The Boyfriend Collective wasn’t perfect, but they were all good men with big hearts who loved fiercely. It wasn’t easy being in love with a former Green Beret. Joker, Jack, and the Kings had a lot of baggage from their time in the military, and some of them had received scars long before that, but it hadn’t stopped their guys from falling in love with them.
Following his own orders, Ace headed over to Colton.
“You have to try this,” Colton said, holding his cup. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
Ace gave him a pointed look and snickered at the blush that crept onto his husband’s cheeks.
“You’re terrible. Try the cocoa.”
Ace took a sip. “Hot damn. This is incredible.” He took another sip.
“Hey, get your own.”
“Why? I have one right here.”
Colton narrowed his eyes. “I will smother you in Fitz’s Pomeranian coat.”
With a laugh, Ace handed the cup back. “Fine. I’ll get my own.” He ordered himself a triple chocolate with whipped cream and a snowflake cookie. It wasthebest hot cocoa he’d ever had. This was amazing. The street was filled with his family’s laughter and joy. Then it struck him.
Where the hell was everyone else?
CHAPTERTHREE
Something was wrong.
“What is it?” Colton asked Ace, aware of his husband having gone quiet. For all of Ace’s quirks, he was incredibly intuitive, and Colton always listened. Ace was also rarely quiet.
Ace leaned in, whispering. “Why isn’t the town packed with people?” He frowned as he scanned the area. “We can’t be the only tourists.”
Colton had been so busy taking in everything he hadn’t noticed that he and his family seemed to be the only non-locals around. They kind of stood out among the townspeople. Since Colton had been researching the town for years, he was aware of their reputation as being welcoming and inclusive, which was one of the reasons they were so highly rated.
Everyone around them appeared to be a town resident, heading somewhere, carrying groceries or shopping. That’s when he noticed many of the shops and stalls that catered to tourists were closed. Colton turned back to the lovely hot cocoa vendor. She was a rosy-cheeked older woman with long, gray braided hair. The sleigh-shaped pin on her sweater said her name was Ellen.
“Excuse me. Where are all the guests? I thought it would be busier.” More like heknewit should be. According to the town’s website, hundreds of visitors flooded it yearly to experience its Christmas celebration.
Ellen appeared confused for some reason. “Mr. Connolly, you and your family are the only guests.”
Wait. That couldn’t be right. “How is that possible?”
Next to Ellen stood a younger woman with pink cheeks and a red beanie pulled down over her dark hair. The little red and white mitten tag on her sweater said her name was Holly. “On account of our town hall being closed.”
“Why would that stop guests from coming to enjoy the town’s festivities? Most of your events take place in the Ice Castle.”
Ellen gasped softly, her gaze turning sympathetic. “Oh, sweetie. You need to find Clara.”
That did not sound good. Colton and Ace exchanged glances. He turned his attention back to Ellen. “Why? What’s going on?” The rest of their family seemed to sense something was wrong and joined them.
Holly’s gaze turned sympathetic as well. “The town hall? Thatisthe Ice Castle. They’re the same building.”
“Oh no.” Colton’s heart sank. “The Ice Castle is closed?” That’s where all the Christmas stalls were supposed to be, along with the charming little Christmas shops, all the contests and events, meeting Santa and his reindeer.
Leo lifted his gaze to Colton. “No Santa?”
Fitz wrapped his arm around Leo’s shoulder, his expression troubled.
“I don’t understand,” Colton said to Ellen. “What happened?”
“You should find Clara,” Ellen said gently. “She can give you all the details.”
