Chapter Text
The next few weeks flew by as they prepared for Christmas. Timmy called his parents to see if they wanted to come over for dinner on Christmas Day. They were thrilled to have another reason to come and experience Armie’s cooking. Armie checked in with his mom to see if she would be around on Christmas Eve to video chat. Everything felt like it was falling into place to share the best news of their lives with the people they loved the most.
Armie woke up first the morning of Christmas Eve. Timmy was snuggled into his arms, and he could not imagine a better Christmas present than this amazing person in his life. He began to stretch his body, as the beautiful man beside him began to stir awake.
“Good morning, gorgeous.” Armie said when Timmy lifted his face up to meet his eyes.
“Merry Christmas Eve morning.” Timmy responded sleepily.
Armie chuckled, “Is that a holiday now?”
“It should be.” Timmy said as he rolled onto his back, and stretched his whole body.
“Well what would you like to do on this blessed Christmas Eve morning?” Armie asked as he crawled over to Timmy and hovered over his body.
Timmy looked up at him with soft eyes and said, “I would love it if you would make me pancakes.”
Armie let out a deep belly laugh. “I would never deprive you of anything you wanted on Christmas Eve Morning. It’s a holiday where dreams come true.” He then leaned down and gave Timmy a quick kiss on the nose.
Timmy scrunched his face, “You are way too good for me.”
“Don’t you mean too good to you?” Armie asked.
“I said what I said.” Timmy replied as he gave him a sweet kiss on the lips.
“Wait here babe. I will be back with pancakes soon.” Armie chuckled as he went to put on clothes.
“No wait, I want to help.” Timmy said as he scrambled to get out of bed.
Armie put on a pair of boxers as he turned to watch his lover. He smirked as he walked back to the bed. He turned around and said, “I love when I have my sous chef, hop on.”
Timmy grinned as he jumped on Armie’s back, and they made their way to the kitchen. “Shouldn’t I put some clothes on too?” Timmy laughed.
“Absolutely not. A new tradition of this blessed holiday, that is Christmas Eve Morning… you are not allowed to put clothes on until it is completely necessary.”
Once in the kitchen, Armie let Timmy down and walked to the refrigerator and started to get out everything they needed for breakfast. “What else do you want? We have eggs, bacon, toast…”
“I don’t really care.” Timmy said as he gave Armie a sly grin. “Whatever you choose, it will be perfect. As long as we make it together.” With that Timmy closed the gap that was between them and literally climbed back into Armie’s arms.
Armie was a little caught off guard, but quickly recovered. Christmas Eve Morning was now his favorite holiday.
Timmy kissed his fiancé, and it was all tongue and teeth. He felt like he could not get enough. “I never thought I could be this happy Armie. I love you so much.” He said urgently as he grounded his ass back into Armie’s hands.
“Fuck Timmy. I love you so much too.” Armie sighed. He left the ingredients for their breakfast on the counter as he carried Timmy to the kitchen table. He set him down and looked into his eyes. They stared at each other for a brief moment. It felt like there was so much said in that look. This is forever.
Armie leaned in slowly and gave Timmy a passionate kiss. “Let me make you feel good.” He whispered. He felt Timmy nod, and when he looked up, his eyes were still closed. His lips were parted, and he looked stunning.
“I want to help.” Timmy moaned as he pulled Armie closer and spread his legs. He pulled Armie’s boxers down, slotted their dicks together in his hand and began moving his hips.
“Holy shit.” Armie groaned as he dropped his head onto Timmy’s shoulder. He took Timmy’s hand in his and helped hold their cocks together. He started thrusted in time with Timmy’s gyrating hips.
“Oh god…” Timmy cried as he searched for Armie’s lips. They pressed their mouths together. They breathed as one and took turns swallowing each other’s moans.
They came within seconds of one another. Timmy first, and Armie followed close behind.
They held each other close for what felt like eternity. Armie finally lifted his head to look Timmy in the eyes. “We are a mess. Let’s go take a shower and then make breakfast.”
Timmy grinned lazily, “Okay. Carry me?”
Armie laughed, “Are you going to walk anywhere on your own today?”
