All Is Bright: A Boys of Lake Cliff Holiday

by K. Sterling

  “I’m going to hang out with Aiden and Lane,” Sage said and Lavender nodded. He decided to join Cyril, Elliot and Paul but waved at the group at the other end of the table. Toly and Wilder were seated next to Aiden and Lane while Denver and Ezra were filling their plates at the buffet as Alon looked on. Lavender winked at Paul as he sat across from him.

  “Good morning, Cyril, Professor Elliot, Paul,” he said and draped his napkin across his lap.

  “I trust you slept well and you’re ready to be off,” Cyril murmured. Lavender hummed then thanked a footman as a glass of green juice was set down in front of him.

  “Yes and yes. As I’m sure you’re ready to have us out of your hair.”

  “Indeed,” Cyril said dryly but he gave himself away when his eyes flicked to Elliot. Lavender considered them as he gulped down his juice then wiped his lips.

  “I must confess that I underestimated the professor and I offer you my sincerest congratulations,” he told Cyril then bowed his head at Elliot. Cyril’s eyes tightened as if he was waiting for something uncomfortable to pass.

  “Thank you,” he said then pulled in a deep breath. “And I appreciate your patience and assistance with this...matter. I will make sure you’re all very well compensated and your lives are all back in order,” he added. Lavender smiled as he reclined and nodded.

  “You should have a bill for the repairs to my house. I’m told everything’s been completed and looks just as it did before Toly’s last...outburst,” he said. His lips twitched as he watched Toly beam at Wilder and laugh at something Ezra said. It felt like things were sliding back into place and everyone could relax again. Lavender was relieved as well but he was impatient to get home. Robin was waiting for them in Chicago and there were still a few days left before Christmas Eve. There was still time for movies and puzzles and reading by the fire. Sage had time to bake cookies for Santa and prepare a big Christmas Eve dinner. They’d snuggle with cider after Robin went to bed and the stockings were stuffed. And maybe make out if Reginald and Paul got the hint and turned in early. But even if they didn’t, it would be a perfect evening. Reginald and Paul were staying until after the new year because it just made sense for them to spend the holidays together. As if his ears were burning and the devil heard his name, Reginald peeked into the dining room.

  “Am I allowed to sit with the cool kids again?” He asked sheepishly. His eyes touched Toly’s and Reginald’s brows rose hopefully.

  “Get over yourself and get in there,” Casper said and shoulder checked Reginald as he passed and waved at everyone on his way to the sideboard. Reginald scowled at him as he tugged at his sleeves then smiled at Toly before he waved at Ezra.

  “I hope you all can forgive me,” he said and Lavender held his breath as Toly dragged his fork through the dregs of syrup and pancake crumbs on his plate.

  “I understand why you did it and that none of this would have happened if the CIA and China hadn’t screwed up. I would just like to decide for myself in the future,” he said and tilted his chin back. “You’re still on probation and I’m going to be looking over your shoulder for a long time but I forgive you.”

  “That sounds very reasonable,” Reginald said and ducked his head as he smoothed his tie then looked at Ezra. He sat back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest and Ezra narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

  “I feel better knowing Toly’s keeping an eye on you and he said you were pretty badass during the Battle of Blackhurst...” He took a bite of his bacon and hummed as he chewed before waving it at Denver. “He’s still sleeping really well and we were able to gang up on him and get his knee fixed. I’m over it if he’s over it,” he decided and everyone looked to Denver. He snorted into his coffee.

  “I’m definitely ready to get snowed in with Ezra at the cabin alone but I had a damn blast and the new knee’s been nice,” he stated with a shrug.

  “I guess we’re good,” Ezra said and went back to his eggs.

  “Excellent!” Reginald said. He nodded at Lavender and Cyril before he flashed a boyish grin at Paul.

  “I don’t think that could have gone better,” Cyril murmured and Paul let out a loud breath as he sat forward and finally attacked his food.

  “Better than I was expecting,” he admitted and laughed to himself as he chewed. Lavender and Cyril exchanged knowing looks and both schooled their features.

  “I’m beginning to question your last psych eval, Agent Sloan,” Cyril said and set his elbow on the armrest of his chair so he could prop up his chin. Paul snorted as he wiped his lips and shook his head.

