled his eyes, "No poodles for sure. Something manly, like a German Sheppard."

"Can I have a dog?" Todd said picking up on that.

"I don't see why not," the house is on four acres and has a huge fenced in backyard…and a pool."

"Then we need to get a dog that can swim," Todd said seriously, then he cracked up and Jeff and Marylin joined the laughter.

Again, it's amazing what a little wealth can do, and the process of adoption was quickly sped up once the background check was complete. Since Todd's mom had signed away parental rights and there were no other relatives who wished to become Todd's guardian, nothing now stood in the way of the formal adoption.

Todd had moved in with Jeff shortly after the New Year, first on a trial basis, then permanently when DHS decided it was better for the boy to not have to bounce back and forth between the group home and his future home. Jeff had already enrolled him at Patrick Hale Middle School, a public school near their home, and he'd already made friends. Of course Jeff could have afforded to send him to the finest school in the city, but Todd had decided he'd be happier in public school around other regular kids. Jeff didn't bother to mention that Todd was anything but 'regular', and that his new father was one of the richest men in the state. Todd just wanted a normal life and Jeff understood. Besides, he'd gone to public school and he'd turned out just fine. Now, when it came time for Todd to go off to College, that would be a different topic entirely. Money would be no issue, and he wanted his boy to have the best education money could buy.

The wedding was held in the Church Marylin's folks attended, with Todd as best man, and Micky as ring bearer. Instead of a flower girl, a boy from the home, 12-year-old Davie Anderson, who looked more like ten than twelve, did the honors. Dr. Hardesty was there, along with his wife Judith, and of course all the boys from the group home were in attendance as well. All no doubt looking forward to cake and punch afterwards.

Since it was impossible to invite everyone from work, only a select few were present, most of them friends of Marylin's and Jeff's closest team members. In lieu of gifts, the bride and groom had asked that donations be made to their favorite charities, the Second Chance Boys Home at the top of the list. Donations to the boys home alone totaled over a thousand dollars.

The Church was decked in red roses, white carnations, and baby breath, the brides bouquet accenting the colors and adding some pink. The bride wore a stunning white wedding gown with a long train steered by two of the younger boys from the group home.

Jeff wore a black tux with, a white shirt with a ruffled red collar, and matching bow tie. Todd was dressed in a small version of the same outfit, so handsome that there was danger he might upstage the groom.

True to her word, Marylin had picked out simple gold bands for engagement ring, but now a more elegant ring with diamonds would be added to their fingers. Micky, who was entrusted with the expensive rings, kept checking every few minutes to make sure he hadn't lost them.

At last it was time to start the ceremony, and as the piano began to play the wedding march, the crowd turned to see the bride being escorted in by her father, followed by the two boys making sure her train didn't get caught up. They were cute boys, dressed in slacks, white shirts, and bow ties, their black leather shoes polished so fine they reflected the overhead lights.

They had written their own vows, but they were simple and sweet, and when it was time for the minister to do his part there wasn't a dry eye in the church. Even the tough and seasoned boys from the home felt tears sting their eyes, quickly wiping them away and hoping no one saw.

"Jeff Douglas Miller, do you take this woman, Marylin Abigail Caldwell, as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to honor, for as long as you both may live?"

"I do," Jeff said loudly, so all could hear, then he added, "this ring symbolizes my love for you, a never ending circle that goes on and on," he said slipping the thousand dollar ring on Marylin's finger. A few oohs and ahs were heard from the audience, especially among the women, then all was quiet as the minister began again.

"And you, Marylin Abigail Caldwell, do you take this man, Jeff Douglas Miller to be your lawfully wedded husband, to honor and cherish, to love and share your life with for as long as you both may live?"

Both bride and groom had agreed that 'obey' be stricken from the vows, because their marriage was a partnership and neither was subservient to the other.

"I do," she said, her voice clear and strong, "And this ring symbolizes my love for you, and just as it will never tarnish, neither will that love, "she said slipping the somewhat less elegant but no less expensive gold ring on her husband to be.

Then having made these vows and having come together here before man and God, with the power invested in me by the church and this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

With that, the church erupted in cheers and shouts of joy. Some of the boys from the home hooted and hollered and wolf whistled, but no one was offended. They were boys, and boys will be boys.

The photographer documented the first kiss of the married couple and as the cheers continued the two turned to face the audience, now husband and wife.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Miller," Todd said, having rehearsed this little speech so many times he could recite it in his sleep, "May their love last a lifetime and grow as the years pass."