“Not if I don’t have to.” Timmy said, very matter of fact. “What time are we talking with you mom today?”
“Later this evening. I told her we would call around 8:00, so it will be 5:00 her time.
——————
“Hi mom. How are you doing?”
Armie and Timmy were sitting together, holding hands, laptop on Armie’s lap.
“I’m good, son. I’m feeling much better.” She smiled warmly, her eyes drifting over towards Timmy’s. “Hi Timmy. It’s lovely to see you again.”
Timmy waved, shy. “Hi, Mrs Hammer.”
“Please Timmy, call me Dru,” she reminded him. Timmy chuckled. “Sorry, Dru.” Armie squeezed his hand tenderly.
“So, how are you doing boys? Timmy, Armie sent me a copy of the New York Times. Congratulations my dear. You are a very talented young man. I wish I could see your play.”
Dru’s words made Timmy feel warm inside. It was really nice to feel accepted, at least by Armie’s mother. He smiled. “Thank you, Dru. I wish you could see it too.”
“Mom,” Armie intercepted, anxious to get the news out. “I- we just wanted to tell you that- um- we- we are getting married. In spring, like you wanted!”
Dru gasped, and put her hand over her mouth, her eyes getting teary. Armie looked over to Timmy, who was also grinning, his eyes shiny with emotion. They just could not get used to the idea. Could not get used to this level of happiness.
“Oh my god, boys. Congratulations. I’m so, so happy for you both. I-” she then started to tear up.
“Mom. Mom, please don’t cry,” Armie pleaded. He knew she was happy but seeing her cry made him worry.
“Sorry, son. I just- I’m really happy. I’m so happy for you. And thank you, Timmy. For making my son the happiest he’s ever been. For bringing so much light into this family. We badly needed it.”
At that, Timmy also started tearing up, giggling with the nerves, not knowing what to do with such a compliment. What she was saying was big. He shook his head, as if saying “I haven’t done anything”.
Armie leaned over and kissed his cheek sweetly. “Thank you, baby,” he said. “Thank you,” he repeated, also getting overly emotional. For a few seconds, the three of them shed some happy tears, until Armie cleared his throat. “Ok, ok, enough! No more tears. Ok mom, the wedding will be in Hawaii. At the resort we met all those years ago.”
“What?! Oh, Armie, that’s so romantic!” She gushed.
Timmy giggled, tears dried on his cheeks. “That’s exactly what I said, Dru. Armie is such a romantic,” he said, looking over at him with heart eyes.
“Armie. What about your father? I need to know what you want to do about him.”
Armie turned serious then. “Mom. He’s not invited. He wouldn’t come anyway. But- I don’t want him there. I don’t want to see him ever again. He hurt Timmy- and I can’t forgive him for that.”
It was now Timmy’s turn to squeeze his hand back. “Armie. I’m ok- you don’t have to-”
“Shh. Baby. My mind is made up. I don’t want him. I don’t need him. Ok? I have you and now my mom, along with your parents, It’s all I need.”
Timmy nodded.
“I’ll book the tickets for you and the resort as well, mom, so you don’t have anything to worry about.”
“Armie, would it be ok if I bring aunt Margaret? I- I told her about you. She’s also really happy for you.”
Aunt Margaret was his mother’s sister. Their relationship had not been the best since she married his father. Obviously she saw what a mean person he was and hated that Dru had married him. But now that things had changed, they had become close again.
“Of course mom. I would love to see her, to have her there. It’s been too long. Send her my love.”
“Ok, son. Send me all the details for the booking. Talk soon my dears. Merry Christmas!”
Armie finished the call and looked to his side, finding Timmy staring at him with a small smile. “Done. Next, your parents” Armie said softly, mirroring his smile.
“I can’t believe we are doing this. I can’t believe we are actually going to get married.” Timmy whispered, solemnly.
After moving the laptop off his lap and onto the coffee table, Armie threw his arm over Timmy’s shoulders, gently pulling him closer. “I know, baby. Are you excited?
Timmy grinned up at him. “Yeah. I'm really excited. I literally can not wait to be your husband.”