  “I know better than to tell them the truth. I am absolutely out of my mind,” he admitted readily but he leaned and offered his cheek when Reginald slid into the seat next to his.

  “I love that about you,” Reginald said as he shook out his napkin and laid it across his lap.

  “I’m also extremely forgiving,” Paul pointed out. Reginald hummed loudly in agreement as he stretched and kissed his cheek again.

  “Very,” he agreed. “And you’re a beast in the sack. I love that a hell of a lot,” he added then pointed. “Could you pass the pepper, please.” He licked some butter off his finger and thanked Paul before shaking pepper onto his eggs. They looked up as Casper arrived and he coughed softly.

  “Would it be alright if I...” His eye dropped to the seat next to Lavender’s.

  “Of course!” Lavender insisted as he pulled the chair back for him. Casper looked away and mumbled a thank you as his unblemished cheek turned pink. He sat and took his time arranging his silverware and smoothing his napkin over his thigh. Hawk took the seat across from Casper but he offered Lavender a salute and he didn’t sense as much wariness.

  “What about you, Mr. Grim?” Cyril asked. “Holding any grudges?” He sounded almost hopeful and his eyes crinkled at the corners as Casper pulled a face.

  “Several but none of you are on my shit list,” he said. Hawk sighed contentedly as he ate and Lavender wondered if he needed a psychiatric evaluation.

  “I have zero complaints,” he stated cheerfully and Casper was blushing again. It was both adorable and a little unsettling but Lavender couldn’t be more pleased.

  “And when will we see the two of you in Lake Cliff?” He asked and Hawk waved his fork airily as he mentally consulted his calendar.

  “As much as I enjoyed this little house party, I’m looking forward to spending the rest of the holidays hiding in the cottage with Casper. So...early spring, maybe?” He said and checked with Casper. He was stuck for a moment, stunned and blinking until he sniffed hard.

  “I think that sounds...perfect,” he croaked. Cyril rolled his eyes but he was smiling behind the rim of his coffee cup. Then, Cyril became serious as he set down his coffee and sat forward.

  “I’m in your debt, Lord Marston. You designed a security puzzle so elaborate the CIA and a Mossad expert weren’t able to penetrate it. Blackhurst and most of its treasures survived thanks to you and the team you’ve assembled. I am deeply indebted to you and I won’t forget that,” he said solemnly. Reginald shook his head as he chewed and swatted dismissively.

  “The hardest part was keeping it all from them. The rest was child’s play, honestly, but I will keep that in mind,” he said then pointed his fork at the lox on his plate. “That’s delightful. Can I get a bloody Mary?” He asked then got up to follow Alon to the study. Lavender pinched the bridge of his nose as he chuckled.

  “He’s right, though. It’s no surprise that my security experts would best the CIA. They’ve been doing it for years. That’s why I put up with Reginald and Denver and know better than to cross Toly.

  “Now, it’s a perfect breakfast,” Reginald said when he returned with his drink. “Here’s to our host. Shockingly not the worst or wildest house party I’ve attended,” he announced before he drank. Cyril threw up a hand dramatically.

  “I did my best. That being said.” He tossed his napkin at the table and rose. “I have a call with Lang
ley in ten minutes so Alon will see you off. It’s been a delight but please finish your meals and get the hell out of my house,” he said warmly then bowed before he took himself off. Lavender snorted as he sat back and crossed his legs.

  “The consummate host, as always,” he drawled and Reginald grinned as he sipped his drink.

  “His eye twitch is my favorite amenity,” he said and they looked up as Lane and Aiden stopped by on their way out.

  “It’s nice outside so we’re going to take a walk through the gardens now that we’re allowed to wander past the terrace. We’ll meet you out front,” Lane told them and Paul gasped as he turned in his seat so he could see them.

  “What about Reginald and Aiden’s routine thing?” He asked. Lane groaned as he threw up his hands.

  “We totally forgot! There’s still a little time, if you’d like to perform your little...whatever,” Lane suggested as he checked his watch but Aiden threw him a horrified look. Reginald shook his head.

  “Nobody’s in the mood now and the jackets are already packed and being loaded,” he muttered and tossed his chin at the courtyard.

