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  “Rekindled Love”

  An M/M Gay Romance

  Max Hudson

  © 2021

  Max Hudson

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This book is intended for Adults (ages 18+) only. The contents may be offensive to some readers. It may contain graphic language, explicit sexual content, and adult situations. May contain scenes of unprotected sex. Please do not read this book if you are offended by content as mentioned above or if you are under the age of 18.

  Please educate yourself on safe sex practices before making potentially life-changing decisions about sex in real life. If you’re not sure where to start, see here: http://www.jerrycoleauthor.com/safe-sex-resources/ (courtesy of Jerry Cole).

  This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Products or brand names mentioned are trademarks of their respective holders or companies. The cover uses licensed images and are shown for illustrative purposes only. Any person(s) that may be depicted on the cover are simply models.

  Edition v1.00 (2021.01.26)

  http://www.maxhudsonauthor.com

  Special thanks to the following volunteer readers who helped with proofreading: Bob, E.W. Gregg, RB, Big Kidd, Blue Savannah and those who assisted but wished to be anonymous. Thank you so much for your support.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter One

  Evan

  Snow never quite made it to the South during the cold months, but Evan found himself hoping for it as he quietly observed the window overlooking the soon-to-be-occupied winter village. Pockets of puddles sank within patches of gravel on the main paths, nestled between wooden posts draped with metal chain-links. The links crisscrossed in neat patterns that proved a proper barrier for the livestock that would eventually arrive.

  A host of small buildings rose around the pens—food vendor huts, a gift shop, a Christmas light trail, and Santa's very own cabin where children would flock to meet this year's Santa. To the far right of the path, near the very rear, rested several piles of freshly cut wood. An additional building was being erected, though Evan wasn't yet sure what it would host.

  He sniffled as he squinted at the pane, his eyes flitting up to the sky. Clusters of clouds floated through the electric blue sky, rays of sun poking through the clouds to illuminate the ground below. He redirected his gaze to the elderly man sitting behind the desk, the man appearing bespectacled and wise. The black strands of the man's hair sported streaks of gray, the same shades decorating the coarse hairs of his beard.

  “We're losing June this season,” the man stated while glancing up from the papers on his desk. “It's a shame.”

  “Just for the season, Delbert,” Evan assured. “We can't very well have a pregnant elf running around.”

  Delbert chuckled, amusement sparkling in his cloudy blue eyes. “You're right about that, Evan. But I hope we can find someone who won't make much of a fuss about the hours.”

  “It's volunteer work. Who doesn't make a fuss about any of it?”

  “I'm glad you've come back every year. You're one of our committed regulars.”

  Evan grinned. “I like doing it. Being Santa brings me a lot of joy.”

  “You're good at it, too. Almost as good as I was.”

  “Oh, I could never live up to your legacy, Delbert. You were the best out of them all.”

  Delbert beamed. “You're just saying that because I'm old.”

  “Is that so wrong?”

  He cackled, the corners of his eyes crinkling and deepening the wrinkles partially hidden by the frames of his glasses. He removed the frames and wiped his eyes, still snickering as he set them on his desk.

  He folded his hands. “Do you have an elf in mind for her replacement? Someone suitable?”

  “I'm not sure. I could ask the guys at work, but they're all pretty occupied this year. We have a new game dropping on New Year’s that we're trying to finish up in time.”

  “Of course. That makes sense. Well, I'll dig around and see what I can find. I'm sure June has been searching ceaselessly.”

  Evan nodded. “I mean, no one could possibly replace her. She's been the best elf ever since she started.”

  “The finest one. She has a way with children. She'll make a great mother.”

  “I couldn't agree more.”

  Delbert grinned warmly. “And how about you, Evan?”

  “You want to know if I'll make a great mother?”

  Delbert broke into a hearty laugh, going hoarse as he attempted to catch his breath. He waved away the joke as Evan joined his merriment. When he had properly caught a satisfying gulp of air, he reached for the coffee mug sitting to the right of his calendar. A quick sip later visibly put him at ease and he continued to hold the mug, using it to gesture as he said, “I want to know why you haven't had children yet.”

  Evan twitched, though he managed to cover his physical response by shrugging. “Oh, I just haven't met the right person.”

  “I can understand that. I had all mine so very young. They're all grown now.”

  Evan smiled. “I bet you enjoyed seeing them grow.”

  “I did. They were tough children, but I survived them.”

  “And now, you get to bring joy to other children.”

  Delbert nodded, nostalgia washing over his pupils. “In a way, yes. But you'll be doing that more than me.”

  “I've always wanted kids. I don't have any siblings, so I don't have the pleasure of having nieces and nephews.”

  “I'm sorry to hear that, Evan.”

