Gio nodded. He placed the lid back on his gift box and carefully placed the box inside his nightstand, the possibilities of all the places they could go and memories they could make filling Gio’s heart with warmth and excitement.
They’d just been about to leave the room when both their phones pinged with a text. Gio removed his phone and checked his messages.
“Jack says we’re all meeting at the Ice Castle. The Blue Ballroom.”
Sacha nodded. “Yeah, I got the same text. I guess Red decided to take photos there.”
“Makes sense. It does look beautiful in there, and I suppose we should take advantage of Winterhaven’s gorgeous scenery.” The photos were going to be particularly stunning this year, and Gio was looking forward to finding the perfect photos to frame and hang up in their home.
Downstairs, some of the guys had already taken the first SUV down to the Ice Castle, including Red, Laz, Jack, Fitz, and Leo. No one questioned Red’s decision. They just grabbed their coats and got into the second SUV.
“How come Leo went in the other SUV?” Sacha asked King as he climbed behind the wheel.
“He said Laz needed his help with one of his digital cameras. Something about some setting issues. To be honest, I have no idea what he was talking about. I barely know how to use my phone’s camera, much less one of Laz’s fancy cameras. Probably why Leo had his backpack with him.”
Inside the SUV, Gio couldn’t seem to keep his hands off Sacha, his heart was so happy.
“You’re so smitten,” Sacha teased quietly, leaning in to kiss Gio.
“I am,” Gio agreed. How could he not be? Never in his life had he expected to find someone like Sacha. Someone who loved so passionately, was fearless yet soft—even if he liked to think he wasn’t—and who had the biggest heart of anyone Gio had ever known.
They arrived at the Ice Castle, and King parked the SUV. Inside, the guys were standing outside the Blue Ballroom. Laz removed his coat and gave it to Red so he could swing his digital camera’s strap around his neck. He had his bag with all his lenses and equipment. Why hadn’t they gone inside?
“We’re here,” Sacha grumbled. “Why are we all standing around?”
“Room’s locked,” Red said with a frown.
“Why? Didn’t you make the arrangements?” Sacha asked.
Red looked confused. “What arrangements?”
Sacha eyed him. “What? You told Jack to text us to meet here.”
“What?” Jack blinked at him. “I didn’t know anything about this. I didn’t text you either.” He turned to Ace. “You’re the one who told us to come here and ‘dress nice.’ What’s this about, man?”
Ace blinked at him. “Um, I’m here because Red texted me. He’s the one who wanted us all dressed up, remember? I figured we were taking our family photos here.” Ace looked at Red. “Right?”
Red shook his head. “I didn’t text you, and I didn’t arrange any of this. But I thought it was a great idea. Colton was the one who came up with it. He messaged me.”
“What?” Colton frowned. “I didn’t text you.”
Gio held a hand up. “Hold up. Did anyone send out a message asking to meet here?”
Nope.
“But everyone received a message to be here.”
Yep.
“What the hell is going on?” King asked, looking around. "Wait. Where’s Leo? Anyone see where Leo went?”
No one had any idea where Leo was or when he’d slipped away. King opened his mouth, and it seemed like he was going to say something about it, but instead, his brows drew together. “Clara?”
They all turned to see Clara dressed in a beautiful red and white dress. Was there some kind of party or event someone had forgotten to tell them about?
“Hello, boys. It’s good to see you all.”
“Do you know what’s going on?” King asked. “We were asked to be here.” He pointed to the name above the doors. “The Blue Ballroom. But it looks like it’s closed. Also, have you seen Leo?” Just as he said the words, they heard the click of a lock.
