Tom hadn’t been looking out for Jamie; he’d been shopping him around like a used car, hoping someone else would take him off his hands. And the worst part? Jamie didn’t even know it. He still thought Tom cared.
Spencer’s jaw tightened as he read on about Jamie. Bedtime stories. Bubble baths. binky. Loves to play with trains and ride them. Loves animals. Wants a pet. Wants a chocolate ice cream cone every night before bed.
It wasn’t a list—it was a map of Jamie’s heart. Sweet, simple, open. The kind of wants that said more about love than need. And right there at the bottom, the one that gutted Spencer completely: He wanted a daddy who gave him most of his time.
Spencer let out a shaky breath. Tom had known all of that. Every soft, minute detail—and still, he hadn’t given Jamie what he deserved. Spencer’s hands curled into fists. Fuck that man. Someone needed to knock him down a few pegs. Maybe then he’d finally understand what it meant to take care of someone’s heart instead of breaking it.
But Tom had paid for Jamie’s application. He’d set this up. Made Jamie look single, made himself look like the hero. All while planning to dump him in the snow.
Spencer’s chest burned. When was he going to tell Jamie? After the party? Never?
“Jamie deserves the truth,” Spencer muttered, voice low and tight. “But he also deserves peace. And I don’t know which one will give him what he needs.”
Spencer stood beside the window, watching the snow drift lazily through the trees
Laughter echoed faintly from the party room, and Spencer could hear Jamie’s voice, soft and bright, mixing with Alfie’s. That sound alone made something settle in his chest.
Nathan stepped up beside him, beer in hand, grinning like he knew exactly what Spencer was thinking. “Let’s take the boys on the merry-go-round, then head to the hill for some sleigh riding,” he said, nudging Spencer’s shoulder.
Spencer smiled, the image already forming in his mind—Jamie bundled up, cheeks pink from the cold, laughing as they spun around or flew down the hill. “That might be fun,” he said. “We can get the double sleds so we can be with our boys.”
Nathan raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Our boys? Damn! You’re way in, my friend.”
Spencer chuckled, but his heart thudded a little harder. He didn’t even hesitate in calling Jamiehis. It felt natural. Right.
Nathan’s tone softened. “I fucking love seeing you involved again with someone. Jamie is so sweet, and he deserves someone like you. I hope this works out for you guys.”
Spencer looked through the window at the snow-covered ground, then back toward the hallway where Jamie was. His Jamie. The boy who’d been left behind, who still flinched when someone raised their voice, who didn’t know how to ask for what he needed—but who was trying. Who trusted Spencer enough to lean in, even when he was scared.
“I’m keeping Jamie,” Spencer said quietly, but with conviction. “And he’s coming home with me.”
Nathan didn’t say anything right away, just gave him a look—one of those deep, knowing looks only best friends couldshare. They’d been through hell together, and Nathan had seen Spencer at his worst. He’d watched him shut down, walk away from love, bury himself in work and silence. But now? Spencer was choosing differently. Choosing Jamie.
And Nathan got it. He wanted this for Spencer. Wanted him happy. Wanted him whole. And Spencer knew this about his friend.
Spencer felt the weight of that support, and it made him stand a little taller. He wasn’t just fighting for Jamie—he was building something with him. Something real. Something lasting.
And he would not let anyone take that away.
Nathan and Spencer were in awe of the decorations.
“Wow! You two did a great job,” Spencer said.
Nathan clapped.
Spencer made his way to Jamie. “Hey, would you like to go to the town square?”
“Are you going too?” Jamie wore a look of insecurity, as if he expected a change that would leave him in the dust.
“Of course, with me. Nathan and Alfie too. Nathan is going to drive us.” He bent his body in order to stand with Jamie and then kissed him on the lips. Poor Jamie turned bright red.
“What color was that kiss?”
“Green, awesome green.”
The town square was lit up like something out of a snow globe—twinkling lights strung between lampposts, garlands wrapped around railings, and the merry-go-round spinning slowly in the center, its painted horses gleaming under the winter sky. Spencer could hear the faint jingle of carousel music and the laughter of bundled-up kids echoing through the crisp air.
He made his way to Jamie, who was standing near a bench, watching the ride with wide eyes. Spencer’s heart tugged at the sight—Jamie looked like he wanted to join in but wasn’t sure if he could want something so simple.