Applause greeted the two then as they mingled with the crowd, who congratulated the newlyweds with hugs and pats and a kiss or two from those closest to them.

No one was as proud or happy as Todd who now stood wiping at his eyes as his best friend, Micky, came up to stand with him.

"Wow, that was awesome," Micky said, "this is the first time I ever been at a wedding, how about you?"

"Nah, I had to go to the wedding when mom married Graysen, but it was nothing like this. It was just a few people and wasn't even in a church. I wonder if it was even legal," he said frowning.

"So, where are you going to be staying while they go on their honeymoon?"

"Home, of course, but not alone. We have a live-in housekeeper named Maria, and she'll be in charge while they're gone. Plus, Marylin's, umm…mom's mom, my grandma, I guess will be checking in on us from time to time. She's really cool, so's grandad, but he works a lot. He's a lawyer."

"Cool, so…do you think Maria will let you have friends over?"

Todd smiled, "I already cleared it with mom and dad."

"So, where are they going, anyway?"

"Hawaii. Dad's been before and he said we could all go sometime, maybe this summer. Maybe I can arrange for you to go with us, too."

"That would be awesome, we could swim in the ocean and sit around on the beach and ogle the boys in their swim suits."

"As long as you look but don't touch," Todd warned. They'd finally taken their relationship to the next level and were now a couple, though only Jeff and Marylin and a few close friends knew.

"Hey, it don't hurt to look. Gets me all worked up for you," Micky said grinning.

The cutting of the cake was next. A six layer affair with red and pink roses up and down the sides and the mandatory bride and groom on the top, which were removed after photos were taken, cleaned up, and given to the bride and groom as mementos of the day.

The bride and groom did the usual cheesy feeding each other cake and locking arm to drink out of each other's Champagne glass and the photographer caught it all. Eventually the bride and groom managed to slip away long enough to change into more comfortable clothes as they continued to visit with the guests before finally joining Todd and Micky.

"Congratulations, mom and dad," Todd said giving both a hug, "it was an awesome wedding."

"Yeah, Mr. and Mrs. Miller," Micky said, "thanks for letting me be part of it."

"You're welcome, dear," Marylin said giving Micky a kiss on the cheek, which caused his pink cheeks to get even pinker.

Eventually, the guests began to leave, until all that were left was Dr. Hardesty and his boys, who'd come in a short bus that Jeff had bought for the home when he found out they had no vehicle large enough to transport all the boys at once. The new bus was a hybrid and cheap to operate, and since it's purchase the boys had gone on several field trips.

"I can't thank you enough for all you've done for us at the group home, but most of all for what you've done for Todd. I love a happy ending, and though Todd still has a ways to go in life, I predict that happy ending is inevitable."

"Well, we'll do our best to make sure he gets there," Jeff said, "thanks for coming and for letting the boys participate."

"Oh, no thanks necessary. They loved it, especially those who were actually part of the ceremony, right Micky?"

"Yeah, it was cool, but I was worried I'd lose those rings and it would take me fifty years to pay for them," he joked.

"You did great, bud," Jeff said offering a fist to bump, "thanks for not losing them," he chuckled.

"Well, we should really be getting back," Dr. Hardesty said, "are you coming, Micky, or staying with the Miller's?"

"Is it okay if Micky sleeps over?" Todd asked, but he already knew the answer. Jeff and Marylin were sleeping in their own bedroom tonight, then flying out tomorrow afternoon to begin their ten day honeymoon.

"Sure, I don't see why not, as long as it's okay with Dr. Hardesty."

"Of course," the doctor chuckled, "seems like lately he spends more time there than at the home."

Jeff just smiled, and Dr. Hardesty gave him a wink when he thought no one else was looking. Eventually, they said their goodbyes and Dr. Hardesty gathered up his flock and headed to the bus.

"Come on, boys, let's head out. Thank god we don't have to go through the rice or bird seed throwing scene," Jeff chuckled.

"Or the tin cans tied to the bumper and 'Just Married' painted in shaving cream all over our car. Do people even still do that stuff?" Marylin quipped.

"I think it would have been fun," Todd said grinning, "especially the writing on the car with shaving cream."

"Well, when you get married we'll do that for you," Jeff teased.

"I'm not getting married, ever," Todd said stiffly, "remember, I like boys, not girls."

"Hey, men can get married, too," Jeff reminded him.

"Yeah, don't you want to marry me someday?" Micky teased.