Armie leaned over slowly to kiss his temple. At that very moment, Archie jumped up in between them, trying to lick their faces and making them laugh. “It’s ok, Archie. You are invited to the wedding too, don’t worry buddy,” said Armie in between giggles. It really was the happiest time in his whole life.
Timmy went into the kitchen to get them both some coffee and cookies, and then they snuggled on the couch and started flipping through the channels until they landed on “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Timmy melted into Armie’s side and pulled a blanket around them both. He would be happy to never have to move from this spot again.
“What is the plan for tomorrow?” Armie asked as he ran his fingers through his fiancée’s hair.
“My parents are coming for dinner around 2:00. So before that it’s just you, me and Archie. We can do something small for breakfast, take him for a walk, maybe exchange our gifts. How does that sound?”
Armie pressed a soft kiss to the top of Timmy’s head, “That sounds absolutely perfect. What do you say we go to bed babe? I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Timmy nodded, “Race you to the bathroom…” and he took off running.
“No fair!” Armie yelled laughing, “I wasn’t ready!”
—————
Timmy woke up first the next morning, Christmas morning, and rolled over to where Armie laid next to him. He got onto his knees, grabbed his pillow, and swung it right in Armie’s face. “Wake up baby! It’s Christmas!” He yelled, and swung the pillow one more time.
Armie grunted and threw his hands over his face. He startled awake, and it took a few extra seconds for his brain to catch up. He finally saw the pillow coming for him again, so he grabbed it, threw it on the floor, and tackled Timmy onto the bed. He started ticking him until Timmy was squirming underneath him gasping for breath. “Please Armie! I’m-I’m sorry!” He said in between fits of giggles.
Armie pinned his hands above his head and finally had mercy on him. He bent down and gave him what was supposed to be a quick kiss, but Timmy wiggled his hands free and pulled Armie on top of him and wrapped his legs around him. They made out slowly for a few minutes before Armie leaned back to look Timmy in the eyes. “Merry Christmas Timmy.”
With a radiant smile, Timmy replied back, “Merry Christmas Armie.”
“Come on, let’s go find Archie and make some breakfast.” Armie said as he went to get up. Timmy wasn’t about to loosen his death grip around Armie’s neck, so he was just dragged across the bed, until Armie bent down and swept him into his arms.
“Will you start breakfast while I start prepping what I can for dinner?” Armie asked as he started pulling things out of the fridge.
“Sure, scrambled eggs and toast sound good?” Timmy asked.
“That sounds delicious.” Armie replied as he handed Timmy the eggs and gave him a kiss on the tip of his nose.
“I never even asked, what are we having for dinner?” Timmy said, already busy whisking the eggs in a big bowl.
“I thought that making a whole turkey for just the four of us was a bit much, so I bought Cornish Hens. Then I will make roasted fingerling potatoes, candied brussel sprouts, and a spinach salad.”
“I love fingerling potatoes!” Timmy yelled excitedly. “That all sounds amazing babe, but I don’t know… you are in direct competition with my scrambled eggs and toast here.”
Armie laughed as he walked behind his lover and wrapped his arms around his waist. He kissed his cheek, “No contest, your scrambled eggs win any day.”
Timmy knew Armie was a better cook than him, but the fact that he said that made him blush.
The rest of the morning went by quickly, and before they knew it they needed to get in the shower or they would not be ready when Timmy’s parents arrived.
At exactly 2:00 there was a knock on the door. Timmy got up to answer and Armie followed close behind him. “Mom! Dad! We are so glad you could make it, Merry Christmas!” He said as he gave each one a huge hug.
“Oh my sweets, look at you! It feels like it has been forever.” Nicole responded.
“Son, you look great. Merry Christmas.” Marc said.
Both of them walked in and gave Armie a big hug. “We have missed you so much sweetheart.” Nicole said, as she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Everyone relaxed in the living room, Armie brought out some appetizers and Timmy poured everyone some wine. They had decided they were going to tell them before dinner, so now was the time.
They settled into light conversation. They asked Armie how his mom was, and about the clinic. They talked about Timmy’s play, and his plans for after it wrapped.
