Fitz was so excited for Merry that he could barely contain it, but he did. “Well then, we’ll make ourselves scarce. Have fun…cleaning.”
Merry’s cheeks flushed an even brighter pink. “I’ll see you all later.”
All bundled up in warm, dry clothes, they left the café, returning to the tent where the cookie decorating had commenced. Fitz thanked Mason for puppy-sitting and called Duchess. She pranced over excitedly, and he pulled a treat from his pocket. No matter what item of clothing Fitz wore, he usually had a small treat bag inside a pocket. That and an empty poop bag. Spotting Clara, Fitz made his way over to her.
“Are we all set to decorate the Ice Castle?”
“Absolutely! We’ve moved all the decor and remaining containers into the Enchanted Ballroom and started on the smaller rooms, so you can join us after the gingerbread house decorating event if you’d like.”
“Great! We’ll be there.” Fitz was looking forward to it. Once the Ice Castle was finished, the parties and bigger events could finally occur. Of course, they could still use more guests. He hoped whatever Gio was working on would help. Winterhaven’s holiday season would be in full swing with the Ice Castle back in business.
Fitz found Red inside the tent and hugged him. “Congratulations! I knew you’d win. I’m sorry we had to rush out. There was an Ace-mergency.”
“Do I need my medical bag?” Red asked worriedly. “It’s back at the cabin.”
Fitz chuckled. “No, it’s fine. He managed not to knock himself out.”
“Oh good.” Red shook his head. “I don’t even want to know what he was up to.” He looked around. “Have you seen Leo? Joker was looking for him.”
“I haven’t seen him since we sat down for the contest. You think he’s off on his secret-not-so-secret Christmas mission?”
Red shrugged. “Could be. I wonder what would take this long to sort out. I mean, he’s been at it fordays.”
Jack stepped up to Fitz and kissed his cheek. “Hey, I’m going to have to miss the gingerbread house decorating.”
“Oh.” Fitz tried not to sound disappointed. “Work?”
“No, actually. Leo.”
“Leo?” Fitz was confused. “Wait, you know where he is?”
“He texted me, asking me to meet him at the Ice Castle. Something about helping Santa set with some equipment? I don’t know. He needs my help carrying some tech stuff. I’ll text you once I’m done.”
“Does King know?” Red asked Jack. “I haven’t seen him around either.”
“Leo said something about King returning to the cabin for a video call with Bibi and the kids,” Jack replied. “I’ll let you know if I find out anything else. Better go. See you in a bit.”
Fitz waved Jack goodbye and joined the gingerbread house decorating that was about to start. Thankfully, the large tent was heated. Hard to decorate with frozen fingers. Duchess made herself comfortable beneath the table Fitz had picked. He stood next to Joker and playfully bumped him with his hip.
“You’re just full of surprises,” Fitz teased, receiving a side-eye that made him laugh.
“Don’t go getting any funny ideas,” Joker grumbled. “I’m only here because Gio wants one.”
“Where is Gio?”
“Back at the cabin making calls. He’s all excited about his big idea.”
“I hope he can help,” Fitz said with a sigh. “The town could use more guests.”
“If anyone can do it, Gio can.” Joker removed all the pieces from the sealed box in front of him. He narrowed his eyes as Ace came to stand to the other side of him. “Go stand somewhere else.”
Ace laughed. “Why?”
“Because you’re shady as shit,” Joker replied. “If you touch my house, I’m going to teach your puppy to take a shit in your shoes.”
“I’m starting to question your training methods. Also, I’m not going to touch your house. I have my own awesome abode to decorate. It’s going to be my gingerbread mansion.”
Fitz held back a laugh at Joker’s unimpressed expression.
