“Has Calvin taken to using the candy canes as reindeer antlers?”
“What?”Paxon released a chuckle.“Where did that come from?”
“An idea he told me about,” I said.“I’m not sure how he plans to pull it off, but I think he might be determined.”
“We definitely have enough extra candy canes that will just get tossed,” Paxon mumbled.
Silence fell between the two of us again.I wasn’t sure what to do with it.It wasn’t as comfortable as I was used to.It was like there was something hovering there.I glanced out the window at the twinkling Christmas lights lining the streets.With all the tension, the holiday cheer felt a little more distant than usual.
“So what exactly are we doing on Christmas Eve?A lot of places close early for tomorrow.”
“Ice skating.”
“Ha ha.Seriously, what are we doing?”
“I have skates for both of us and there’s an outdoor pond that’s frozen over and we’re going to go skating.”
“I’m going to break my ankles.”
He chuckled, finally glancing at me.“You won’t, I won’t let you.”
“Uh huh, until I do.”
“I’ll catch you.That’s what I’m here for.”
His words hung in the air longer than they probably should have, and I felt my pulse skip a beat.But the tension I felt when I got in the car was still lingering, not as bad, but it was still persistent.
Eventually, we reached the pond.It was nestled behind a line of pine trees dusted with snow.Light poles lit the area for us and the skating area itself had massive spotlights lighting up the shimmering ice.Twinkling lights also decorated the area, making it feel more intimate than expected.A few other couples and families were already on the ice, laughing and having fun.Or falling.
I was going to be joining some of them with my ass on the ice.
Paxon grabbed ice skates from the trunk of his car and handed me my pair.He also grabbed a bag.
“You really did plan for this.”
His smile was off, not quite reaching his eyes like I expected.“I’m full of surprises.I was worried it wouldn’t freeze over in time, but they opened it up last week.I wanted to bring you here since.”
We sat on a wooden bench near the ice and swapped our boots for the skates.The boots went under the bench.
“Here.”He opened the bag and pulled out extra scarves, hats, and gloves.“This is a gift.”He glanced away a little shyly.“I don’t want you getting cold.”
I smiled appreciatively at him as I grabbed the extra winter pieces.They were soft and warm, made out of good materials.He helped me put mine on before he put on his.By the time we were finished bundled, I felt warmer, and while nervous about the whole ice-skating thing, also excited.
As soon as I stood, I was a wobbling mess and instinctively grabbed Paxon’s arm to steady myself.“See?Told you.I’m a disaster waiting to happen.”
Paxon steadied me, his grip firm, arm solid against my wobbling self.“You’re fine.Trust me.I have no intention of letting you fall.”
“Sure.”
I was reluctant, but let him carefully lead me onto the ice, and for the first few minutes, I clung to his arm like it was my life line against instant death.My steps were awkward and shaky.When was the last time I even went ice skating.I couldn’t remember.Most likely before Dad left.
Paxon was patient, guiding me, his hand never leaving me.He was always in reach and ready for me.Slowly, I found my balance, laughing as I wobbled, but managed to stay upright.
“See, you’re getting it.”His smile finally reached his eyes, feeling more like the Paxon I was used to.The tightness in my chest unraveled, just a little.
We skated for a while, the cold nipping at our cheeks, but the mood got lighter and lighter with each loop around the pond.When I finally felt more confident, I released his arm and spun carefully in a small circle all on my own, only to nearly topple over.
Thankfully, Paxon glided up behind me and caught me, his arm a steel band around my waist.