“Mom, Dad, Armie and I have something we would like to talk to you about.” Timmy said. He was suddenly really nervous. He grabbed Armie’s hand, and looked into his fiancée’s face. He gave him a loving smile, and a little nod, encouraging him to continue. “Armie asked me to marry him… and-umm- I said yes. So, we are getting married this spring.”
Both of his parents were on their feet in seconds and rushed to both of them.
“Oh my boys,” Nicole said as she wiped tears from her eyes, “I am so happy for you.” She took them both in her arms, and then blindly grabbed for Marc to pull him into this awkward group hug she had started.
“Congratulations son’s,” Marc said from the tight embrace that none of them were quite ready to release. “You deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you mama. Thank you dad.” Timmy whispered.
Armie stayed silent as he took everything in. His heart felt so full in this moment.
Nicole finally released her death grip on everyone and they all sat back down. “Tell us everything about the proposal, don’t leave anything out.”
“Well-“ Armie started. “I had to ask him twice because he actually rejected me the first time” he said, with a cheeky smile, knowing he was going to get a reaction out of everyone.
“What?” Asked Nicole, looking over at her son with a shocked face. “You rejected him the first time? Why?”
Timmy looked at Armie with apprehension” Armie- you know why I did it- it’s not that I didn’t want to- it was-“
Armie realised poor Timmy wasn’t getting his teasing so he pulled him over towards him and hugged him tight. “I’m teasing you, babe.” He said, as he kissed his head. Timmy pouted and huffed, and pushed his chest softly. Armie explained to Nicole and Marc what had happened and everyone had a smile on their face when they heard the whole story. Armie omitted Timmy’s voicemail from the story, not wanting to upset his parents.
The dinner was a success, every dish was nicer than the previous one and Timmy could not believe his luck. His man could really cook. They were inseparable, constantly holding hands, smiling at each other, staring into each other’s eyes. They spoke about their plans for the wedding, how it was going to be at resort in Hawaii where they met. Timmy’s parents were really happy with the idea,
“So, are we going to meet your parents, Armie? “ asked Nicole with a smile. Armie cleared his throat and Timmy immediately held his hand. “Well, my mom will be there. She is actually coming with my aunt whom I haven’t seen in years. But my father- he’s not invited. I don’t want him there.”
Nicole and Marc seemed to understand at once that this was not an easy thing for Armie to talk about and just nodded, and smiled at him knowingly.
“Well, I’m dying to meet your mom and aunt, sweetheart. It’s going to be so special. I can’t wait.”
“Neither can we,” they both said at the same time.
A few months later- May- Hawaii
It felt both strange and natural to be back in Hawaii, walking on the same sand where they walked 4 years ago. Timmy and Armie were holding hands, strolling on the shore in the early evening, getting their feet wet by the soft waves. They were silent, a small smile on their faces, enjoying the last day before becoming husbands. They couldn’t wait to tie the knot. Several times, between Christmas and May, they had nearly ditched the idea of Hawaii, of waiting until May, and just doing it straight away in New York. But they waited. They waited because of their families. They wanted to make a beautiful memory for them too. It was important to them.
“I think they are getting on well,” said Timmy, softly, smiling to himself, referring to his parents and Armie’s mom and aunt.
Armie smiled, pleased. “Yeah. I think they do.” He chuckled. “Look,” he pointed with his free hand towards the bar overlooking the beach. They could hear the echo of laughter, Timmy’s parents and Armie’s mom and aunt sharing some jokes with a cocktail in hand.
“I’m so glad my mom gets to be happy. Free from him at last,” Armie said, not taking his eyes from them.
“She’s brave.” Timmy said softly. “So brave to take the step of divorcing him. She’s a very strong woman.”
Armie looked at him then, with gratitude. “Yeah. She is.” He bit his lip, wondering if he should share what was in his mind. “I didn’t tell you but- just a few days before coming here, my father called her. He had a mini stroke. He was scared. The 30-year old woman he had an affair with didn’t want to deal with him anymore, and for the first time in his life he felt scared and - old. He wanted my mother then. She visited him at the hospital, but only to ask for a the divorce.”
