Chapter Twenty-nine

Baran

On Christmas Eve, the cafeteria at Rainbow Haven was a chaotic hive of activity, the aroma of roasting turkey and honey-glazed ham hanging heavy in the air. The chatter of men setting up tables and chairs was a delightful sound. Baran had spent the better part of the day preparing for the celebration, his heart full as he watched the community come together. Miss Charlotte had outdone herself again, cooking dinner for all sixty residents with the help of a few volunteers. The spread of golden turkeys, succulent hams, and every side dish imaginable would turn the modest cafeteria into a feast fit for kings.

Baran and Daddy Darien shopped for additional presents for the men—small but thoughtful items he hoped would make them feel special. Baran, Silas, Hawk, and Finley put up red stockings on the wall of the cafeteria with everyone’s names on them. Of course, Hawk assigned himself to guard them until it was time to pass them out.

As the men trickled into the cafeteria, laughter and cheer filled the room. Baran stood by the Christmas tree with Daddy Darien, both of them beaming as they wished every man happy holidays as he entered. The warmth of the moment was heightened when Andrei and Daniel arrived, unannounced and bearing their own surprises. They brought sixty brand-new cell phones for the men, a gesture that left most of them speechless. Most of the residents didn’t own phones, and the simple device would create a lifeline—a connection to things beyond the shelter walls.

“Thought you could use this,” Daniel said, flashing his easy smile as he handed a phone to one of the men. “Merry Christmas.”

Andrei gave Daddy Darien a nod, his quiet presence grounding the excitement in the room. “We couldn’t let the holiday pass without stopping by.”

“Stay for dinner,” Darien offered, his voice filled with gratitude. “You both should eat with all of us.”

“It would be great if you could,” Baran said.

Andrei exchanged a glance with Daniel, who nodded enthusiastically. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

“Are you heading out to Montauk tomorrow?” Daddy Darien asked Andrei.

“Yes. When are you going to Wainscott?”

“Tomorrow and we’ll stay overnight.”

“Then on your way back, stop at Montauk and we’ll find something to do.”

“Sounds good. I’ll give you a call,” Daddy Darien said.

Their eyes met, and with a brief nod, Baran and Daniel silently agreed to their daddies’ arrangement.

Soon, everyone was seated, plates piled high, the sound of clinking silverware and satisfied sighs filling the space. Baran and Daddy Darien sat with Daniel, Andrei, and Silas, the five of them tucked into a comfortable corner. Miss Charlotte was sitting at the other end with all her helpers in the kitchen.

Baran leaned back in his chair. “So, Daniel, tell me—how’s NYU?”

Daniel smiled, wiping his hands on a napkin. “It’s good. Tough, but good. Balancing classes and dancing at the club isn’t easy, but I’m managing.”

Baran said, “What’s your major?”

“Dance. What’s yours?”

“English, but I may change to social work,” Baran replied. “Feels like the right path after everything I’ve been through.”

Daniel’s eyes lit up. “That’s amazing. You’re going to do great things, I can already tell.”

“You got that right,” Daddy Darien said as he leaned over and kissed Baran on the cheek.

“I’ve been dancing every night during the holidays,” Daniel said, leaning forward. “Which, by the way, you need to learn.”

Baran raised an eyebrow. “Dancing?”

“Yes, dancing,” Daniel said, his tone teasing but insistent. “I’ll teach you. Trust me, it’s not as hard as it looks. Silas, back me up here.”

Silas smirked. “I think Baran could use a few moves.”

“Really?” Baran said, feigning annoyance. “Both of you?”

Daniel laughed, clapping Baran on the shoulder. “You’ll thank me later. Dancing is a life skill.”

The conversation drifted between laughter and easy camaraderie as the dinner wore on. Baran felt lighter than he had in a while, the warmth of friendship and community washing over him. He glanced around the room, taking in the sight of the men sharing a meal, exchanging gifts. For a moment, they could forget their hardships. It wasn’t just a holiday dinner—it was a celebration of hope, a reminder that even in the hardest of times, they had each other.

A hush fell over the room as Daddy Darien stood at the table, his presence commanding attention. “I hope you all enjoyed Christmas Eve. We will have our new room with sixty beds open on the first. We’re just waiting for the inspection.”

After dinner, they mingled with the men, then left for home, dropping Miss Charlotte off at her sister’s on the way.

