“How do you feel about a visit to New York? It’s the perfect time of year to see the city all decorated and dressed for Christmas,” Tim said.
“I’d say that sounds brilliant. I’ve never been to New York.”
His eyes widened. “You, a world traveler, have never been to New York? I find that hard to believe.”
“It’s true. I was supposed to take my first trip to the city with DOI this year, but, uh, that plan’s been tossed into the rubbish bin.”
“Order up!” the vendor called out. “I have a mulled wine and a hot cocoa. Do you want whipped cream on top?”
“Yes please,” Gemma said.
Collecting their drinks, they stepped away from the cart, and continued along the pathway illuminated with life-sized candy canes. As they chatted about New York, Gemma’s heart swelled at the thought of spending an endless amount of time with Tim. The chapter of her life with Dreams on Ice might have come to an abrupt end, but there were still plenty of other things in life to pursue outside of skating.
“If we’re deciding between driving, flying, or taking the train to New York, I vote for the train. Do you think we’d have time to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall?”
“Yes.” Tim stopped walking. A wide, brimming smile filled his face. “Do you see what I see?”
Following his line of sight, Gemma’s eyes traveled up. “Mistletoe.”
“You know what tradition calls for.”
“A kiss,” she whispered.
Carefully taking hold of Gemma’s drink, he placed it on the ground next to his. Their eyes locked. Her breathing quickened.
Wrapping one arm around her back, he pulled her in closer to his body. “Happy early Christmas, Gemma.” He moved a few stray hairs out from her face and cupped her cheeks. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “I love you.”
Gemma’s eyelids fluttered and they kissed, sending shivers down her spine.
Around them, a light dusting of snow began to fall. It was as if she’d stepped into a scene straight out ofTheNutcracker. They were transported to a dark, enchanted forest, surrounded by dozens of dancing snowflakes. She could smell the evergreen and the spices of the mulled wine. The holiday music playing in the background changed and she could hear the haunting echo of the celesta.
As they broke apart, Tim didn’t let go. “I love you, too,” she told him.
He traced the outline of her lips with his thumb, seeming to savor the moment before they kissed a second time.
As Gemma stood in Tim’s arms, filled with deep emotions of love, she couldn’t help but feel that they were headed down a path toward finding their own happy endings. It wasn’t a path that needed to be traveled quickly, but one that could be taken at whatever pace they wanted. After all, everything about their relationship was done in their own way in the sloth zone.
Epilogue
Three Months Later
Tim pushed Gemma along in a wheelchair decorated to resemble a medieval spinning wheel. “This is hands down the craziest seventy-two hours of my life. I can’t believe we saw Frankie and Charlie medal at Worlds three days ago. Twenty-four hours ago, we had tea with the Duke and Duchess of—” He abruptly cleared his throat, “With David and Clara.”
“And now we’ve hopped across the pond and are back in sunny Los Angeles.” Gemma yawned. “This has indeed been one for the books. I’m exhausted thinking about it.”
“You’re the real star, Gem. How are you holding up? If it were anyone else, they’d be resting in bed.”
Gemma had elected to have her labrum repaired the Friday Tim’s spring break had begun. Being an early release day meant it worked out well for both of them. Since it was an outpatient procedure, Tim had dropped her off on his way to school and picked up her on the way home.
She blinked her eyes lazily. “Everything today is pretty sore.” Tim opened his mouth. “But before you say anything?.?.?.” She glanced over her shoulder, “I’mnotwilling to spend the day in the hotel. I want us to keep sailing full steam ahead. We need to put every spare moment of your spring break to good use.”
“I’ll say we’vemorethan done that.” Tim stopped pushing the chair momentarily. “Do you need some meds? You didn’t take any when you woke up.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m tired of them playing games with my stomach. I’m an athlete; I can handle the discomfort.”
“If you change your mind, I have some ibuprofen in my bag. Dr. Zhang thought you might need some over-the-counter stuff just in case. I picked some up at the airport store.”
“You did?” She cocked her head to the side. Tim’s mask made it difficult to read his expression.
