When they started to get chilly, Colton tapped Ace’s flank, and Ace groaned, forcing himself to get up. He took Colton’s hand, and Colton didn’t even ask. He followed Ace into the bathroom. They took their time in the shower, the warm water felt amazing against his skin. When they finished, they dressed in their pajamas and robes and headed downstairs. Neither of them was feeling particularly sleepy, and it wasn’t even ten yet.
Downstairs, Fitz and Jack had fallen asleep on one side of the expansive couches. It was sweet. Fitz was wrapped up in one of his super soft blankets, his head on Jack’s lap and Jack’s hand in Fitz’s hair. Duchess was curled up in front of the fireplace. She popped her head up and wagged her poufy tail. Ace put his hand out, motioning for her to lay back down, and she lowered her head and went back to sleep. Ace was so good with dogs.
Joker might be the expert and a certified trainer, but Ace just had a way with dogs. The same couldn’t be said for small furry creatures, but Ace had never met a dog he didn’t love or that didn’t love him back.
They went into the other sitting room where they could watch the snow falling outside as they cuddled together on the comfy sofa.
“Are you okay helping Clara with some of the deliveries tomorrow for the Ice Castle?” Colton asked quietly. “I promised Dotty I would go to her mother’s shop and let her pick out ornaments for our tree. I was supposed to have gone this afternoon, but I didn’t get the chance with everything going on, so I told her mom I’d pop by as soon as I could.”
“Sure. No problem. I’ll help Lucky and Mason with the roof in the meantime.”
Colton eyed Ace, making him laugh.
“I won’t go on the roof, I promise.”
“Okay.” Not that Colton didn’t have faith in Ace or his abilities, but considering his recent track record, it was probably best his husband avoid high altitudes for the time being.
Something seemed to occur to Ace. “Let’s say everything arrives in time, Jack gets the Ice Castle up and running, Lucky and Mason get the roof fixed, and all the halls are decked. Winterhaven is restored to its holiday glory. What then?”
Colton blinked at him. “What do you mean?”
Ace turned to face him, his expression one of concern. “Babe, we’re the only guests.”
“Shit.” Colton had been so busy trying to get everything the town needed to be ready for the holiday season that he hadn’t thought about the fact that all the guests had canceled. “Maybe Clara can call them once everything is ready? Let them know Winterhaven is back in business?”
“She could. But what if guests have made other plans by the time everything is ready? We’re getting close to Christmas. That’s a lot of last-minute travel.”
Colton sighed. “You’re right.”
“Maybe talk to Gio about it.”
“That’s a great idea,” Colton said, kissing Ace. If anyone could help him bring people to Winterhaven, it was Gio. His best friend had travel connections all over the world, as well as numerous wealthy contacts. Colton drew his legs up onto the couch and snuggled up to Ace. He pulled one of the plush blankets over their laps. He loved how the cabin was littered with countless soft, warm blankets.
Tomorrow was going to be a busy day with so much to do, and he had something special he wanted to talk to Clara about, which meant making certain Ace was busy elsewhere. For months, he’d been thinking about what to get Ace for Christmas. Just because he was wealthy didn’t mean he could gift his husband something frivolous. Obviously, he could, and had in the past, but not for a special holiday or occasion. He wanted his gifts to have meaning. Ace, of course, was no help because his response was always the same, that he had everything he needed.
The more Colton thought about it, the more excited he became. He hoped Clara would be able to help. Whatever happened, Ace was right. This was already turning out to be one of his most memorable Christmases. Now, to pull off what he’d promised Clara. It was time to get Winterhaven ready for an amazing Christmas season.
CHAPTERTEN
When Colton said shipments would start arriving over the next few days, he hadn’t been kidding. As soon as the new panels or whatever nerd stuff Jack had ordered arrived, they’d gotten it all down to the Ice Castle. There were many, many boxes.
“Don’t worry, baby,” Fitz said, picking up one of the boxes. “You’ve got this. And I’m going to be with you every step of the way. I’ll be your assistant.”
It was sweet, considering Fitz had no idea what that would entail, but he was determined to be there for Jack. Ace was so happy for his friend. Fitz adored Jack, and it was obvious in so many ways. On occasion, when Jack’s confidence wavered, Fitz was always there to pick him up and show him how loved he was.
“No pressure,” Ace said, placing one of the boxes on the table inside the small control room. “But the success of the town’s entire holiday season depends on you getting the Ice Castle fixed.”
Jack stared at him, eyes going huge.
“What is wrong with you?” Fitz hissed, smacking Ace’s shoulder.
“Ouch! I said no pressure!” Hm. Maybe he should have phrased that differently.
“Unless you want me to smother you in sixty-five percent acetate, thirty-five percent modacrylic Italian Saint Laurent faux fur, I suggest you zip it.”
“That sounds expensive,” Ace muttered, rubbing his arm. “Damn, Fitz. Have you taken up boxing or something?”
“People underestimate the kind of muscle and strength needed to blow dry people’s hair for hours on end, and I’ve been doing it for years. And yes, that coat is expensive. It was gifted to me during Paris Fashion Week several years ago.”