As soon as they reached home, they removed their jackets and shoes, then headed straight for the living room. Daddy Darien turned on soft Christmas music. The living room glowed softly from the lights on the massive Christmas tree, their warm hues reflecting off the ornaments. Baran settled onto the plush rug by the fireplace, the faint scent of pine mixing with the sweetness of baked cookies from this morning while Daddy Darien made hot chocolate. Shortly after, he joined Baran, carrying a steaming mug of cocoa for each of them. The pile of wrapped presents beneath the tree called to them, their vivid colors and shiny ribbons catching the light.

Baran reached for the first present, a neatly wrapped rectangle with silver paper and a navy bow. He handed it to Daddy Darien with a small eager grin. “This one first,” he said.

Daddy Darien tore into the wrapping, the paper crinkling under his hands. When he saw the sleek black skates inside, his face lit up. “Baran, these are perfect! Mine were falling apart, and I didn’t even tell you.” He held the skates up, admiring their glossy finish. “I can’t wait to break these in.”

Baran shrugged, trying to act casual, though his chest swelled with pride. “I noticed. Figured it was time.”

The next box Daddy Darien opened revealed matching navy sweats for each of them. Baran smirked as Daddy Darien laughed. “Matching, huh? You trying to make a statement?”

“Just thought we’d look good in them,” Baran replied, feigning nonchalance, though the idea of them wearing the same cozy set made him secretly happy.

Daddy Darien handed Baran a package in return, wrapped in red paper with gold stars. Baran opened it to find matching black leather jackets. He raised an eyebrow. “Now who’s making a statement?”

Daddy Darien laughed, leaning back against the couch. “We’ll look sharp. Plus, they’re practical for winter.”

Baran traced his fingers over the smooth leather and nodded. “These are nice. Thanks.”

The exchange continued, with Daddy Darien unwrapping a coffee maker for his office and holding it up like a prize. “This is going to save my mornings. You know me too well,” he said, earning a soft laugh from Baran.

Baran unwrapped matching Christmas pajamas next, a soft cotton blend with snowflakes and reindeer patterns. Daddy Darien beamed. “We’re wearing these tonight.”

“You’re really into this matching thing, aren’t you?” Baran teased, though he was already imagining how comfortable the set would feel.

When Daddy Darien opened a box containing black leather bracelets engraved with their names, his expression softened. He turned the bracelet over in his hands, the etching catching the light. “This is…really thoughtful, Baran. I love it.”

Baran looked away. “Just wanted something personal.”

The last present from Baran was a framed photo of the two of them sledding, their laughter frozen in time. Daddy Darien stared at it for a long moment, then set it down carefully before pulling Baran into a quick hug. “This is my favorite. It means a lot.”

As the night went on, they finished opening their gifts: matching Christmas sweaters, playful and festive, and more small surprises that made them both smile. By the end, the floor was a mess of shredded wrapping paper and ribbons, but neither cared. They sat together on the rug, leaning against the couch, their matching bracelets on their wrists and their gifts spread out around them. Daddy Darien reached into his pocket, his hand trembling slightly. He pulled out a small box, wrapped in dark green paper with a simple gold ribbon, and held it out to Baran.

Baran raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “What’s this? We said five presents.”

“I made an exception,” Daddy Darien said with a nervous edge to his voice.

Baran took the box and carefully unwrapped it. Inside was a sleek black velvet box. He opened it, revealing two matching gold rings. The bands were simple yet polished to a bright shine, with a subtle braided design etched along the edges.

Baran glanced up, his brow furrowed in confusion, but Daddy Darien handed him a small, folded note.

Baran unfolded the paper and read the neatly written words aloud:

“This is a promise ring—to get married in one year. If you’ll have me.”

Baran’s breath caught, and he looked up at Daddy Darien, who was watching him intently, his dark eyes filled with both hope and vulnerability.

“You’re serious?” Baran asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Daddy Darien nodded, his lips curving into a tentative smile. “I’ve never been more serious about anything. You mean everything to me, Baran. I don’t want to wait forever—I want us to plan our future together.”

For a moment, Baran was silent, staring at the rings. Then he reached out, pulling Daddy Darien into a tight embrace. His voice trembled as he said, “Yes. I’ll wear it. I’ll marry you in one year.”

Daddy Darien exhaled, relief flooding through him as he hugged Baran back, their embrace filled with a quiet intensity. He picked up one of the rings and slid it onto Baran’s finger, where it fit perfectly. Then Baran took the other ring and placed it on Daddy Darien’s finger, their hands lingering together for a moment.

The gold caught the glow of the Christmas tree lights, and both of them sat there, holding each other, the weight of their shared promise settling over them like the most perfect gift.

Baran glanced at Daddy Darien, who was still admiring the photo. “Merry Christmas,” he said.

Daddy Darien looked back, his smile warm. “Merry Christmas, Baran.”