  “Maybe later,” Paul said as he gave Reginald’s shoulders a squeeze and kissed his hair. Reginald shrugged.

  “Maybe.”

  “There’s still a few days left before Christmas. You could do it for me and the Holdersons,” Paul suggested but Reginald was still glum.

  “We’ll see. Kind of takes the kick out of the ending, not being at Blackhurst,” he said and Aiden’s brows fell.

  “What are you talking about? It was a few magic tricks and some Christmas jokes,” he argued and Reginald’s hands flailed as he hissed loudly.

  “Shhh! Don’t spoil it! It was going to be epic,” he said with absolute certainty but Aiden frowned and shook his head.

  “I thought the jokes were awful.”

  “But I told you, that’s the point!” Reginald argued and Aiden threw Lane a suffering look.

  “This is why I don’t like comedy. None of the jokes I get are funny and the ones everyone thinks are funny are just really stupid. Most are based on fantastical hyperbole or obvious puns. That’s not funny.”

  “See?” Reginald laughed as he pointed at Aiden. “He isn’t even trying. He’s the perfect straight man,” he said.

  “I still find that extremely ironic,” Aiden replied. “I’m so unsuitable for so many things but mostly being heterosexual.” He gave his head another quick shake and Lavender gave up and grabbed the table as he howled.

  “I could watch this all day!” He laughed as he wiped his eyes. Lane’s chest shook as he reached for Aiden.

  “You should have heard him after their practices! ‘I don’t get it. What’s so funny about Idaho-ho-ho?’” Lane said in his best impression of Aiden and Lavender was wheezing.

  “Idaho-ho-ho!”

  “You told him!” Reginald yelled and Aiden threw his arms up in disgust.

  “It wasn’t a state secret and I don’t get it!”

  “I am so sorry we didn’t get to see it now,” Lane sighed and chuckled. Lavender nodded in agreement but he was content and happy.

  “I am as well but just the promise of it was enough of a gift. Let’s go home, gentlemen,” he said and there were hearty amens and cheers and chairs scraped as everyone got up and cleared the dining room.

  “We’ll see you all some time in the spring,” Hawk called and he and Casper waved as they parted in the hall so they could leave through the terrace.

  “Keep a close eye on him, Hawk,” Lavender called back but he felt confident that Casper was in very good hands.

  “It has been a pleasure as always, Alon,” Reginald said and bowed deferentially at the older man.

  “Thank you, my lord.”

  “No offense, Alon, but I hope we don’t see each other for a very long time,” Lavender said as he offered his hand and Alon smiled slightly as he shook it.

  “The feeling is mutual, sir, and it has been a pleasure, as always.”

  “It’s been real, Alon,” Denver said loudly and gave his shoulder an affectionate shake. Alon’s jaw clenched as he endured it.

  “Indeed,” he said flatly.

  “For the love of God, get out of my house!” Cyril bellowed from the study.

  “Leaving already?” Elliot asked cheerfully as he jogged down the stairs.

  “It’s beginning to get chilly,” Lavender joked then thanked Elliot and welcomed him to visit Lake Cliff and to call if he was ever in need of assistance.

  “Thanks but let’s hope it never comes to that,” Elliot said and exchanged hugs with Sage, Ezra and Toly and there were punches and pats exchanged with Wilder and Denver.

  “Take care of yourself, Farris,” Paul said as they hugged.

  “Georgetown’s not that far. You don’t have to be a stranger,” Elliot said but a laugh burst from Paul at the thought.

  “I know you’re joking but we might swing by now and then to make his eye twitch,” he replied and Elliot grinned.

  “That’s almost worth dealing with your husband.”

  “Hey,” Reginald complained but they hugged and Elliot slapped his cheek playfully before he released him.

  “Just give us a chance to catch our breath before you nearly start another war,” he teased.

  “Once again, not my fault the CIA and the Chinese are incompetent at espionage,” Reginald said impatiently.

  “Whatever. Just take care of yourself and stay out of trouble,” Elliot said then wished everyone else a safe trip home and went to bother Cyril in the study.

  “That’s it. Let’s go home and spend the rest of the holidays spoiling our son,” Sage said as he hooked his arm around Lavender’s.

