“No way.” Jack shook his head. “If Sacha’s brain had gone anywhere in the vicinity of that thought, he’d have told me. He’d also be freaking the fuck out.”
“You mean like that?” Fitz asked, pointing to Joker off in the distance, running.
“He’s just chasing Chip,” Jack replied. “Chip probably got something in his mouth he shouldn’t because that’s life with a dog.”
“True. Except your boy is now outrunning his dog.”
“Oh shit.” Jack kissed Fitz’s cheek. “I’ll be back!” He darted off, and Fitz called out after him.
“Good luck!” His boyfriend was going to need it. Joker wasfast. Ooh, this gave Fitz the perfect opportunity to talk to Gio. He went to the stall where Gio had bought a little pink bag of treats from Rin-Tin-Tinsel. Ugh, Fitz couldn’t with these adorable stalls.
“Perfect timing,” Gio said, holding out the pink bag with candy cane-striped bows. “For your princess. They’re amazing. Cookie and Chip went wild over them. Organic, home-baked dog treats.”
“Aw, thank you. She’s going to love them.” Fitz placed the bag in his coat pocket. “Where did Joker go?”
“He said Chip had something in his mouth.” Gio chuckled. “It’s the most said phrase in our house. ‘What are you eating?’ Don’t know who’s worse, Chip or Cookie.” He cocked his head, and both he and Fitz replied at the same time.
“Chip.”
Fitz laughed. He could attest to that. However, it was more likely that Joker took off and Chip followed, thinking they were playing, rather than Joker taking off after Chip.
“I wanted to talk to you about something.” Fitz started walking, and Gio joined him. “Winterhaven finally has everything it needs for a successful holiday season. Except for guests.”
“I was thinking that, too. It won’t do the town much good to look beautiful if we’re the only ones here to see it.”
“Clara mentioned some people coming in from the neighboring towns and a few of the guests who’d canceled rebooked, but that’s not enough to save Winterhaven’s holiday season. I was wondering if maybe there was something you could do?”
Gio seemed to think about it. His face lit up. “Why didn’t I think of that sooner? I have the perfect solution!”
“You do? That was fast.” Fitz winked at him. “That’s why you’re the brains of the operation.”
“I don’t know about that,” Gio said with a laugh. “But thank you. First, I need to speak to Clara and find out how much lodging is available, then make a few calls. It’ll be perfect.” He looked so excited. Glancing around, there was no sign of Joker, Jack, or Chip. “I don’t see Sacha. I’ll text him and let him know I’m looking for Clara.”
“Keep me posted, and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.” Fitz smiled as Gio hurried off to do what he did best. Help people. Fitz had no doubt Gio had the perfect solution, a way to help Winterhaven and, most likely, whoever ended up being a guest.
Now, to find his princess. He texted Leo, who said that Duchess was with Red and Laz building a snowman, or rather snow dog. With a laugh, Fitz headed for the clearing just behind the market square. Fewer people were there, but a number of families with children were spread out, building snowmen or making snow angels.
When Duchess saw him, she barked and bounded over to him, her tail wagging excitedly, her black floof covered in snow like she’d been digging or rolling around. He gave her lots of scritches before she bounded off again to play. Ace and Colton appeared with Chip, Cookie, and Cocoa on their heels.
“We’re heading back and taking the furry beasts with us,” Ace said. “Want us to take her royal fluffness?”
Fitz chuckled. “Thanks, that would be great.” He scanned the market square. “I’m guessing you saw Joker and Jack?”
“Jack sent Chip to us,” Colton said. “He ran off, saying something about helping Joker?” He shrugged. “Who knows with those two? See you later.” They left with the dogs, and Fitz joined Red and Laz. He hoped Joker was okay. Considering he’d been the most relationship averse from all of them, worried Fitz. Yes, Joker adored Gio, but who knew what went on in that mercurial brain of his?
“Hey, guys. Whatcha making?” Fitz asked.
“A snow poodle,” Laz replied with a laugh. “Maybe now we can finish it since the model isn’t here to bite the tail off her likeness. For the third time.”
Fitz snorted. “My girl is very fussy about her appearance.”
“Don’t I know it,” Laz replied, shaking his head. “Remember when she kept pulling the bow off her head, and it was because she’d wanted you to put the tiara on her instead?”
Fitz laughed at the memory. His girl had definite opinions about fashion. He removed the flyer Clara had given him from his coat pocket and showed it to Red. “Did you hear about the cookie-baking contest tomorrow?”
Red smiled wide. “You bet! Sounds like a lot of fun. I have a couple of family recipes I can’t wait to try out.”
“Red’s going to make his dad’s famous gingerbread cookies.And….” He batted his lashes at Red, making his boyfriend chuckle.
