Spencer looked down at Jamie, who was still tucked against his chest, eyes tired but open. He didn’t have all the answers yet, but one thing was clear: hiding wasn’t an option. Not anymore.
He kissed Jamie’s temple, lingering there. “You deserve to be seen,” he whispered. “And I want to be the one who sees you. All the way.”
“Thank you. I think I’m ready to go back inside.”
Spencer took his hand and returned to the mixer. He turned to Jamie, who was still a little quiet, still processing everything. Spencer could see it in the way his shoulders were just a little too tight, the way his fingers kept brushing the edge of his red mask like he wasn’t sure if he wanted to keep it on or rip it off.
Spencer reached for his hand. “Hey,” he said, voice low and warm. “Dance with me?”
Jamie stared at him, surprised. “Now?”
“Yeah. Right now.”
Jamie’s lips twitched into a smile. “Yes, it will be our first dance.”
“We have lots of firsts.”
He led Jamie to the edge of the dance floor, where the music had slowed to something soft and jazzy, the kind of tune that made you want to lean in close and forget the world. Spencer pulled Jamie into his arms, one hand on his waist, the other laced with Jamie’s fingers. Jamie fit against him like he always did—like they’d been dancing together for years, even if this was their first time.
They swayed gently, boots brushing against the floor, the rest of the room fading into a blur of red and black and twinkling lights. Spencer could feel Jamie’s breath against his neck,steadying. He didn’t say anything, just held him a little tighter, letting the music do the talking.
This party was loud and messy, and full of strangers, but it was also safe. No one stared. No one whispered. Around them, other couples danced, laughed, and flirted. And for once, Spencer didn’t feel like they had to shrink themselves to fit in. They could just be. Once again, his thoughts swirled around about their living together in Montana. Could he keep Jamie’s attention if they couldn’t express themselves opening like they could here? His heart ached, and he felt torn into pieces.
Jamie looked up at him, eyes soft behind the mask. “Thanks for asking me.”
Spencer smiled. “I’ve been wanting to ever since we walked in.”
Jamie leaned in, and Spencer met him halfway. Their lips touched—slow, sure, and unhurried. It wasn’t a show. It wasn’t for anyone else. It was just them in the middle of a crowded room, finding their own quiet moment.
When they pulled apart, Jamie rested his head against Spencer’s chest, and Spencer let his chin rest on top of Jamie’s hair. The music kept playing, and they kept swaying, wrapped up in each other like the rest of the world could wait.
Nathan and Alfie made their way to them when they’d finished dancing and settled in at a table.
“You okay?” Nathan asked.
“I’m going to ship my truck back. I’m going to get Jamie and me on your flight. Tom is going to ship Jamie’s things.”
“That’s great. I can’t wait to ride.”
“Me too,” Alfie said.
“I decorated my ranch for Christmas, so it should be fun. We’re ready to leave so I can make reservations. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for everything.”
All four of them took turns hugging each other. And for the first time all night, Spencer felt like they’d finally arrived as a couple.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Jamie
The plane touched down at the Missoula Airport with a soft bump, and Jamie felt a flutter in his chest that had nothing to do with turbulence. He glanced at Daddy Spencer, who gave him a reassuring smile, then reached for his hand as they made their way off the plane. Nathan and Alfie were already chatting about snow boots and ranch breakfasts, and before Jamie could fully process the moment, they were piling into a Saddle Creek Ranch van headed toward Jamie’s new home in Montana.
The silence was broken only by the soft crunch of tires on the snow on the drive. Jamie stared out the window, watching the trees blur past, their branches heavy with white. When they pulled up to the ranch gates, his breath caught.
It was stunning.
The endless property was framed by the snow-covered rolling hills. The main ranch house had a wraparound porch dusted with snow, warm blue Christmas lights glowing from the window frames. A pair of barns sat off to the side, red and weathered, with icicles hanging from the roof edges. Beyond that, a frozen lake shimmered under the pale afternoon sun,untouched and perfect for ice skating. It was a scene straight out of a postcard, impossibly beautiful and almost too perfect to be true.
Stiffly, Jamie stepped out of the car and just stared for a minute, boots crunching in the snow. He felt small in the best way, like the world had handed him something he didn’t know he needed—true love and protection from the most devoted man. Just wondering how he got so lucky when Daddy Spencer found him and took him in with no sick games.
