Hey loves!

M E R R Y 🎅🏾 X M A S

Since this book made a break through and many of you sobbed your hearts out, I wanted to give y'all a little christmas surprise cause you too should be happy on Christmas! Who0p just a side note, I'm obsessed with christmas songs I swear to santa!

Anyway so let's rewind this book with and also a....

I C O N I C P L A C E S

in It Starts With You

" Yup, the star goes right up there! That's it, Angie, you're doing amazing!" Leaning my shoulder against the door, I watch from afar as Alexander has Angie on his shoulder while she places the golden glittery star at the top of the christmas tree.

It's insane how fast she's growing, next year she will be Grade 2 already. The ring of the door shook me out from my thoughts.

" Gab, can you get the door?" Alexander smiled over his shoulder as he places Angie on the ground. Heading over to the door, I pull it open to come upon none other than Kai and his girlfriend, Liliana.

" Uncle Kai!" Angie screams across the living room before running into his arms. I give Liliana a hug, she was a new addition to our family. I admire how she is able to keep Kai grounded, despite how wild he is.

" Baby girl, man I missed you!" Kai swings Angie around in the air which causes her to giggle. An arm wraps around my waist and I'm pulled into the other room. Once again, I'm looking into those sunset orbs which hold a mischievious glint.

" Xander...we are not doing this now," I shook my head, hiding a grin.

" I have no clue what you're talking about, and just a side note, I love those santa socks." He winked, leaning in closer.

His lips were inches away from mine, one arm around me while the other cages me against the wall.

" You're one of a kind Xander," I pushed the strands of his fawn hair that fell over his eyes. Just when I thought I could feel his lips against mine, the back door from the garden entrance slides open.

" Cover your eyes kids!" Tristen yells, putting his hands over his daughter's and son's eyes. Willow comes from behind to slap his arm playfully.

My eyes softened at the sight of Tristen's family. Three years ago, he was still flirting with my mom and Willow was just his girlfriend. And now, he's a father with two kids, Elijah and Tessa.

" Sorry for ruining your moment guys, Tristen over here insisted on making a big entrance from the back door." Willow gave me a warm hug, while Tristen did his usual handshake with Alexander.

" Where's Angie?" Elijah tugged Alexander's t-shirt, looking up at him with his light baby blue eyes.

Alexander chuckled, pointing towards the living room. We all made our way back to the crowd, only then did I realise many more guests arrived.

Mom, Dad and Blake arrived along with Jeremy and Skylar who brought their sons and Daughter - Jace, Nico and Mia. I was so consumed with happiness that didn't notice another couple arrive. When everyone disappeared into the function room, my eyes finally met hers.

" Charlotte..." I mummbled out upon seeing those strawberry blonde curls. Alexander came protectively by my side, pulling me close to him.

What shook me even more was seeing her intwine her fingers in my best friend's hand, Zach.

" Hey Gabriel, I can explain..." Zach scratched the back of his neck nervously.

" Zach's my boyfriend and i know you never wanted to see me again but...I came here to patch things up. I'm so sorry Gabriel and I'm happy for you and Alexander." Charlotte interrupted in defence while Zach gave me pleading eyes.

I let my eyes drop to the ground, I could feel Alexander wait in anticipation for my decision.

" You can't expect me to forgive you right here, right now...but I guess we could use this as a start."

My eyes slowly lift upwards to come upon the hope in her sapphire eyes.

" Yes! Anything," she breathed out in relief, "thank you...really thank you Gabriel." She nearly jumped on me.

" Come join the party Charlotte," I gave her a hug, one that made me feel maybe people do need a second chance. Afterall, the year is ending and I didn't want to start the year on a bad note.

Once Zach and Charlotte headed into the function room, I felt Alexander place a gentle kiss on my temple.

" Did I make a right decision?" I murmured out as I gaze into his rusty bronze eyes.

" It's not about whether it was a right decision, remember what I said: sometimes you just have to do it, take a risk and jump off the cliff. If not now, then when? " He gave me a dimpled smile, flashes of that evening by the cliff breezed through my mind.

I leaned my head against his shoulder, letting his arms engulf me.

