“You deserve this,” Spencer said, stepping beside him. “Would you like to ride the merry-go-round, then go sleigh riding?”
Jamie blinked up at him, pulling out his binky and popping it into his mouth like it was his shield. “With you?”
Spencer smiled, brushing a bit of snow off Jamie’s shoulder. “Of course, with me. I’m the one asking, silly.”
Jamie’s face lit up, and Spencer felt something warm in his chest. That smile—soft, shy, but real—was everything.
Soon, they were all climbing onto the carousel. Nathan helped Alfie onto a golden lion, while Spencer guided Jamie to a white horse with a silver mane. Jamie hesitated for a second,then climbed up, gripping the pole with his hands. Spencer stood beside him, one hand on Jamie’s back to steady him.
As the ride started, the music picked up, cheerful and nostalgic. Alfie whooped from his perch, calling out to Nathan, who laughed and spun in place like a kid himself. Jamie giggled, cheeks pink from the cold, and looked at Spencer with wide, sparkling eyes.
“This is fun,” Jamie said, voice muffled around his binky.
Spencer chuckled. “You look like you’re having the time of your life.”
“I kinda am,” Jamie admitted, and Spencer’s heart swelled.
He hadn’t seen Jamie this relaxed ever. There was something magical about the moment, about the way Jamie leaned into joy without second-guessing it. Spencer felt closer to him than ever, like the carousel wasn’t just spinning them in circles but pulling them into something deeper.
Nathan caught Spencer’s eye and gave him a thumbs-up, mouthing, “He’s glowing.”
Spencer nodded, eyes still on Jamie.Yeah, he is.
And Spencer knew right then that this wasn’t just a festive outing. It was a memory in the making. One Jamie would hold on to. One he would hold on to. Because this laughter, this closeness, this warmth was the beginning of something real.
Chapter Eleven
Jamie
Jamie’s head was still spinning from the merry-go-round, the world wobbling a little under his boots. Spencer hopped off beside him, laughing, cheeks pink from the cold and wind. Ahead, Nathan and Alfie were already waiting—Alfie bouncing in place like a sugar-fueled reindeer, Nathan looking entirely too calm.
“Finally!” Alfie called. “We thought you guys got stuck on that thing.”
Jamie grinned. “Nah, Spencer had to take pictures.”
Spencer shot him a playful look. “That’s right. We’re making happy memories.”
Jamie raised an eyebrow. “For sure.”
Nathan chuckled. “Sounds good to me.” He turned to Alfie, who was practically vibrating. “So, sleigh riding after we eat?”
“Yes, please,” Alfie said, dragging out the words like he might melt if he had to wait too long.
“I’m in,” Jamie said. “But if I crash into a snowbank, I’m blaming you, Alf.”
Alfie gasped. “Please, I’m the professional here.”
“Professional what?” Jamie teased. “Snow magnet?”
Spencer laughed, then nudged Jamie lightly with his elbow. “You two are trouble together.”
Nathan pointed toward a food stand across the path where steam curled up into the frosty air. “Hot dogs and fries sound good?”
“Yes,” Alfie and Jamie said in perfect unison, then cracked up.
“Alright,” Spencer said. “We’ll grab the food. You two find us a table before the sleigh riot starts.”
Jamie nodded, trying not to shiver as a breeze snuck under his scarf. “Got it. Don’t forget extra mustard and ketchup.”