  Evan shrugged lightly. Though he wasn't particularly upset over the topic, his heart still skipped a beat. His throat ran dry as he attempted to swallow away the bitter taste of his dreams swept under the rug.

  That was ages ago, he thought. Get over it.

  He cleared his throat. “So, can I help with anything else? Building? Fliers? Repairs?”

  “Well, we're putting together a new attraction: a snow globe cabin. Martin is handling the construction, but I'm sure he could use a hand once the cabin is set up.”

  “I can do that, Delbert.”

  The older man smiled warmly. “Always helpful.”

  “I do my best.”

  “Don't you have holiday plans?”

  Evan nodded. “I do, but not until later in the month. I have plenty of time to spare until then.”

  “Don't you do anything else? It seems like all you do is work.”

  “I love my job. I could play video games forever.”

  Delbert chuckled. “I don't see how you can. I couldn't possibly spend that much time in front of a screen.”

  “I can handle it enough for the both of us.”

  “Indeed. Well, I'm getting the schedule set up. Is there anything you need? Anything I can do to make your volu
nteer time more comfortable?”

  Evan waved away the question. “You're doing plenty, Delbert. I appreciate your offer.”

  “Just let me know. I'm always open to accommodations.”

  “How's the suit looking this year?”

  Delbert rose from his desk, his eyes sparkling as he gestured to a closet on his left and then opened the door. He withdrew the Santa suit and held it out for Evan to observe.

  Evan leaned forward while admiring the seam work, reaching to caress the velvet coat that was softer than silk, the fluffy white trim that looked much like cotton candy, and the black buttons as dark and shiny as licorice.

  “Incredible,” he sighed. “Your wife has outdone herself this year.”

  “She spent all year improving the design. You really wore it out last season.”

  Evan laughed. “I had a lot of kids sitting on my lap last year.”

  “And you'll have plenty more this year. We're expecting almost double our numbers.”

  “How in the world did that happen?”

  Delbert chuckled lightly as he hung the Santa suit up on the coat hanger to the right of the closet. He relaxed into his chair, sighing as loudly as the leather of the seat wheezing beneath his weight.

  “Apparently, Charleston has become a hot spot for the holidays,” he explained. “I can expect a lot of those people will be bringing their children.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “Do you think you can handle it? We can always hire an extra Santa and set you up in shifts.”

  Evan laughed. “I'm more than capable of handling it.”

  “If you find yourself in need of a body double, just say so.”

  “You make me sound like a celebrity, Delbert.”

  Delbert cackled. “You are playing a character. It only makes sense.”

  “I'll let you know. But for now, I'm more than happy to take every shift.”

  “You've been doing that for the past five years. I can't tell you how grateful I am that you came along. Few men your age take on the Santa suit.”

  Evan shrugged. “I've got the beard and the figure. Why not?”

  “Oh, Evan. You're far from fat.”

  “I didn't say that.”

  Delbert nodded. “I'm just teasing you, son. When I was your age, I had a beer gut the size of Louisiana and grays sprouting out of each ear.”

  Evan laughed and shook his head. “I don't believe that for a second.”

  “I'll show you a picture! Rose keeps them ready for guests. Would you like to come by later for tea?”

  “I would like that very much. But I should be going now. My lunch break is about to end.”

  Delbert stood up and extended his hand, taking Evan's hand with enough warmth and love to put Evan at ease. The gesture nearly chased away his lingering thoughts about having kids—very nearly.

  “Thank you again,” Delbert said. “I'll see you later, Evan.”

  “Stay warm, Delbert.”

  Evan grinned as he left, grabbing his coat from the back of the chair and swinging it over his shoulders. He walked briskly from the room, down the hall, and out into the chilly afternoon, huffing bursts of white clouds from his mouth. He sank into his sedan, shivering as he dropped his coat into the passenger seat.

  One day, he thought as he turned on his car. I'll have kids one day when I meet someone. I just don't know when that will be.

  Chapter Two

  Harvey

  “Winter Festival,” Harvey spat while maneuvering the mouse pointer on his computer screen. “I could do without it.”

  He clicked on the “x” in the corner of the window, closing out his email. The window blanked out of existence, revealing the home screen of his work computer that sported a photograph of the nearby ocean. He studied the hues of pinks and purples occupying the sky, flanking the setting sun. Even his usual joyful image wasn't doing much for him.

  “What could you do without?”

  He turned to the panel separating his desk from the cubicle next to him. Following the voice was a patch of red hair and a pair of emerald green eyes. A bulbous nose appeared, then ruddy red cheeks decorated with orange-red freckles. The last to make an appearance was the smile of the man peeking over the top of the divider.

  “Leo,” Harvey sighed. “Are you eavesdropping again? We've talked about this.”

  “And I thought we talked about you commenting on your thoughts out loud.”

  “You're such a dork.”

