“Whatever he’s up to, it must be important,” Colton said. “For him to have gone off alone to talk with that many people.”
Peopleing was not a Leo skill set, which was perfectly fine because they had Fitz, Ace, Colton, Gio, and Mason for that.Their jobs required them to talk to people all the time. But Ace agreed with Colton.
“Whatever it is, it has to involve King.”
Downstairs, Ace helped Colton set the table in the large dining room next to the kitchen. Joker, Fitz, and Gio fed the dogs, and by the time dinner was on the table, Leo and King had joined them. Leo’s cheeks were flushed, and his hoodie was on inside out. Ace wanted to say something so badly, but he restrained himself. He deserved a medal for not teasing King. Or at least an extra piece of cornbread.
They sat around the table, King at the head and Leo to his right. Usually, they were unfiltered and loud, but everyone was kind of worn out. They also knew Leo was feeling overstimulated, so everyone instinctively kept the volume down.
“Did you get to see the reindeer?” Fitz asked Leo.
“I did,” Leo said excitedly. “I knew they were big, but I hadn’t expected them to be that big. Did you know both maleandfemale reindeer grow antlers? And their noses are designed to warm the air before they breathe it into their lungs. I learned so much about them today.”
King kissed Leo’s cheek. “It sounds like you had a good time.”
“I did.” Leo side-eyed King. “You didn’t follow me, did you?”
King arched an eyebrow at him. “Baby, I didn’t know where you were most of the day.” He moved his gaze to Ace and narrowed his eyes. “I assumed you were with Ace.”
He was never going to live this down. It would forever be known as “The time Ace lost the Boyfriends.” He could see it now. Damn it. It was the quinceañera boots all over again. He’d been on leave and hadn’t had time to get dress shoes for his cousin’s quinceañera party, so he’d worn his combat boots with his suit. His family had never and would never let him forget it.
“I’m sorry I left,” Leo told Ace. “Did you find any squirrels?”
Everyone moved their eyes to Ace before bursting into laughter.
“You’re all a bunch of assholes,” Ace grumbled, shoving a giant piece of cornbread in his mouth.
“What?” Leo asked, looking around the room. “Did I miss something?”
Fitz leaned into Leo, his smile wicked. “I’ll tell you all about it later.”
Of course, he would. By tonight, Leo would know everything that happened to the last detail. How Fitz knew, considering he hadn’t been there, was a testament to his family’s gossiping abilities. Next to Ace, Colton’s shoulders shook.
“Oh my god, you’re laughing!”
Colton shook his head. He picked up the cornbread basket and held it out to Ace. “Would you like another piece of cornbread, love?”
Ace snatched one. “Yes, obviously. It will help soothe the feelings of betrayal you have planted in my heart.”
“You mean like the sapling you planted earlier?” Joker said, deadpan. “You know, after your squirrel attack.”
And it began.
CHAPTERNINE
What a day.
Colton closed his laptop and placed it on the nightstand. How could he be both exhausted and not tired at the same time? Either way, he was very pleased with all he’d accomplished today despite their little adventures.
“Ooh, you have that, ‘I finally ticked everything off my to-do list’ look,” Ace teased, getting under the covers beside him. His husband knew him too well. Colton did love a good to-do list, especially when he got to cross off everything. It had been nonstop since they’d arrived, but it was worth it.
“I just received the last confirmation email. Shipments have started to go out, and I emailed all the tracking numbers to Clara. Supplies should start arriving as early as tomorrow morning.”
“That’s great news!” Ace kissed Colton’s cheek. “You are amazing. Did you know that? My husband is awesome.”
Colton chuckled and shook his head. “I’m happy that I could help the residents of Winterhaven. I also wanted to give my family a memorable Christmas.”
“Well, you’ve done both,” Ace replied. “And it’s not even Christmas yet. Then again, youarean overachiever. I mean, you marriedme.”