" Lovebirds, get your asses here! We're gonna cheers!" Kai hollared from the function room.

Of course, Kai would interrupt us this time. Laughing, we jogged over to the room. Everyone had their glasses in the air, waiting for us to raise ours too.

" Let's cheers to the amazing people in our lives!" Tristen began and we all cling our glasses together before shouting out with broad smiles.

" MERRY CHRISTMAS!" The room broke out in laughter and chatter.

As I took my sip of white wine, I could already feel his eyes on me. The next thing I knew he pulled me in his room.

" I swear this better not become a habit, you keep pulling me into rooms." I joked while he pulled out a present for me from under our bed.

" Xander...you didn't have to..." I walked over to him as he sat on the edge of the bed. He gave me a sheepish smile and placed the gift in my hands.

We agreed not to get presents for each other and yet he gets me one. I guess it slipped my mind that Alexander never actually abides by the rules.

" It's nothing much but I hope you like it..." he fidgits nervously as I began to unwrap each layer of the gift.

My eyes came upon a painting that was framed up. It was beautiful, strokes brushing across, creating a whole ray of colours with my favourite range of pastel colours.

He remembered.

" I wanted to try something you always did. You always painted with brushes so I did it and I hope my artwork reaches your expectation..." he babbles away while I keep my eyes on the painting. Such a simple painting but it could make my heart melt.

" I'm so stupid...You must think I'm so childish for painting you a picture, I just thought---" I interrupted him.

" I love it, Xander. This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever gave me, I don't need some expensive gifts. The fact that you made this and wanted to try something new just for me is the most valuable treasure." I let my fingers feel the edges of the frame, admiring ebery inch of the art work before continuing.

" No one can ever do it like you. No one can be you, Xander, you're one of a kind." I lean closer, cupping his cheeks. His breath hitched as he leaned closer too.

" I love you, Gab." He whispered just inches away from my lips.

" I love you too, Xander."

" Always?" He raised a cheeky eyebrow, a grin finding a way yo his lips.

" Always and forever," I giggled, closing the gap between us. Once more with just a kiss, I reach the peak of happiness, my heart open, my life complete. His lips hungrily capture mine in a swirl of desire. Each kiss got better and I couldn't get enough of it.

We finally pull away, our breathing erratic. Our backs fell against the bed, causing the bed to bounce slightly.

Our eyes stare at the ceiling with love sick smiles painted across our faces.

" It's not fair." I break the silence with a pout. Alexander propped himself up with one elbow, facing me.

" Enlighten me Gabriel," his fingers played around with my hair.

" You got me a gift but I don't have any gift for you..." Honestly, I don't deserve a husband like Alexander.

He broke out in a fit of laughter while my cheeks began to heat up.

" You did get me a gift." He calmed down, his mesmerising smile still plastered on his cheeks.

A frown etched itself on my face, the last time I checked I didn't buy him any gift.

He turned to face me, his eyes roaming over my face with something swirling in his eyes. I couldn't quite put a finger at it.

" You gave me the best gift ever, " he continued, I didn't notice how the proximity between us grew smaller.

" What was the gift?" I whispered softly, curiosity dripping from my lips.

His fingers traced my eyebrow ever so gently, down my cheek to my lips.

" were my gift for Christmas. The best present I could have ever ask for. Your existence in my life, your laughs, words, smiles, kisses and hugs were the best gifts you showered me with for the past few years." Once more I was left at the loss of words.

He made me feel so special, so loved, so beautifully imperfect. I loved every inch of it.

I let out a small laugh under my breath, he always had a way with his words. Giving him one last kiss, I savoured the moment. He was mine, and I was his. And no one, not even what people labelled us as would separate us.

We weren't just two gay boys in love.

We were Alexander and Gabriel, the two boys who found and discovered the .

" Merry Christmas Alexander Wilde." I pulled myself close to his chest, snuggling into his warmth.

" Merry Christmas Gabriel Wilde."

And that was enough to make Christmas as beautiful as it was meant to be...

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I hope you enjoyed it!

Remember vote, share & comment and not to forget!

Have an amazing Christmas and treat yourself with something nice, you deserve it. Love you all❤

Celine🥀

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT KAI's story coming out in June!