  Leo laughed as he rested his arms on the divider. He offered Harvey a playful smirk and reached over to playfully push Harvey's shoulder.

  “Come on,” he beckoned. “Don't be such a grouch. You know I can't help but be nosy.”

  “And that will inevitably be your downfall.”

  “Grump.”

  Harvey rolled his eyes. “Nuisance.”

  “Aren't all best friends supposed to be that way?”

  “I wouldn't know. You're the only best friend I've ever had.”

  Leo beamed, jutting his chin into the air as he placed his hands beneath his chin. He appeared to be posing for a fashion spread. Even his eyes fluttered as though performing for an invisible camera.

  “That's why I'm the best,” he claimed jokingly. He dropped his pose, returning to his previous demeanor. “Come on, spill it. You can't keep secrets from me.”

  “The winter thing.”

  “The festival?”

  Harvey hummed, offering a small smile. “I just don't have time for it. That's all.”

  “Are you sure it's not because you hate Christmas?”

  “I don't hate Christmas, Leo.”

  Leo wiggled his brows. “Right. Sure.”

  “I just have a lot of things to do with my ridiculously crowded family.”

  “You have three brothers, right?”

  Harvey nodded, raising his eyebrows slightly as he glanced at his computer. “Yep, and all three of them have children.”

  “How many kids?”

  “Between the three of them? Hmm...I suppose they have eight kids in total.”

  Leo whistled. “That's a lot of presents.”

  “You're telling me.”

  “And it must be loud.”

  Harvey gestured vaguely around his desk. “And now you see why I'm so grumpy every year.”

  “I just thought that was because you were a Grinch.”

  “Oh, shut up, Leo.”

  Leo cackled, ducking down behind the divider as Harvey playfully tossed a stress ball in his direction. Harvey shook his head as he sank down into his office chair. The wheels squeaked as he rolled across the rough carpet, rocking himself gently.

  “God, it's a nightmare,” he sighed. “I never wanted kids. And this is why. They're just so much.”

  Leo reappeared. “I don't want them because they're expensive. I could just get a few dogs instead.”

  “See, that's more reasonable.”

  “Exactly.”

  Harvey smiled. “And this is why you're the best.”

  “I knew I would make the cut sooner or later. So, are the kids wanting to go to the festival? Is that why you don't want to go?”

  “It's for similar reasons, yeah.”

  Leo hummed. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Not particularly.”

  “I respect that.”

  Harvey smiled warmly while folding his hands in his lap. He continued to rock himself in his desk chair, listening to the rhythmic squeak of the wheels and hiss of the mechanisms holding his weight.

  It's more about my ex, he reflected while trying to retain his professional grin. I just don't want to see my ex.

  “You know,” Leo stated as he retreated into his cubicle. A series of mouse clicks echoed from the other side of the divider. “It says here they're looking for an elf. You could always volunteer for that ticket you got earlier this year.”

  “Hey, you're not my lawyer.”

  “No, but I think it would help. You've been ta
lking about how you don't want to pay the entire thing. Don't they offer community service as a way to pay?”

  Harvey shrugged lightly. “That might not be a bad idea.”

  “Assuming, of course, they accept it.”

  “I could contact my lawyer.”

  Leo reappeared. “See? I have good ideas.”

  “But I'll have to be around kids.”

  “But they won't be your kids. And I'm sure all of them will be focused on Santa.”

  Harvey hummed curiously. “Who is the Santa this year?”

  “Don't you already know that?”

  “Then, you would know why I don't want to attend the festival at all.”

  Leo gave Harvey a sympathetic grin. “You can't avoid him forever, Harvey. He's going to be around whether you like it or not.”

  “I certainly don't like it.”

  “Well, it shouldn't keep you from getting things done.”

  Harvey shrugged. “If he's not the Santa this year, then it's fine.”

  “And how are you going to determine that?”

  “I could always call the place and check.”

  Leo chuckled. “I'm sure it's not a big deal. How long has it been? Three years? That's plenty of time to get over things.”

  “You would think so.”

  “Don't let it stop you from living your life.”

  Harvey shrugged. “I guess you have a point.”

  “Of course, I do.”

  “Maybe he's moved on. Maybe he's dating someone.”

  Leo arched his right eyebrow. “Does that bother you?”

  “Of course, it doesn't! That would make me happy. Maybe then he'll get off my back about the whole kids thing.”

  “You never told me much about why you broke up. Was it about having kids?”

  Harvey nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. He wanted kids. I didn't. It was that simple.”

  “That really sucks. It seemed like you were happy with him.”

  “I guess I was for a time.”

  Leo hummed. “Well, are you dating anyone? I haven't heard so much as a peep lately about dates.”

  “I gave up on that last year.”

  “I'm sorry, Harv. I hope it gets better. Maybe volunteering could put you back out there. You could meet someone like you.”