George accepted the mug and kissed his cheek.
Shawn and Robin were already on the call, both dressed adorkably in elf hats and ugly Christmas sweaters. In another window, Orry and Zoey were relaxing on the apartment’s futon, casually teasing Shawn and Robin about their chosen attire. Levi had missed commemorating the anniversary of Xander’s death with Robin in person, but he also understood it was time for them both to move on. They’d always love Xander in their hearts and that was good enough.
Now it was time to look to the future.
“Doug’s late,” Shawn said. “Did he get the right link?”
“Yeah, he’s probably just having issues figuring it out,” Robin joked. “He’ll be on in a few, I’m sure.”
Levi snuggled up close to George and wasn’t surprised when Baby planted herself on his lap. Sporty was somewhere, probably outside enjoying the New Mexico sunshine. They’d joined the rest of Lucky’s Rodeo at their winter spot in Santa Fe last week, after driving the house and contents to their new location. The cats were still getting used to the unfamiliar terrain and tended to stick close.
Finally, Dad jumped into the call and they were complete. He was reclining on a bed with some sort of tapestry on the wall behind him. “Greetings from Venice,” Dad said with cheer in his tone and eyes. “Never thought I’d live to spend Christmas Day in Italy but this is what your mother wanted, Levi. To follow her heritage home.”
“Is Italy as beautiful as the pictures I’ve seen?” George asked.
“Even more beautiful than words can describe, son. It’s worth the trip if you find yourself able to come.”
“Maybe next winter. We’ve got a busy season coming up.”
They truly did. With Levi now in charge of Lucky’s Rodeo, he was actively working with both Potter and Willard to build next year’s travel schedule. Levi wanted to do more small shows, more local venues, interspersed with the bigger, more prestigious state fairs and events. To boost smaller economies with their attraction, and they could definitely afford it. And everyone who’d worked with Levi in the past was happy to have him back.
Some folks were a bit standoffish with George, but George was also shy around the staff as a whole. He was working on it, shoring up his courage and battling his social anxiety. He loved working with the horses, though, and Levi had never been prouder of his boyfriend. Proud for taking a chance on a mobile life that took him thousands of miles away from his brother. From the quiet, contained life he was used to. For facing his anxiety monster head-on and trying something brand new.
George still did closed-caption work and he’d go part-time once the rodeo season began next year so he could help with the horses. Levi had sat downstairs in the living room with Slater and Derrick for close to an hour while George said goodbye to Orry in their apartment last week. It had been hard, but worth it for the way George glowed. He was happy, thriving, and living his life, and Levi was blessed to know and love him.
“So what’s better in Italy, Dad?” Robin asked. “The pizza or the pasta?”
“Pasta, hands down,” Dad replied. “It’s an art form over here. Doesn’t matter what the sauce is, the pasta is exceptional. I’ve never seen so many different shapes.”
“I am completely jealous,” George said. “Our Christmas dinner is takeout turkey and stuffing from a local place that we ordered ahead from.”
“Hey, it’s the perfect meal for two,” Levi retorted. “Besides, my oven only fits so much food at once. You could have a homemade turkey or sides but not both.”
“Fortunately, we don’t have to cook,” Shawn said. “We’re due at Wes and Mack’s place in about three hours for dinner. Just like last year.”
“Yeah.” It was hard to believe that a little over a year ago, Levi and George had begun their flirtation, and that they’d nurtured it for so long. Talking and asking and checking in when they sensed a problem. They’d had a lot of long conversations about Levi taking over Lucky’s and, in the end, George had agreed to travel with him. To keep their family together all year long, instead of Levi going off alone with the cats.
Levi had done a lot of running, meditating and soul searching before he told Dad he’d run Lucky’s. And he didn’t regret his decision for a single moment. Not when he saw how happy his whole family was.
Twelve sixteen rolled around and the call went silent for about a full minute. “Five years since we lost you, Xander,” Dad said. “We’ll never stop loving you but I think we can all feel you smiling down on us from wherever you are. You and your momma. Keep loving each other until we see you again.”
Levi pictured his brother’s smiling face and sent positive energy into the world on his and his mom’s behalf. Wherever both you are, I hope you’re at peace.
“How do you think training is going?” Dad asked Robin.
Robin groaned. “Can I report back in a few more weeks?”
Once Levi announced he was leaving the ghost town for Lucky’s, Robin had put out an ad for a new trick riding partner. He’d gotten a reply from a young man named Sam, who had a lot of promise but still needed a ton of training to truly develop his skills. Levi had hated leaving Robin and Mack in the lurch like that but they had over a month before Bentley re-opened for the season.
“You know exactly what I’ll do if Mack asks,” Levi said. “Bring the entire show to Bentley for opening day.”
“I know you will but Mack trusts me to keep our demos running, and I’m gonna do it.” Robin tilted his chin up. “Sam’s good, he’s just got to work on his balance a little bit more. We’ll be fine.”
“I’d call that Peletier stubbornness,” Dad said, “but you aren’t blood.”
“Hey, some things are acquired traits. I’ve known you nutcases for thirteen years now. Some things stick.”
Dad burst out laughing. “Yeah, I guess they do. George, how are you liking Santa Fe?”
“I can’t complain,” George replied. “The weather is great. The company is even better. The only thing I’m really missing is a hug from my brother.”
“Yeah, well, you’ll get a huge one next time I see you,” Orry said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been apart on Christmas but that’s part of growing up, right? Moving on and trying new things.”
“It is. Orry, you are the best brother I ever could have wanted. Thank you for protecting me when I couldn’t protect myself. You’ve done so much for me, and all I want is for you to be happy.”
“I am happy, bro. More than I can say.”
“Good. Did you see Grandpa and Gramma today?” George and Levi had both visited them before leaving the city, and they’d been delighted to meet Levi. And to hear about George’s new adventure in life. The charming elderly pair had wished them both all the best.