I Said Yes

Monday went by quick. We had a leisurely morning and then Michael drove us out to the restaurant so I could help with the holiday party that was in the banquet room. He hung out at the bar and had some appetizers and when I was all finished we said our goodbyes and headed back to the house. The rest of the evening was un-eventful as I figured it important to relax and get some rest before tomorrow’s Christmas Eve event and then the trip up to Walla Walla. We watched a couple of sitcoms on TV and then I watched the news while Michael showered. As I was sitting there I found myself thinking about how nice, natural and “normal” this all was. The two of us…the pups…going out together or staying home…didn’t seem to matter as it felt really nice to me. I believed I was actually falling for this guy. Only a month since the lunch/chat and who would have thought it would be happening this fast? It shouldn’t feel so right but it did…

Christmas eve day and night went without a hitch. Before we left the house I had packed a bag…one for me and one for the pups and then Michael and I hit a really good local spot in the village for breakfast. Afterwards he drove me out to the restaurant and we agreed I would give him a buzz when I had a sense of how service was going and when I would be done. I told Corey I was heading up over the mountain to spend Christmas with Michael and his family and he told me he was going up to hang out with Chris. All I could do was smile when he told me. He wanted to know what I was grinning at but I just let it go. He said his parents were in California at his sisters and he didn’t really want to hang out by himself. I thought, at the time, that it was good he would be up there as I could ride back with him if things worked out.

I called Michael about 7pm and let him know I would probably be done by 8ish. He said he was going to grab the bags and the pups and head towards the restaurant. The open house went well and all the guests seemed excited that we were doing it and all had a good time visiting and enjoying each others company. It was a really nice turn out and both Corey and I agreed it was a good call…good idea to do it…and that we ought to think about doing it again a few times a year. The staff members were all surprised when one of our regulars approached each of them and gave each an envelope containing $500. He wanted no fuss…no acknowledgement…just the knowledge that it would help each of them enjoy their Christmas even more. At the end he approached Corey and I and gave us each an envelope containing $1000 much to our surprise. No words would convince him to take it back…I explained that Corey and I could and should not take it…and he almost looked offended. I relented and it made him very happy…not to mention how happy it made Corey!

It wasn’t too long after that when Michael arrived. I had ordered a plate for him so we weren’t traveling with him on an empty stomach. He was thankful as he said he had forgotten to grab anything to eat. We sat at the bar for a few minutes while he ate and I had a quick glass of wine and when we were done it was time to go. Hugs for Corey and most of the staff…I poked my head into the kitchen and thanked the Chef and kitchen crew and then we were on our way. While I was not looking forward to 4 hours in the car at this time of night I was looking forward to spending quiet time with Michael. We wound through town, stopped at the AM/PM to gas up and grab some coffee and off we went.

“I am really glad that you are coming with me Matt…I didn’t really want to do this alone and wasn’t sure I was in the mood to celebrate anything…so…thank you”.

“You are welcome…I have to confess that I wasn’t really looking forward to being alone on Christmas but I also gotta say I am a little anxious”.

“About What?”

“Being with another family almost feels like I am intruding and…I am not really sure what message we are sending”.

“What do you mean…message?”

“Well…don’t you think they suspect or know there is stuff happening between us…I mean how could they not know?”

“Of course they know…but my family doesn’t talk about things like that”

“Dude…you don’t talk about anything”

“Hey, that’s not fair! Every time we have gone up on the ridge I have shared a little more each time”

“I think you did it backwards though…I mean the first time you got naked…and the last time was when you shared your feelings”

We both laughed at that because…well…it was true. The banter continued for most of the ride and, before I knew it, we were only about 30 minutes away from the winery. We were going to spend the night at the apartment and head over to his parents house for an early breakfast…gifts…naps…and then a big family dinner complete with Michael’s two sisters (whom I had not met). We popped into Michaels favorite dive bar and wished everyone a merry Christmas…had a few cocktails…and headed to the apartment. By then the snow was really coming down and I was excited to see this much snow on Christmas eve. When we pulled into the parking lot I could see the lights from the Christmas tree in the tasting room through the windows and the glass roll-up door. It was magical as it was the only light in the large room and I found myself getting out of the truck and wandering over that way. I stood on the sidewalk near the door and felt Michael come up and hug me from behind. I was just in awe at how beautiful the scene was…the tree and lights glowing…the snow coming down…and Michael holding me and resting his head on my shoulder. I was really happy I had decided to come with him.

As was always the case when we were at the winery we trudged through the snow, up the hill and over the ridge. This vantage point allowed us the see all the vineyards, the small lake and hot springs, the winery and the rolling hills all covered with an awesome blanket of snow. I remember feeling more content and happy then I had been in a really, really long time. The scenery was fantastic as was the company and the setting. I recall having a really warm feeling flow through me in spite of the 20 degree temperatures…a warm feeling like I had not had before.