Making Spirits Bright — Shawn Lane

Noel Bright has been seeing Wes Rivers since February and, as the holidays approach, Wes wants to ask Noel a question.

Though a same-sex relationship has been a new experience for the gruff police captain, Noel thinks -- with encouragement from his sister -- Wes is ready to take the next step in their relationship. Wes has plans to go to Maine for Christmas to see his family and Noel anticipates he will be invited along, but when Wes asks him to pet sit instead, and admits his family knows nothing about their relationship, Noel begins to rethink how serious Wes is about him.

When Wes's plans change and he stays home after all, Noel does his best to make both of their spirits bright for Christmas.