The cabinets had only holiday-themed plates and utensils. There were painted reindeer on each plate and bowl. They looked hand painted. Cameron must have done this in his childhood. There were green and red place settings that Isaac set out, readying the table.

The table was oak with matching chairs. Each chair had a green or red plush cushion. Isaac cleaned the tables and chairs, ensuring they were in perfect condition. Jackson moved ingredients from the fridge and freezer.

A sense of relaxation and focus sank into Cameron. He loved to cook. The knife moved expertly in his hand, the seasoning poured without measuring, and the sauce put in at will.

The smell of bread baking was mouthwatering. The chicken cooked in the oven agonizingly slowly as Cameron prepared his favorite dish. Isaac helped serve the chicken. Jackson placed the bread in the center of the table. The joy crept back into Cameron as he prepared their holiday meal.

It tasted like Christmas. Each bite filled Isaac with warmth, comfort, and joy. The chicken was flavored perfectly. Isaac savored every bite. Cameron’s eyes were sparkling again as he bit into his food.

“You have outdone yourself,” Isaac complimented as Cameron dished out the Christmas pudding.

After they finished, the sadness crept into Cameron again. Isaac hated seeing Cameron like this. He grabbed Cameron and Isaac and dragged them in front of the fire. The rug softly grazed their skin. Isaac covered them with a heavy wool blanket depicting Santa’s sleigh.

"Tell me about your best Christmas,” Isaac asked, doubting Cameron had ever had a bad one. He would not let this be his first.

Jackson stiffened at the question, his eyes darting to the fireplace. His jaw tightened. Isaac had thought Jackson would be relieved that he had a few days to prepare to meet Cameron’s parents. Something was still clearly bothering him. Isaac took a mental note to check in with Jackson later. He wanted this to be their favorite Christmas.

“My favorite Christmas was when I was thirteen,” Cameron answered, his eyes tearing. A dimpled grin covered his face. “I’d always wanted a dog. We had just moved to the States. I was lonely. I woke up and went downstairs. The box was moving and jostling. I opened it and found this big golden fluffy retriever.”

“That is when you got Swift?” Isaac asked, flipping through his saved photos looking at the pictures of Swift and Cameron.

Swift was no longer a puppy. Cameron video-called her daily. Most of his photos were pictures of adventures and travels with her. Isaac was slightly nervous Swift would dislike him. Cameron would probably break up with anyone his dog didn't like.

“I got a turtle one Christmas. I always wanted one. He was the best,” Isaac recalled, remembering Mack. He showed Isaac and Cameron pictures of his departed friend.

Jackson was staring into the fire again, lost in his thoughts. The crackling flames filled the silence. No one wanted to push Jackson to talk about the holidays. Jackson stood, collecting their dirty mugs, and disappeared into the kitchen.

Christmas gifts covered the floor under the tree. Cameron had dozens of presents with his name on them. Both his parents also had a fair few to unwrap. Jackson and Isaac had found gifts for Cameron’s parents. He would need to add them under the tree. Leaning forward, he saw his name scribbled. There were gifts for Jackson as well.

“How do your parents feel about us?” Isaac wondered.

Cameron had always said they were supportive. However, their relationship wasn’t exactly typical.

“They were a bit surprised at first. My mom always thought I’d end up with Jackson. They needed a minute. I got a text a few hours after we talked. They understood I had a lot of love to give. They read books and listened to podcasts about polyamory. I think they get it now,” Cameron answered, his smile gentle and loving.

Jackson returned, sitting next to them, his body still tense. Isaac had never had to take care of both his partner’s at once.

The rug was soft and pleasurable to the touch. Warmth soaked into Isaac. The fire relaxed his worries. Bright shades of yellow no longer pierced through the window. The sun was setting in a dazzling show of reds and oranges.

“It’s been a long day. Let me massage you both,” Isaac offered, pressing his hands into Jackson’s shoulders, working the stress out.

Jackson moaned. The knots in his back released. Both Cameron and Jackson were very physical. Not that Isaac wasn’t. Perhaps, focusing on their bodies would relieve some tension and stress.