I loved the concept of the story. Owen doesn’t want to marry Seth even though the law finally passed legalizing gay marriage. His reason is that so much money is being spent fighting for this right when it could be spent on other rights, like not being discriminated against at work. Owen felt he would be a hypocrite for following through with a marriage. However, there was also an underlying question about whether Seth truly trusted and believed in his relationship with Owen.

The author tried to explore both of these ideas while dealing with the family holidays. If the focus was just on the belief in the relationship, then this would have been more enjoyable. But since the heavier topics were brought up, I really felt they needed to be addressed more appropriately. There was too much waffling on these ideals, and the ending felt like everything Owen was fighting for was just dismissed.

At least he isn’t pregnant.

Seth Murphy campaigned for Maryland’s Question Six, wildly celebrating the Election Day victory for marriage equality. Divorce attorney and live-in boyfriend Owen, however, believes just as passionately that the gay community should focus on a plurality of equal rights protections instead of allocating so many resources and man-hours to one hot button issue.

Owen won’t marry Seth.

Relationship deteriorating, the couple visits the Murphy farm outside Brunswick for Christmas. Seth’s family never considered that Seth and Owen wouldn’t be first in line for a marriage license as soon as same-sex marriage passed. When they find out there won’t be a wedding, their season of miracles is invaded by pornographic gingerbread cookies, frowning church ladies, and a determined father with a tactical assault shotgun.

Neither Seth, Owen, nor their love may survive the family holiday circus to say, “I don’t.”