Timmy stopped walking, still holding Armie’s hand. “What? No way. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Armie shrugged, looking away. “I can’t bring myself to feel bad for him. I just can’t. And we were so happy making the last preparations before the wedding. I didn’t want him to break that atmosphere. I won’t let him hurt us ever again.” He looked into Timmy’s eyes. “Does that make me a bad son?” His voice broke slightly at the end.
Timmy then took both of his hands in his own. “Armie. Babe. You have been the best son he could have asked for. If he can’t see it, that's on him. He’s never going to change. Only now, when he’s weak and afraid, he’s reaching out to your mom. But it means nothing now. He has hurt you- us- her, so much. You learned that you needed boundaries from him in order to be happy. You are not a bad son. You are just protecting yourself from him. And I think that makes you brave too babe.”
Armie nodded and Timmy hugged him then, soothing his sadness. “I just wish-“ said Armie, feeling better just by Timmy’s loving touch. “I just wished he was different. But that’s a battle I’m never going to win. It is what it is. I have come to terms with it. I just can tell you- I’m going to be nothing like him as a father. Our child will be whatever they want to be. As long as they are happy, I will support them, I will be there for them.” He was speaking with such passion, he hadn’t realised Timmy was blushing as he pulled away from their embrace, looking at him with wonder.
“Our child,” whispered Timmy, looking at him with so much love.
Armie then realised as he held Timmy’s hands in his, “Oh yeah.” He smiled, bashful, leaning over towards Timmy to whisper in his ear. “We can actually make a baby tonight- if you still want it,” he said, his eyes turning dark with hunger.
Timmy’s cheeks turned a darker shade of pink, his eyes wide, frowning with confusion. “What? What- what do you mean?”
Armie spoke softly, his thumb caressing Timmy’s knuckles. “I did some research-”
“You are always doing research-” said Timmy, a bit breathless but with a small smile on his face.
Armie chuckled. “I can’t help it- I just want to make you happy. So- I found this surrogate agency. I filled in the forms, just- you know- to see what it was like- not expecting to hear from them- but- they called me, the other day. They want to meet us, to go through the process, to talk about options. So. If I tell them we want to go ahead, we would be starting this process. So- when I make love to you tonight- it would be as if- as if we were really making this baby.”
Timmy was speechless, his eyes quickly filling with unshed tears. “Is this real, or a dream? Are you real?” He whispered.
“This is real, sweetheart. I love you so much. I want to have a family with you. We can talk about this more, but- I just wanted to tell you now.”
Timmy then surged forward to capture Armie’s mouth in his, hoping to communicate the immensity of his love for him. “I love you, Mr Hot Vet,” he whispered, a tear finally escaping and running down his cheek. “I love you too, honey. So much.” He kissed him sweetly again before they were ambushed by Flo and Will. “C’mon, lovebirds! Let’s go for a swim!”
Timmy looked at Armie with a smile, and Armie shrugged, grinning. “Let’s go!” He said. They already had their swimsuits on so they peeled their t-shirts off and followed their friends into the sea. Will embraced Flo, while floating in the water and they kissed. Timmy whooped, making everyone laugh.
“Finally, guys. Your unresolved sexual tension was making me frustrated,” laughed Timmy. Both Flo and Will went for him, trying to drown him in between laughs. Armie was quick to stop them, and a fun water fight between the two couples ensued.
After a few hours spent on the beach the couples went their separate ways to shower, change and get really for dinner. Timmy asked Armie if they could make a quick stop before heading to dinner. “Grab your vows.” Timmy told him on their way out the door.
“My vows? What for?”
“Will you please just trust me?” Timmy said to him.
They walked down the beach, holding hands, Timmy leading the way. After a short walk they came across the section of the beach with all the cabanas. Armie had such a huge grin on his face. “What are we doing here?” He asked as Timmy pulled him into their cabana.
Timmy turned to face Armie, “I know our vows are something that we are supposed to share for the first time at our wedding in front of our family and friends, but the more I got to thinking about it, I wrote my vows for you. Why would I want you to hear them for the first time, along with 10 other people? And I am a little worried that if I don’t practice now, I will be a mess during the ceremony. So what do you think? Will you exchange vows with me, in this spot where we seemed to be able to solve all of our troubles all those years ago?”
