“Payback for that cracked rib he gave me in school.”
The music started, “Jingle Bells” this time, and they started circling the chairs.
“Move your feet, Fin! You’re a slug,” Ted heckled him. “I thought you had to be fit in your job.”
Fin bared his teeth.
“Be ready, Maggie,” Nash called as they passed. “You win this, ranger boy!”
“Maybe it’s just about having fun,” she yelled back.
“It’s about winning, Tigger. Now shut up and concentrate!”
She followed him as they circled. Joe passed him, attempted a hip bounce. Fin blocked the move with an elbow that had Joe gasping for air.
When the music stopped, he bodily moved someone out of a seat and sat. Maggie lunged at him, he caught her, and the chair tipped, throwing them backward. He ended with his legs in the air, but still in the chair. Around them, the others jostled for the last chairs. Shrieks and roars filled the air.
He sucked in a deep breath to fill his abused lungs. Maggs braced her hands on his shoulders and did the same as she tried to push herself upright but ended up seated on his stomach.
Her hair was a wild red cloud around her face, cheeks flushed, eyes bright with humor, and suddenly everything fell into place for him.
“I love you.” The words were there so he said them… needed to say them.
“What?” Her mouth fell open.
His hands cupped cold cheeks as Mayor Gripper called for order. “I love you, Maggie Winter. I’m crazy about you.”
She stared at him like he had a large triple X on his forehead.
“Say something.” One hand slid around her neck, tugging her closer until their faces were inches apart. “Please say something.”
“I love you back.” The words were whispered.
“Really?”
“Really.”
“I am so sorry that I behaved as I did that day. I was angry, but I could have handled it better. Especially considering I’ve pushed and harangued you since you returned, sweetheart.”
“That’s a fancy word for annoyed.” She smiled at him.
“I’m good with big words. I’ve got a whole heap more that I use to describe other things too.” He waggled his brows.
“Looking forward to hearing those, but I think now we need to probably get upright, Fin.”
“I like this position. You sitting on me, me looking up at your pretty face.”
“With the entire town of Ryker Falls watching on?”
“Are they? I can’t see anyone but you.”
“Nice answer.”
He lifted her off him reluctantly and managed to get out of the chair. Mayhem was the only word for what was happening around them.
“It never stated they had to be sitting upright on a chair!” Jack and Nash were eyeballing Mary Howard.
“The rules state to be one of the three, you must be sitting in a chair!” Mary Howard’s chins wobbled as she glared at them.
