“Okay.”
Everyone bundled up, and when they got outside the Ice Castle, a big red and gold sleigh with four giant reindeer waited. Two bags sat in the back above an elegantly scripted “Just Married” sign. Leo squeezed King’s hands.
“I know tomorrow is Christmas Day, and we’ll want to be with our family, but tonight, Clara and Christopher have lent us their guest cabin. It’s a short sleigh ride from the lodge.” He stood on his toes and whispered in King’s ear. “We can get an early start on our honeymoon.”
King waved at everyone. “Thanks for coming. See ya tomorrow!”
Everyone laughed, and King helped Leo up into the sleigh. They got under the warm blankets while Santa climbed up onto the driver’s bench. He turned to them and held out a piece of paper and pen.
“Just one more step.”
Leo took the pen and signed the marriage license before handing it to King, who signed it and stilled. He stared at the paper and then looked at Leo.
“You’re taking my name?”
Leo beamed brightly at him. “I’m a Kingston now.”
“You’re just determined to make me cry, aren’t you?” With a laugh, he handed the document back to Santa. With a wink, Santa turned around and got the sleigh moving. Leo waved at their cheering family as the jingling of bells filled the night air.
“I did that,” Ace called out.
Leo and King both laughed. His heart couldn’t get any fuller. “Holy cow, we’re married!”
King chuckled. “We are.”
They snuggled close together under the warm blankets, kissing and enjoying the ride. It took no time at all to reach the cabin, and when the sleigh stopped outside of it, Leo gasped.
“This is incredible.” It looked like something out of a fairytale or a scene from a Christmas card. He turned to Santa. “Thank you for helping make Operation King’s Christmas a success.”
Santa smiled warmly. “You’re very welcome. And Congratulations. If you need anything at all, you just let me know.”
“Thank you,” King said, shaking Santa’s hand. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”
“It was my pleasure.”
As soon as they’d taken their bags and stepped off the sleigh, Santa took the reins and was off, bells jingling. Leo pulled the key to the cabin out of his pocket. The cozy cabin lit up the night with its many Christmas lights lining the roof and windows. Lush green garland decorated the wood banister, and a wreath with a big red bow hung from the door.
A soft glow came from the windows, and they’d arrive just in time because it started snowing again. Leo unlocked the door when King scooped him up into his arms. He laughed and wrapped his arms around King’s neck.
“Good thing I’ve had lots of practice,” King teased, carrying Leo over the threshold. He placed Leo on his feet, grabbed their bags, and locked the door behind them.
They removed all their winterwear, and Leo couldn’t help but be in awe of the cozy cabin. It was much smaller than the one their family was staying in, but it was absolutely perfect. Especially since he was here with his husband. He turned, and King lifted him into his arms again.
“Oh my god, Ward,” Leo laughed. “Seriously. It’s a kink you have, I just know it.”
King carried him into a hall that only had three doors, one of which was open and clearly a linen closet, so it was pretty easy to find the master bedroom. Inside, King put Leo down on the bed and kissed him so sweetly that Leo was practically floating. He groaned in protest when King pulled away.
“I’ll be right back, just going to get our bags.”
While King was grabbing their bags, Leo took the opportunity to get naked and under the covers. When King returned, he placed the bags on the bench at the end of the bed and stilled.
“Are you naked?”
Leo blinked at him. “Are you not?”
With a laugh, King scrambled to get undressed as quickly as possible, then grabbed a packet of lube and got under the covers with him. He pulled Leo close, tickling him in the process.
“Noooo! No tickling,” Leo said through a laugh. “I’m trying to be all sexy and smoldering.” He tried to look serious and pursed his lips.
