CHAPTERONE
“I’m pretty sure Clara asked us to decorate the Ice Castle, not make it visible fromspace,” Sacha grumbled as he added another layer of icicle lights to the roof of the building.
Thankfully, the Ice Castle was only one story and didn’t require Sacha to get into the knuckle boom again. Seeing his boyfriend up that high made Gio nervous, even if Sacha had been more excited than concerned.
“Well, no one is going to miss it, that’s for sure,” Gio replied as he held Sacha’s ladder. He was ready to be done, and although Sacha had suggested he go inside numerous times, Gio wanted to help. With only Ace and Sacha putting up the lights outside and everyone else focused on the larger task of decorating the interior of the Ice Castle, the two needed a hand, so Gio stayed.
They’d gotten an early start, planning to get as much done as possible before guests filled the town and flocked to Mugs and Kisses, the town’s café. After hours of hanging lights, they were nearly done. As much as they enjoyed the snowy holiday, they weren’t used to the biting cold, which had forced them to take more breaks than expected.
It might not be snowing, and they were bundled up from head to toe, but several inches of snow had fallen during the night, and brief intervals of snow flurries fell throughout the morning. They had to finish before the sun set and the temperature dropped.
Decorating the Ice Castle was the final step in helping Winterhaven pull off another successful holiday season. When Colton surprised their family with a Christmas vacation, they’d had no idea a terrible snowstorm had swept through Winterhaven, wreaking havoc with the town’s shipments and causing damage to the main building where they held all the indoor festivities.
Thanks to Leo—who’d reminded them they had the resources to help—Mason and Lucky had repaired the damage to the Ice Castle roof while Jack restored the electricity. Colton had used his shipping connections to deliver everything the town needed in time to kick off the holiday celebrations. They’d all pitched in, helping the townspeople decorate the main street, town square, and market stalls. With the only thing missing being the guests, Gio stepped in to do his part.
“I can’t believe you booked an entire vacation lodge,” Ace said, fastening another row of lights to the roof. “That’s awesome, Gio.”
Gio saw it as helping. “They’re an amazing group of volunteers who are passionate about helping others. I’ve worked with them for years. They’re what keep our organizations going, so I wanted to do something nice for them.” When Fitz asked him if there was a way he would be able to help Winterhaven, he’d realized he could help the townandshow his volunteers that they were appreciated.
“And that’s why you’re a keeper,” Ace said, winking at him.
“He is. Now, can we finish this?” Sacha asked. “I can’t feel my fingers anymore. And I’m wearing gloves.”
Ace opened his mouth, and Sacha narrowed his eyes, receiving a quick nod.
“Yep, we’re done.”
Sacha descended the ladder, jumping off when he reached the bottom, his boots sinking into the snow. He turned and smiled up at Gio, stealing his breath away. Sacha was a beautiful, complicated man with a sharp tongue and a wicked sense of humor who most would describe as “grumpy,” but that was because he felt deeply. He was soft, sweet, and had a big heart, even if he didn’t always know how to express what he felt. Gio cherished being on the other end of that gorgeous smile. Snuggling under the covers with Sacha on a frosty winter morning quickly became Gio’s favorite thing.
“Well, hello.” Gio pulled Sacha into his arms and kissed him, the warmth of his mouth a stark contrast to their chilled skin.
Sacha hummed before pulling back. He bit his bottom lip, his eyes on Gio’s mouth. “We, uh, should go inside before our tongues freeze together.”
Gio couldn’t argue with that. Sacha grabbed the ladder, and they headed inside the Ice Castle, the warmth from the heating so lovely. The place looked fantastic. So different from when they’d first stepped foot inside. It had been dark and cold, and an absolute mess. Now it looked like a storybook palace that belonged in a snowy European village, with its white walls, blue and gold accents, and sparkling chandelier lighting.
The Ice Castle had been cleaned and decorated beautifully with lush frosted garland and delicate blue and white baubles. There were several rooms, with the largest being the main ballroom. Each room would host a different festive event until New Year’s Day, from baking contests and cookie and ornament decorating to card making and, on Christmas Day, meeting Santa and his reindeer.
With the boisterous laughter and noise coming from the main ballroom, it was easy to find the rest of their family. Together with the town’s residents, they were almost done decorating most of the Ice Castle’s interior, except for the main ballroom and one of the smaller ballrooms, which Clara had informed them was closed for an upcoming private event.
As soon as they stepped foot inside the room, they were bombarded by wiggly furry butts, wagging tails, and happy dog smiles. Gio had released Cookie from his service dog duties, letting him go inside with Chip and Duchess. No matter how excited and happy the snow made the dogs, they weren’t used to the cold either.
Even so, Chip, Cookie, and Cocoa seemed to be loving every minute of it. Duchess enjoyed it until she’d had enough, then she searched for the nearest warm spot. Right now, she was curled up in a fluffy bed near Fitz, who sat next to Jack, running his fingers through Cocoa’s fur as the puppy dozed in his arms. With all the lights going up, Jack had started programming them for various events, so they flashed in time to the music or whatever was happening.
When Gio became part of this amazing, quirky family, he’d been worried for Jack and Fitz. Everyone at Four Kings Security worked hard, but Jack had taken his responsibilities to an unhealthy level, and it had started to hurt those who cared about him. Gio understood because he’d been the same before losing his heart to Sacha. Gio was relieved that, like he had, Jack finally realized what he’d been doing to himself and his relationship.
Gio shoved his hat and gloves into his coat pocket before taking it off and dropping it on the growing pile strewn across the enormous red velvet couch to the side of the room. After a few belly rubs, Cookie decided to go off and play with Chip, his fluffy tail wagging happily. They darted off to be with Leo, who sat cross-legged on the floor with his laptop. What was Leo up to? He’d been secretive since they’d arrived, and no one knew what was happening. Not even King knew, but since King wasn’t worried, neither were the rest of them. They’d find out eventually.
Ace stopped next to Gio, his hands planted on his hips.
“It’s a thing of beauty, isn’t it?”
Gio nodded. “The ballroom is starting to come together.”
The vast ballroom had a giant Christmas tree with twinkling white lights positioned between the white and gold veined marble pillars lining the left and right sides of the room. The red velvet curtain along the back wall matched the curtains on the arched windows that lined both sides of the room. The marble floor gleamed, and the colossal gold chandelier above their heads twinkled like a starry night. It was beautiful.
“No, I meant all the glorious Christmas sweaters,” Ace said, sweeping his arm out toward their family and the unique attire on display. All of which had been, of course, Ace’s idea.
The previous Christmas, Ace came up with a different version of Secret Santa that only involved Christmas sweaters. The rule was that they would all pick a day to exchange gifts, and everyone would have to wear their sweater the whole day. Coincidently, King had gotten Ace as his Secret Santa two years in a row.