"Why buy the cow when I get the milk for free?" Todd said, quoting something he'd heard in a movie, and everyone laughed.

The honeymoon was fun and exciting, but the two newlyweds couldn't help but worry about Todd and they missed him terribly. However, a daily video chat was all it took to reassure him everything was okay, and soothed the longing to be with him.

Micky spent both weekends with Todd and they got to know each other better in and out of bed. They'd come a long way, but still hadn't gone all the way, and neither was in any hurry to do so. Mostly they enjoyed holding hands, kissing and cuddling, and just generally being with one another. Maria had them figured out quickly and went out her way to make them feel comfortable without intruding on their relationship. She kept them fed, and made sure they had the privacy that they needed, and both boys became very fond of her.

When Jeff and Marylin returned from their honeymoon looking tanned and very relaxed, Todd teased them about having fun, but Jeff gave back as good as he got, reminding him that he and Micky had been on a honeymoon of their own.

Todd blushed, but he was grinning, "So, what now.?Back to work?"

"I'm taking the rest of the week off, and…your mother will not be going back to work permanently. But before you say anything, I didn't ask her to do this, she wanted to do it and I support her decision. We certainly don't need the money, but she was invaluable to the company and she will be missed. However, since she's my wife, I can still ask for her help from time to time if I need it. She has agreed to train her replacement, a lady that filled in for her when she was off."

"Cool," was all Todd said, and Jeff laughed.

"I wasted all that for nothing, didn't I?"

"Nah, I like to know what's going on. Besides, it will be nice to have mom home when I get home from school and stuff."

"Yes, and it will be especially important now that there will be two of you here," Jeff said grinning.

At first Todd didn't understand. Two of us, he thought, does he mean me and mom? Then he felt a tingle of excitement as he thought what else that might mean.

"Is mom…going to have a baby?"

Jeff laughed, "No, well…I don't think so anyway, but that could happen, I guess. We weren't very careful," he said looking thoughtful, "but someone else is coming to live with us."

"Is it someone I know?" Todd said, his heart racing at the possibilities.

"Yes, very well."

"Is it Micky?"

Jeff nodded, and just about then the front door opened and in stepped Marylin and a grinning Micky.

"Hey, loser, I'm home."

Tod laughed and ran to hug his new brother/boyfriend.

"I guess that happy ending just got happier," Jeff said as Marylin slipped an arm around him and kissed his cheek.

"But how, when?" Todd sputtered, "did you know, Micky?"

"Of course I knew, they had to ask me if I was okay with it," Micky said grinning, "and not telling you was murder, but we agreed that there was no need to get your hopes up…just in case."

"You rat, but I forgive you. I forgive all of you, cause this is the best surprise a guy could ever have."

"The paperwork isn't finalized, but it's just a formality," Jeff assured him, "Micky is now part of our little family."

"This is soooo cool," Todd said, then he frowned, "but what about me and Micky being boyfriends?"

"Well, it might complicate things, but as long as you're discrete I think it will be okay. You'll have separate rooms, but where you sleep is your business."

"Cool," Todd said grinning at Micky, "did you bring your stuff?"

"Yeah, it's in the car, come help me carry it in."

When they'd gone, Jeff kissed Marylin tenderly, and when he pulled away both were smiling, "You know what he asked me when I said there would be two kids living here?"

"What?"

"If you were going to have a baby," he said tenderly.

"Oh, well…I'm not too old, you know."

"Of course not, we just never talked about it. How do you feel about that?"

"I say, if it's meant to happen, then it will happen. It's not like we use protection," she chuckled, "but how do you feel about that?"

"I'd be proud to knock you up, momma," he teased.

"Well, then we'll just have to see what life has in store, won't we?"

Micky's adoption became finalized in June of that year, and the Miller family vacationed in Hawaii. Upon returning to the states later that month, on a routine visit to the doctor Marylin discovered that she was two months pregnant with twins, and subsequent test discovered they were brother and sister.

No man had ever been prouder, and Todd and Micky were excited by the news as well. They'd be big brothers and have a little sister to watch out for as well. Sure, they'd be adults before the twins were old enough to be much fun, but it would be cool just the same. Besides, their brother and sister might be the only babies they ever got to take care of.

The Second Chance Boys home, with the additional funding from Jeff and others was able to expand it's services, and after adding on another wing, now housed over 30 boys, and had hired additional staff as well.

Jeff and Marylin, Todd, and Micky became a family. Did they live happily ever after? Well, only time will tell, for that's a story that hasn't been written yet.

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