Carefully, Fitz got himself to his feet, and Jack did the same. Scanning the area, Fitz spotted the Four Kings pups with King, Leo, Lucky, and Mason over by the Jingle Paws market stall. The four dogs sat in a row before Leo, tails wagging as they waited expectantly. Leo held his palm out, and all three sat back on their haunches, lifted, and waved their front paws. With a laugh, Leo gave each of them a treat.
“He spoils them rotten,” Fitz said, smiling as he took Jack’s hands.
“And you’re going to ask him not to?” Jack asked, knowing perfectly well Fitz would do no such thing. “Yeah, I didn’t think so.”
They’d been ice skating during the holidays several years ago but skating in a faux ice rink in Florida was a far cry from a snowy ice rink in the mountains. For one, it wasfreezing, but Fitz was managing with the lights, the portable heaters, his many layers of water-repellent clothing, and Jack to keep him warm. His propensity for always feeling cold had him overly cautious about his exposure to the frosty air for long periods. He’d also taken enough Vitamin C to turn his blood into orange juice.
“There’s a reason I moved to Florida and not the Arctic,” Colton grumbled, waving his arms as he attempted to keep his balance. He was still getting the hang of ice skating, but Ace was with him every cautious step of the way. As new puppy parents, they wouldn’t be staying out long. The two were in for some sleepless nights.
It was cute seeing a half-asleep Ace taking Cocoa outside to potty. Fitz had gone down to the kitchen in the middle of the night for some water, and Ace had been coming in from the cold with Cocoa, his hair sticking up all over, boots and coat on haphazardly over his pajamas. He’d grunted a greeting as he lumbered by.
Laz and Red didn’t stay on the ice long. Once it got crowded, Laz pulled Red along, knowing his boyfriend was uncomfortable. They huddled on one of the many benches scattered around the market square, talking, and drinking hot chocolate.
As Fitz and Jack skated around the large ice rink, their family scattered about, having fun and enjoying one another’s company, Fitz had never been happier. The thought of spending more time with Jack, of making even more memories together, filled Fitz with so much joy.
When Fitz’s cheeks started to go numb from the winter chill nipping at his face, they left the ice and handed in their skates. Fitz wrapped his arm around Jack’s and led him to the market stalls, soaking in the warmth from the heaters. That and hehadto browse. Not that Jack minded. He was happy walking with Fitz and drinking his hot cider while Fitz sipped his hot cocoa. They spotted Clara, and Fitz hurried over to her.
“It all turned out so magical,” Fitz said in awe of how wonderful everything looked.
“It’s a dream,” Clara said. “Christopher is over the moon.”
“Whereisyour husband?” Jack asked. “None of us have run into him.”
Which was impressive considering the size of Winterhaven. How had theyallmissed seeing him since their arrival? Well, all of them except Leo, who was being very hush-hush about it.
“He’s busy getting everything ready for the big day.”
Fitz and Jack exchanged glances. “Big day?” Fitz asked.
Clara blinked, her eyes going wide. She waved a hand and laughed. “You know, Christmas Day. Lots to celebrate here in Winterhaven. Speaking of celebration.” She handed Fitz a flyer. “Tomorrow, we’re kicking off Winterhaven’s Festival of Fun with our big cookie-baking contest. There will be gingerbread house decorating and cookie decorating afterward.”
“Have you managed to get back any of the guests who’d canceled?” Jack asked.
Clara sighed. “Only a few, but I suppose that’s to be expected considering how close it is to Christmas. They most likely made other plans. But we’ll get some folks from the neighboring towns, so we can’t complain. Thank you both again. We would never have been able to do all this without the help of you and your family. See you tomorrow?”
“You bet,” Fitz promised.
Clara gave out more flyers, and Fitz turned to Jack. “I need to find Gio. Oh, and Red. Hehasto enter the cookie-baking contest.”
Jack chuckled. “I think he’d enjoy that. And we would enjoy eating the entries.”
They strolled through the market square, and Fitz made a mental note of everything he wanted to buy, including a few things for Jack. Fitz never bought Jack anything techy. It was like buying a chef a knife when you had no clue how to cook. In a way, it made shopping for Jack easier and less stressful for Fitz. He spotted Gio and Joker by one of the stalls near the end of the row.
Fitz gasped, throwing out a hand to stop Jack. “Did you see that?”
“See what?”
“When Gio turned to give Cookie a treat, Joker glanced at the stall next to the one they’re in front of.”
The silence had Fitz turning to face Jack. Honestly, how could his boyfriend have no clue? Fitz could barely contain himself. “Babe, it’s ajewelrystall.”
Jack’s brows furrowed together. “Um, okay?”
“Amen’sjewelry stall.”
Jack shrugged. “Maybe he’s thinking of getting Gio jewelry for Christmas.” He seemed puzzled by this. “Weird. Sacha’s not the jewelry type.”
“Maybe he’s the buying-his-boyfriend-an-engagement-ring type?”
