Christmas with Charlie 2017-2021

By Zarek A Dragon

It had been almost a year since Luke and Charlie had adopted Chuck, and never once did they regret their decision. This was their senior year of college, and though the classes were tougher, they made sure Chuck knew that he was their number one priority.

Luke and Chuck were trimming the tree while Charlie decorated the rest of the room. Luke asked Chuck, "What do you want for Christmas this year?"

"I never really thought about it," Chuck admitted, "all I ever wanted was a family, and I got that last year."

"So…" Luke had a mischievous grin on his face, "Dad and I don't need to buy you anything?"

"There is one thing that I would like," Chuck confessed. "I know you and Dad were waiting, but I think it would be cool if the two of you finally married."

No more was said of it, and Luke figured Chuck didn't really expect it to happen. He and Charlie had discussed many present ideas for Chuck, but one thing kept coming back to them as the perfect present.

Christmas Eve, Luke's mom and brother came for the holiday, courtesy of a reserved ticket made by Grandpa Brice. Of course, Brice and Charlotte were there, too. Grandma Charlotte had Chuck sit on her lap. "Have you been a good boy this year?"

"Oh yes, Grandma," Chuck replied, "I have been very good. I keep my room clean, do all my chores, and I am getting straight A's in school. Dad and Daddy told me that I am too good, sometimes."

"Too good?" Grandma question. "How can one be too good?"

"They said I need to have more fun and quit trying to be so perfect."

"I see," Grandma Charlotte acknowledged. "Are you having fun?"

"To be honest," Chuck frowned, "I am, but would like to have more fun. I just don't want them to ever regret adopting me."

"That will never happen, you hear me young man? These two love you so much, they will NEVER regret adopting you. And if you slip and get into trouble, that won't change a thing. Just be yourself and enjoy your childhood."

"Thanks, Grandma," Chuck lowered his head, "they keep telling me the same thing, but I still feel so nervous."

"Ah ha," Charlotte chuckled, "so you have been bad… not paying attention to your parents."

Chuck grimaced, "I didn't mean to, it's just that…"

"I'm only teasing you." Charlotte waited a few minutes before asking, "So, did you ask Santa for anything special?"

"Well, I got everything I wanted last year, but what I want now, Santa can't give me."

"Are you sure about that?" Grandpa Brice inquired.

"Pretty sure," Chuck answered.

Christmas morning, Chuck woke up and ran out to the tree. He was surprised to see more people there. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" Chuck questioned. "Sorry, that came out wrong, I didn't mean to sound rude, but y'all caught me by surprise."

"I understand, Chuck. I am Lucas and Mark's cousin Caleb from Ohio. This is my husband, Noah, and this handsome young man is our son, Kevin."

My name is Patrick James. I grew up with Charlie," another man stated.

The doorbell rang and Chuck went to see who else was coming to visit. He opened the door to a familiar face wearing that familiar Santa suit, "Judge Ringle, it's so nice to see you. Are you checking up on how I am doing?"

"Not exactly," the judge replied, "your dads asked me to come."

Judge Ringle walked to the tree and someone started playing Here Comes Santa Claus. Once it started playing, Lucas came out of his bedroom and walked to Judge Ringle, followed by Charlie. "That's not your normal wedding march song, but these two thought it would be appropriate."

Chuck couldn't believe his ears. Did Judge Ringle actually call it a wedding song? Were his dads getting married as a gift for him? The judge continued with the ceremony, and when he declared them husband and husband, Lucas stated, "Imagine, every year, everyone in the world will be celebrating our anniversary."

Chuck ran up and hugged his dads, "Best Christmas gift ever… well second best. I can't wait to see what you do next year."

I hope you enjoy the story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible, please contact me at Zarek A Dragon.  Please let me know that you read it on The Story Lovers' Website or whichever Fort Family Site.