Armie looked down at him with so much love in his heart. “When did you become the romantic one here? I think that is a beautiful idea. And I love that you brought us here, where if I remember correctly, we did more than solve our issues.” He bent down and gave Timmy a light kiss on his neck.
“There will be time for all that later.” Timmy giggled. “So, do you want to go first or do you want me to?”
“You go.” Armie said. Anxious to hear what Timmy had written.
“Okay.” Timmy took a deep breath, and pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. Even though he had them memorized, and knew he would speak from the heart for most of it anyway. It was a comfort to have something in his hands. He looked up at his soon to be husband, “Armie, from the first day we met I knew there was something special about us. We have joked that it was the random luck of the universe, but I know it was fate that had me sit next to you on that plane 4 years ago. But since then, the rest has been up to us. We have had our fair share of ups and downs, but the thing that always got us through was knowing that this love we have for each other was stronger than anything that was thrown at us. We always knew we could go home. I love you with my entire soul. So my vow to you today is, I will love more tomorrow than I do today. If I ever feel lost, you are the first person I am running to. Our home will always be a safe place for anyone, and everyone. And I promise to make you happy.”
Armie remained silent for a few moments, not because he didn’t have anything to say, but because he had a lump in his throat and he really, really, really didn’t want to cry.
“So. What do you think? Did you like it?” Asked an anxious Timmy, starting to worry his vow had not been good enough
“Fuck, baby,” Armie whispered, eyes getting teary. “That’s beautiful. I’m warning you already, i'm going to be a mess tomorrow”
Timmy squeezed his hands and grinned with relief. “We will be messes together, don’t worry. Ok, your turn.”
Armie smiled back at him, unable to stop a single tear escaping his eye.
“Timmy,” his voice trembled so he cleared his throat and started again. “Timmy. I don’t think there are any words that can explain how I feel about you or how important you are to me, but I’m gonna try anyway. You have changed my life in the most beautiful way. It’s only through you that I have finally gotten to know myself, because I am whole only when I’m with you. You bring so much happiness to everyone you meet, including me. I want to grow old with you, I want to share my life with you, I want to be your husband, your friend, your lover, your person . I can’t wait to start the rest of our lives together. And remember: I will always find you.”
It was now Timmy’s turn to shed some tears, hiding his face in Armie’s neck as they hugged each other tenderly. “We are definitely going to be a mess tomorrow.” said Armie in a light tone, making Timmy giggle in between tears.
That night, they all met for dinner and drinks in the outdoor restaurant. Everyone was in such good spirits. Armie didn’t ever remember seeing his mother so happy, she was even glowing. He was so happy to see how close she was getting to Nicole and Marc. And now he could also have the honor of calling Flo and Will his friends too. They had all become inseparable in the last couple of months. He was so, so happy.
“A toast, please,” Marc got up from the table, a glass in hand and a big grin on his face. Timmy could tell he’d had a few drinks already But he loved to see him loosen up. “I know- I know I should save the toast for tomorrow, but I wanted to say a few words now, without the pressure to perform,” they all laughed. “I just wanted to thank you both,” he said, looking at Timmy and Armie. “For showing us all what love really looks like. How with love you can overcome anything. How, when you really love someone, you become the best version of yourself. Thank you for letting us share this beautiful moment with you. Thank you, Timmy, for letting me be your father.” At that moment, Marc’s voice broke a little. “Daaaad,” Timmy whined, getting emotional.
“It’s the drink. He never gets this emotional.” Nicole added as an explanation, rolling her eyes, making everyone laugh again.
“And you, Armie. It’s such an honor to have you as part of this family. And Dru. And Margaret. And Will and Flo. Thank you all, for being part of this moment. I love you all.”
They all cheered then, clinking their glasses and smiled with happiness.
Timmy looked over at Armie with a glint in his eye, he leaned over to whisper in his ear. “Perfect night to make a baby. Love is in the air.”