Kenji knew that Qylar’s admission should make him rethink everything, but for some reason it only made him feel more confident. “I don’t want to go to the appointment tomorrow.”
“I think we should reschedule the appointment, find you some peace and quiet away from the kids, and give you time to think more clearly.”
Kenji frowned.
“You’re not thinking clearly right now, and I don’t want you to resent me later because I twisted things in your mind,” Qylar said. “We actually have more time than I understood. According to the doctor Alex found for us, you have up to six more weeks before they won’t be able to help you.”
Kenji had already started to reconsider his choice on the trip there, before meeting the children, but he had to agree that seeing Qylar play father figure to Ael and Zaadi had made an impact. The man was going to make an incredible father someday.
“Maybe you’re right. Maybe I do need time to clear my head so I can be sure what I want.”
“Cryss and Alex have a vacation house in Aspen. They go every year and spend Thanksgiving through New Year there. Because of their due date, they’re not doing their big celebration like they usually do, but Alex would really like the kids to open presents there on Christmas morning if they can make it in time. It’s become a family tradition.”
“Family traditions are important for kids.”
Qylar smiled. “Before they’d left, Cryss asked me to go around the middle of December and put up a small tree and minimal decorations in case they got there at the last minute. He wanted the kids to have something festive when they arrived.”
Kenji nodded. “And with a new baby in tow, they won’t have the energy to do a lot.”
“Right,” Qylar said. “We discussed it during the kids’ bath. I’m going to head over early and spend most of December there.”
Pain lanced Kenji’s chest. He struggled to draw in his next breath.
“When you said you wanted to give me peace and quiet, I didn’t realize you meantthatmuch peace and quiet.” Kenji hated the idea of being apart through the holidays. “But it’s probably for the best that I stay at the townhouse alone to make this decision. Without distraction.”
“The townhouse?”Qylar asked, frowning. He blinked a few times. “I mean, if that’s what you need, then absolutely. I’ll support your decision and make sure you have what you need there before I go.”
“Wait… if not the townhouse, where were you suggesting I go?”
“I’d hoped you’d want to come to Aspen with me,” Qylar said.
Kenji’s eyes widened. “Oh! You saidyouwere going. Notwe,so I assumed you meant you wanted to go alone, and I didn’t want to assume I was invited.”
“Kenji… you’re my mate. You can go with me wherever you wish.”
He smiled.
“I want to spend the holiday with you. Just the two of us,” Qylar said, smiling. “We can decorate the house, spend our evenings in front of a big, warm fireplace, drink all the mugs of hot cocoa you want, shop for a few gifts, and play in the snow. How’s that sound?”
Kenji grinned. “You had me atjust the two of usbut sealed the deal withhot cocoa—although you missed a couple of my favorite winter activities on that list.”
“Oh?”
“Cuddle in bed together and sleep in late after a wild night of sex.”
Qylar chuckled. “Well, those are a given. Always assume they’re onanylist.”
Kenji snickered.
Qylar leaned forward and pressed his lips to Kenji’s. “I promise plenty of downtime, too. It won’t all be on the run. We’ve got nearly an entire month, so plenty of lazy days where you can rest.” He cupped Kenji’s cheek. “By the end of it, hopefully you’llhave a better idea of what you want to do and gives us time to get back here and make that appointment.”
“That sounds really, really good. When do we leave?”
“Before we leave the planet, I think we should arrange for a checkup to ensure you’re in good health and that there are no unforeseen medical issues we need to be concerned with while we’re away.”
“Agreed,” Kenji said.
“We can leave as soon as that’s complete and the ship is prepared. With Alex’s help, we may be able to get you an appointment as early as tomorrow and be able to leave the following day.”
