When Clarence smiled and nodded, Gio’s tension eased. Whatever was going on wasn’t something to worry about. Gio went back to eating and talking to the others. A few minutes later, Sacha returned to the table.
“Everything okay?” Gio asked.
“Yep. Just had to talk to Clarence about something.”
“Okay.” Jack and Fitz exchanged glances but didn’t question him. If Sacha wanted them to know, he would have said something, but Gio was curious.
After lunch, they did a little more shopping and had some delicious hot chocolate and pastries from the bakery. Gio gave Cookie some more water and then, shortly after, took him for a potty break. When he returned, the lovely young man behind the counter gave Gio a Christmas doggy biscuit for Cookie.
“I’m going to miss this place,” Fitz said, looking around.
“We can always come back,” Jack replied, kissing the side of Fitz’s head. “According to Clara, the town has all kinds of festivities and events year-round. There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of things for them to celebrate.”
Fitz clapped excitedly. “That would be so much fun!” He kissed Jack’s cheek. “What do you think, Joker?”
Sacha shrugged. “I wouldn’t be opposed to coming back here.”
Which meant Sacha liked the town. Gio would keep that in mind. It would make a lovely little getaway. They got back to the cabin and hung out downstairs for a bit until it was time for dinner. Afterward, they all headed to their bedrooms to shower and get ready for their family photos. Sacha made Gio laugh by refusing to shower with him because he knew there would be “sexy shenanigans,” and they didn’t have time.
Gio walked out of the bathroom and stilled. “Oh.” He couldn’t help but stare at Sacha. The deep royal blue suit and the black dress shirt underneath were tailored for Sacha’s petite frame, and he looked breathtaking. The suit made his eyes appear more blue than gray, and Gio found himself mesmerized. It was a rare occasion when Gio got to see Sacha dressed like this, so when it occurred, he couldn’t help being left speechless.
“What?” Sacha looked down at himself. “I managed to get my pants on over my cast. I told Laz not to get it in the pictures. No one needs reminding that I was defeated by Ace and an extension cord.”
Gio chuckled and walked over to his beautiful man. He wrapped him in his arms, careful not to wrinkle him. “You look stunning.”
“Thanks. You look pretty damn good yourself.” Sacha smiled and wrapped his arms around Gio’s neck. He brushed his lips over Gio’s. “You got the lint rollers ready?”
Gio laughed. “There are about half a dozen downstairs. Hopefully, Chip won’t rip off his bow tie this time.”
“Yeah, my boy’s not a suit and tie kind of guy either,” Sacha replied with a snort. “But Fitz insists they look their best, which is why I leave it to him. If he wants to wrestle that furry menace into submission, he’s welcome to it.”
“Speaking of submission,” Gio teased, nipping at Sacha’s ear.
“Oh no. Don’t even think about, Giovanni. You have any idea what a pain in the ass it was to get into these pants?”
“And who says I have to take them off?” Gio slid his hand around Sacha’s waist down to his ass and squeezed his cheeks, loving the way Sacha groaned. Then shook his head and gently pushed Gio back.
“No. Nope.” Sacha held a hand up before Gio could protest. “And there’s a reason for that. I have something for you.”
Gio was pleasantly surprised. “Really?”
“Wait here.” Sacha went over to his nightstand and pulled out a medium-sized gold box with a pretty gold ribbon tied around it. He carried it over to Gio. “I got this for you, and I want you to open it now instead of tomorrow in front of everyone.”
Curious. When had Sacha gotten this for him? They’d been together practically the whole time. Gio’s heart swelled as he took the box from Sacha, charmed by his flushed cheeks. Gio had no idea what could put that sweet look on his man’s face. Gently pulling off the ribbon, he removed the lid, and his heart leaped into his throat.
“Oh, Sacha….”
“It’s a promise,” Sacha said as Gio removed the beautiful little box with the vintage-style globe inside. “A promise to make memories together anywhere in the world. You just point, and we’ll go there together.”
“This is the most amazing gift anyone has ever given me,” Gio whispered as he ran a finger over the smooth globe. He would cherish this always. “Thank you.” He placed his fingers under Sacha’s chin and kissed him, a sweet and tender kiss. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too,” Sacha replied with a smile. “Merry Christmas, baby.”
“Merry Christmas, love.”
Fitz had been right. This had been the best Christmas yet, and Gio had never been happier. They might not have time to make love, but that didn’t stop Gio from bringing Sacha into his arms and kissing him until they were forced to come up for air.
“We should go,” Sacha said with a sigh.
