Alex's POV
John and I had walked downstairs to start decorating their tree when my jaw dropped.

The living room was beautifully decorated with fake snow and garland hanging everywhere. The fireplace was crackling and Pentatonix was softly playing in the background.

"Alex, love come on. These ornaments aren't going to hang themselves."

I nodded and walked to a box of Christmas ornaments. The first one I picked up was a big round one that had Starry Night by Vincent Van Gough painted along it. I handed to John and smiled.

"My favorite painting." I went back to picking up more ornaments to hand to him when he lifted me on his back.

"You can't hang ornaments if you're that short. Here."

He handed me a small glass ball with gold glitter inside. I smiled and placed it on a branch while tightly wrapping my legs around John's waist.

He handed me another ornament, this time it being a glass blue fish. I laughed knowing this was his but carefully hung it on the delicate branch of the tree.

"Alexander! Look at you being a part of my family. You fit right in. You got a good one John."

"Mr. Lau-Henry. I'm honored that I was invited to spend the holidays with you and John."

"As yes well, it gets quite lonely after a while. I'm always happy to have Jacky home."

"Aww dad, I miss you too."

"Well, John would you like to put the topper on?" John looked at me, smiled, and looked back at his dad.

"I think we should let Alex have to honor."

My eyes widened and a smile crept onto my face.

"M-me?"

"Yes. Come here. I'll lift you up."

He picked me up on his back and handed my a golden star. I delicately placed it on the top of tree and smiled. John and Henry clapped as John set me back on the floor. He kissed me and hugged me.

"I love you."

"I love you too John."

We sat on the couch in front of the fire when Henry brought out three mugs of hot chocolate. I thanked him and took a mug off the tray as well as a chocolate chip cookie.

"So Alex, I assume you and John and happy?"

"Yes sir. I couldn't be happier."

"I'm glad to hear that my boy finally found someone."

"Dad!" John looked offended which made me giggle.

"I'm just saying." Henry laughed which made feel warm inside. To me, I guess I kinda saw him as a father figure. I can only hope that one day, I can call him my father-in-law.

"So John, Charleston is holding its first ever pride parade in June. Would you and Alex like to go?"

"Of course! Dad thank you!" John hugged his father and Henry motioned for me to do the same.

"Thank you Henry."

"You're welcome son." I smiled at the word son. I used to hate being called son, but now, I love that word. "Please allow me to take you and John to dinner tonight."

"Henry, I'll allow it."

"Great! Go get ready because I already made a reservation for 6:00!"

John's POV
I sighed and dragged Alex upstairs. I already knew where my dad was taking us. A nice, expensive restaurant called Setauket. I loved the food and the service overall, but I hated spending so much money. I walked into my closet, grabbed some slacks and a button up, and threw it on the bed. I then flopped onto the bed next to the articles of clothing. Alex walked into the room a second later.

"John? What are you doing?"

"Sleeping." I then felt the bed dip and a warmth over my body. I turned so I was on my back.

I brushed away the strands of hair from Alex's face and stared into his eyes.

"Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are? And your eyes, I get so lost in them."

He giggled which warmed my heart. I saw blush creeping up his neck and on onto his cheek. I smiled and kissed his nose.

"You're adorable. Now get dressed."

"But John!"

"Nope! Change!" He sighed but grabbed some dress pants and a button up.

Once he was changed I noticed his collar needed fixin'.

"Let me help you babygirl."

I wrapped my arms around his neck folding the collar down and smoothing it out. Once it looked presentable, I kissed him and got dressed myself.

With a little help from Alex, my hair was pulled back in a low ponytail. I smoothed out my shirt in front of the mirror and sighed only to have a pair of hands be placed on my waist.

"You look amazing baby."

"Thanks babygirl. My dad is waiting in the foyer. Come on."

I grabbed my wallet and phone before turning off the lights and shutting the door to my room. Alex was being very dramatic as if he was a princess in a ball gown whilst walking down the stairs. I laughed and walked to me dad faster than him.

"Some boy you got there John. He's a keeper."

"I know dad, I know." He patted my back and rubbed my shoulder.

"Well, let's get going."

I grabbed Alex's wrist and led him out to my dad's car. Now he drove a black Mustang which doesn't seem like much, but trust me, he has other cars.

Alex and I slipped into the back of the car with me against a window seat and Alex in the middle laying up against me. I stroked his hair and was going to whisper something in his ear when my dad spoke up.

"How's school Jacky? Biology doing well?"

"It's amazing! I get to study aquatic life everyday!"

"And what about you Alexander? What are you majoring in?"

"Majoring in English Ed but minoring in Law."

"Wise choices. Do you boys enjoy the classes?" Alex and I both nodded our heads.

"We do, but we enjoy each other even more." He blushed and I pecked his lips.

"Young love, such a beautiful thing. We can talk more over dinner because we're here."

Alex and I both stepped out of the car and followed my dad into the restaurant. Alex's eyes widened the minute we walked in. When we walked in, we were greeted by a hostess. She looked very familiar. I read her name tag and it said 'Sally'.

"Sally Hemmings?"

"Oh my goodness it's the Laurens family!"

"Hello Sally. How are you?"

"I'm great, Mr.Henry, thank you. Please, allow me to show you to your table."

We followed Sally to a table in a little closed off room. Once we sat down and Sally left, Alex spoke up.

"You have your own room!"

"Perks of being a senator." My dad answered Alex without even looking up from the menu.

"You're so lucky."

"Of course I'm lucky, I'm dating you."

He playfully slapped my arm and I pretend to rub it like it hurt.

"Not that. You've had an amazing childhood."

"Alex you may not have had the best, but look at where we are, look at where we started. You are Mr.Washington's son that's wonderful! My dad loves you as a son. We can make up for all the lost memories now."

A tear rolled down Alex's cheek and I quickly wiped it away.

"We all love you. Everyone does."

"Thank you John. I love you."

"I love you too."

A couple minutes later, Sally walked back into our room.

"Can I help you guys to any drinks?"

"I'll take a water and so will Alex." Alex looked at me and mouthed 'thank you' to me.

"And for you Mr.Henry?"

"A glass of red wine please."

Sally nodded and left the room. She returned a few minutes later with a tray holding our drinks.

We ordered our food and once it arrived we ate and laughed. I have never enjoyed this restaurant more.
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Aye! I'm alive. I finally got this chapter published after spending about a week writing it. Hope you guys are enjoying the book. It's my winter break so I'll more time to write meaning more chapters! Until later, au revoir my beautiful turtles!🐢❤