Page 75 of Canceled for Christmas

That got a big “aww” from the crowd. He could see Felix was getting choked up, so he joined him on stage and wrapped his arm around him, kissing him on the temple. This got more appreciative noises from the crowd. He could feel Felix trembling next to him, so knew he had to wrap this up.

“I thought it would be good if I started off the month, given I can bring in a crowd.”

More laughter.

“Then I thought this amazing man, who made it all possible, should close it out. And the rest of you are like the filling in the sandwich. Okay, that sounded better in my head.”

Everyone lost it at that point. Felix looked at Ryder like he wanted to kill him and kiss him at the same time.

“And that’s it from us, everyone. Have a good night and make sure you buy something. It all goes to the shelter.”

Everyone applauded, and he maneuvered Felix off the stage. The sales from the exhibition were going to the homeless LGBTQ+ shelter Sebastian had set up. They’d openedanother site and needed investment. Sebastian had put a lot of money into setting it up, but they needed to generate their own revenue for the long term. This exhibition was great publicity for them.

“I can’t believe you said everyone was the meat in our sandwich,” said Felix, looking mortified.

Ryder couldn’t help but laugh. Felix tried to look irritated, but soon laughed with him. He knew it was difficult for Felix to be the center of attention, and it was rare they went out in public and someone didn’t speak to them. They’d taken a holiday to Europe in the spring, which had been wonderful, because people either hadn’t recognized them, or had been too polite to bother them. Enough of their life was on display, and some things needed to be kept private between them. One of those things was the ring burning a hole in Ryder’s pocket.

Ryder knew once this celebration was over, he’d ask this wonderful man, who he loved with all his heart, to spend the rest of his life with him.