  “I love this idea, dads,” Reginald said as he tried to take Sage’s hand but he pushed him away.

  “Get in the fucking car,” Lavender ordered Reginald and pointed at the limo he and Sage weren’t riding in.

  “I am wounded,” Reginald declared then sulked out the door and down the steps.

  “Come on. Robin’s waiting and we’re going home!” Sage whispered excitedly and Lavender felt a rush of warmth and joy as they finally left Blackhurst.

  “Absolutely nothing could make me happier.”

  Epilogue 1

  “Are you sure she wants a goose?” Cyril asked then swore as he hurried across the foyer when a leaf blew in.

  “Would you calm down?” Farris called from the front steps.

  “Goose, though? Are we in a Dickens’ novel? Do you think she’ll like the room?”

  “Yes! I see her. Get out here!” Farris urged. Cyril dashed to the door and shoved the leaf at one of the footmen and dusted off his hands. “She’s always wanted to have a traditional Christmas dinner with a goose. She’s studying British literature,” Farris whispered as Cassie’s smart little Fiat came down the long drive and steered around the fountain. She parked and quickly threw open her door so she could run to Farris. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart!” He said and laughed as he caught her and Cyril had to look away and discreetly wipe tears from his eyes as Farris rocked his daughter. Cyril recognized Farris’s big, easy laugh more from the pictures of the two of them but he was seeing and hearing it more and more around the house too.

  “I can’t believe I’m actually here!” Cassie whispered loudly as Farris guided her up the steps and her eyes were huge as she took in the house. They grew wider and her hand shook as she bravely held it out to Cyril.

  “Cyril, this is Cassie. Cassie, this is Cyril,” Farris said and she coughed softly as her tiny hand was engulfed by Cyril’s.

  “It’s very nice to meet you. I hear that you’d like to date my father,” she said with as much bravado as she could muster. Cyril chuckled as he bowed over her hand and kissed her knuckles.

  “I want so much more than that. But, first, welcome to Blackhurst, Cassie,” he said and waved grandly as he stepped aside. Her head tipped back as she stepped into the foyer and her jaw hung as her eyes darted f
rom the chandelier to the Christmas tree to the giant picture window above the grand staircase.

  “Holy shi...” She yelped when Farris elbowed her and flashed Cyril a pained smile. “You have a very lovely home.”

  “I am overjoyed to have you here,” Cyril said warmly. She was just as effervescent and curious as Farris described and she was full of contagious joy and optimism as she bounced excitedly next to him.

  “This is so amazing! Can I see where you work?” She asked Farris and he nodded.

  “Sure! This is nice but the really cool stuff is downstairs,” he said as he led her to the elevator and Cyril wanted to follow but he wasn’t sure if Farris would want him there.

  “This is all pretty cool,” Cassie said and her chin stretched as she unabashedly checked out the study. Farris winked at Cyril as he pulled the elevator door open and waved her in.

  “We’ll end up in there soon enough. Cyril makes his own scotch and you’re going to be so glad you’re staying the night because you’re not driving anywhere after a few glasses,” he warned and Cassie made a giddy sound as she grabbed Cyril’s sleeve.

  “It is so, so lovely of you to let me stay the night! I surprised Fred and Alice with a weekend at a bed and breakfast but I hate being alone at night,” she told him as she towed Cyril into the elevator with her and he nodded.

  “Of course. You’re always welcome to stay here. Farris was the one who said no,” he said and she gasped as she pointed at Farris.

  “I knew it!” She hissed at him then turned to Cyril. “I bet you’re not nearly as terrible as he said you were.”

  “No. I definitely am,” Cyril replied but she shook her head.

  “I don’t see it and I don’t want to,” she stated and put her nose in the air. Cyril laughed as he looked at Farris.

  “I guess I’ll have to behave, then,” he said. And it wasn’t hard to be nice and they had a great time showing Cassie around the vault. She was in awe of everything but the various letters from British authors, poets and playwrights made her cry and Cyril promised she always had free run of his entire collection. They showed her to Farris’s old suite and Cyril officially made it Cassie’s for whenever she wanted to visit. Farris surprised her with a selection of evening gowns as he gave her a tour of the dressing room.