The Miracle: A Contemporary Gay Hanukkah Story

Book 4: Through Hell and Back

by Felice Stevens

Genres: Holiday books; Holiday Romance; LGBT & Pride

Synopsis

Ash and Drew are back in a heart warming holiday story!

With both Chanukah and Grandmother Esther's ninety-fifth birthday approaching, the latkes are ready, the presents are wrapped, and bring on the delicious dinner. Ash Davis has a gift for Esther, and he hasn't even told Drew what it is.
His husband has a secret of his own that might derail their holiday plans before they begin, but Ash and Drew have been together long enough to weather anything life throws at them. Not even a health scare can keep the Hell and Back family from celebrating the festival of lights and rejoicing in the miracle that connects them all.
Love.

This is an 18,000 short story featuring all your favorite characters from the Through Hell and Back series, a few surprise appearances and one jealous cat.

Release date: December 6, 2019

Print pages: 70

Sample

Chapter 1

“Morning. Want one?”

Ash held up the pot, poured himself a cup of coffee, and watched Drew knot his tie. He’d thought after living together and being married for years, the mundane, everyday things wouldn’t matter, but when it came to his husband, Ash still loved it all.

“Hell, yeah.” Drew held out his cup. “Someone kept me up late last night and also woke me early this morning.” He glared, but the gleam in his green eyes didn’t fool Ash.

“Guess someone really loves you.”

Drew glowed. “Yeah? That’s nice to hear.”

“Plus,” Ash said with a grin he didn’t even attempt to hide, “I didn’t hear complaints when you were yelling out my name.” His smile turned a bit smug. “Good thing these old buildings have thick walls. Someone might call the police.”

“I can’t help it if my husband is a sex maniac. I thought once we got married, we’d settle into a little routine and become one of those dull, married couples.” Drew smirked at him and set his cup on the kitchen counter. “You know, once or twice a week…mmmm.”

“I’m barely satisfied with once a day.” Uncaring if he creased Drew’s shirt or tie, Ash pulled him closer and kissed him hard. “Nothing could ever be dull with you, baby. You brighten up my life.”

Drew looped his arms around Ash’s neck, and it took all his strength not to carry him back to bed and say to hell with the clients today. The man was the blood through his veins and kept his heart pumping. Simple as that. Drew was the reason he woke in the morning and the reason he could sleep at night. Drew was his reason for everything.

“And I love you. As my grandmother would say, ’till a hundred and twenty.’ ”

Ash ruffled Drew’s waves and kissed him lightly this time. “Nope. Not long enough. We can start with forever but even that might not be enough time, since I don’t know what that’s all about.”

The color of the finest jade, Drew’s beautiful eyes turned luminous. “That sounds good for me too.” He finished getting dressed. “Remember, Esther’s ninety-fifth birthday is coming up next weekend, along with Chanukah.”

Ash remembered. He had something planned even Drew didn’t know about.

“I could never forget. Did you pick up the necklace?”

“Yeah, hold on a sec, and I’ll show you before I wrap it.” He disappeared into the bedroom and returned with a small box in his hand. “Look.”

Ash opened it, and Drew took out a gold chain with a diamond heart hanging from it. It glittered like fire when Drew held it up to the light.

“She’ll love it.”

“I hope so,” Drew said as he replaced it with care inside the little case. “She never buys anything for herself. We know, after raising us and taking care of us all these years, she deserves so much more, but I don’t know what else to do for her.”

“She’ll love it. And you know what she’d say. ‘I want to see you all happy. That’s what makes me happy.’ ”

Drew grinned. “You really are one of the family. You know her as well as her own grandchildren.”

Ash gave him a faint smile. If wishes were horses…

He rinsed out their cups.“What’s up for you today? ...