"I'm never living down the shirtless horseback riding thing, am I? That's going to follow me forever."
"Never ever," Reverie confirms with absolute certainty and barely suppressed glee. "You're internet famous now. Viral cowboy content. You need to accept your fate with grace and dignity."
"My fate is being objectified on social media," he mutters.
"Could be worse fates," Nash points out pragmatically.
Grayson adjusts his secure hold on Reverie, then starts walking purposefully toward where Nash is standing with the phone, carrying her with the ease of someone carryingsomething precious and lightweight. He positions them both properly in frame so the camera can capture their faces clearly.
Reverie starts talking animatedly to her followers, using her hands expressively to gesture around despite being held in Grayson's arms. She talks enthusiastically about the beautiful lodge, the perfect snowfall, the spontaneous snowball fight that turned competitive, how they're staying cozy and safe during the storm while still enjoying winter activities.
"And that's Theo over there!" She points in my direction suddenly.
Nash swings the phone to capture me standing on the covered porch.
I simply lift my mug in acknowledgment. The steam rises from the liquid inside, visible in the cold air.
They think it's hot chocolate. It's not. It's hot alcoholic Bailey's Irish Cream that I specifically tipped the waiter twenty dollars to make for me. Needed something stronger than coffee after this morning's events and the discovery of that note.
Reverie had stolen a few sips earlier—thought she was being sneaky about it.I'd let her.The small amount of alcohol has made her looser, more carefree, less filtered.
Which is exactly what she needs right now even if she doesn't know why.
Better she's happy and slightly tipsy than anxious and paranoid about threats she can't control.
I watch as they finish the live stream. Reverie waves enthusiastically at the camera, promises more content tomorrow, thanks everyone for watching and following along on the "Knotty Christmas Series."
Nash ends the stream with a final shot of the snowy landscape.
Then Grayson carries her over to where I'm standing, still holding her like she's precious cargo. Which she is.
"You want to come inside?" he asks me, snow clinging to his hair and coat.
I smirk slightly.
"Take our lovely fighting maiden inside before she tries to create an abomination snowman or summon a fleet of evil snow figures to do her bidding."
Reverie laughs—bright and genuine and slightly tipsy.
"I'm unstoppable! I could totally build an army! They'd be adorable and terrifying!"
She's a bit giddy. The Bailey's I'd let her sip worked exactly as intended—loosened her inhibitions, made her let go of stress, allowed her to just have fun without overthinking.
She focuses on me suddenly, her expression becoming more serious despite the alcohol.
"You'll come inside soon? You won't stay out in the cold?"
The concern in her voice makes my chest tight.
"Mhmm," I confirm with a nod. "Just finishing my drink. I'll be right behind you."
She beams at me—that brilliant smile that makes everything feel worthwhile.
"Okay! Don't take too long or I'll come drag you inside myself!"
Grayson carries her toward the lodge entrance, her laughter echoing as she makes him promise to help her build at least one snowman before the storm gets too bad.
Nash lingers behind. Waits until Grayson and Reverie are definitely out of earshot before walking over to where I'm standing, his boots crunching in the accumulated snow on the porch.
