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"Chris wrote a letter to Santa for his English class," Eddie said as he flopped down on the couch, next to Buck. He continued when Buck looked at him in question. "His teacher sent pictures of the kids' letters to their parents. I only read the first line. It said 'All I want for Christmas this year is for my family to be together.' I don't know if I should, or can, read further." Eddie pursed his lips and looked at Buck, who simply held his hand out for the phone. Eddie opened the picture and handed it over and Buck held it so that both of them could read it together.
'Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas this year is for my family to be together. Last time, dad and Buck couldn't be with me because of the stupid pandemic and we had to talk on a video call. The year before that was fun because we had a party at dad's firehouse with everyone. But even then, both dad and Buck had to work on Christmas Day. I enjoyed it with bisabuela and tía Pepa and all my cousins but it wasn't the same. So this year, please give holidays to both dad and Buck so we can all be together for Christmas eve and then open presents in the morning and be together all day. We can go to a party with everyone at the firehouse and bisabuela but before Christmas Eve.
Can you also make it so Buck stays with us forever? I love Buck, and dad loves Buck. He is always smiling and happy when Buck is with us. I know Buck also loves us. So if Buck comes to live with us, we can be a real proper family then. Miss Rainer says if people love each other, then it is a real family, doesn't matter if it is different from everyone else.
Also, one last wish. Can I get a Switch? If not that’s okay, I think Buck is getting it for me for Christmas anyways.
Thank you, Santa. I promise I will be good. Happy Christmas
With love,
Christopher Diaz'
Neither of them said anything for a while, even after Eddie had put his phone to the side. Eddie glanced at Buck to see his tearing up, but there was still a hint of fear. Was he worried that Eddie would not like this? The way his eyes widened and he bit his lip on catching Eddie's eye confirmed it. Eddie knew he had to fix it right away. "Looks like I need not have worried at all," he said, turning fully towards Buck and smiling.
Buck's eyes widened further, as his expression turned to joy. "What - You - "
"Buck, you are our family, you have been for a long time." Eddie put his hand on Buck's shoulder, thumb against his collar bone. "Christopher has already made his wish clear and I want you to know that I would love it too if you would live with us. If you want to, that is."
Buck nodded enthusiastically, unable to speak. He put his arms around Eddie who held him tightly. This was going to be the best Christmas ever.