Page 43 of His Christmas Love Song

“Our non-corny Christmas album?”

“Yeah. Oh well. We’ll finish it sometime.”

“I have a love song to add to it,” Ryan says, thinking of his song for Jesse.

“As a matter of fact, I do, too,” Jesse says.

“What do you mean?”

“Last night, I was writing you a song to convince you to stay. To convince you to give me another chance, but I got sidetracked by the snow and you thinking the laws of physics don’t apply to you.”

“Well, let’s hear it then,” Ryan says. He loves Jesse’s songs, and he gets a little thrill knowing Jesse wrote one with him specifically in mind.

“It’s not ready yet,” Jesse says.

“Please? I need a lullaby to get me to sleep,” Ryan whines.

“God, you’re a brat,” Jesse says, planting a kiss on the top of Ryan’s head. “Okay. I have to get my guitar.”

Ryan wriggles happily while he waits for the love of his life to serenade him.

Jesse returns a minute later, tuning his guitar lightly. He sits on the edge of the bed, wearing nothing but a pair of soft gray pajama pants. His dark hair hangs in his face, and he has a red mark on his neck that Ryan put there with his mouth.

“You’re so beautiful,” Ryan says.

“Hush,” Jesse says lightly. “Promise you’ll go to sleep after this?”

“Yes. Well, after this and after I brush my teeth.”

Jesse snorts and starts to play. The tune is slow at first, dreamy country chords that Jesse matches with his soulful voice. He doesn’t have as much range as Ryan, but he’s got a compelling baritone twang.

I promised I wouldn’t write

another corny Christmas song.

I promised you there’d be snow.

I promised myself I’d never fall in love,

but, baby, wouldn’t you just know?

Ryan smiles as Jesse catalogs his failed promises, and then the tempo picks up and Jesse sings on.

It turns out I’m a liar.

And not a good one at that.

‘Cause feet to the fire,

you laid me out flat.

I fell for your voice,

your heart, and your mind.

The way you smile when I’m being foolish,

the way our lives are entwined.