“I think I need some fresh air,” I say, stretching my arms above my head. “I’ve been cooped up inside all day.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Finn looks at me like I’ve suggested we swim naked in the snow. “It’s freezing out there. And we have this perfectly warm cabin with electricity and hot chocolate.”
I laugh. “Come on, just a quick walk. My legs are getting stiff from all this lounging.”
“Lounging is an art form that requires dedication and practice,” he protests, but he’s already sitting up, stretching. “Fine. A quick walk.”
Oxford perks up from his plush bed by the fireplace, his ears swiveling toward us.
“See? Even Oxford agrees we need some exercise.”
“Oxford is wearing a permanent fur coat,” Finn mutters, but he’s already heading for the stairs. “How far are we talking? Like, to the mailbox and back?”
“I was thinking we could walk over to Perfect Pines. I want to see how the last-minute tree rush is going.”
Finn groans dramatically. “So I’ll need four layers, then.”
After we change out of our PJs and Finn has his four layers, he pulls on an extra scarf. “The things I do for love.”
My heart skips at the word, even though I know he’s teasing.
“And… there’s a Christmas music concert in about an hour in town, you think the guys will be done by then?”
“Probably, it’s getting late. Now, more importantly, is this concert indoors or out?”
I laugh, giving him a quick peck on the mouth. “It’s in the town square.”
“OK, you can bribe me with kisses.”
Oxford is already at the door, looking impatient as I pull on my own winter gear.
“Alright, you fluffy dictator,” I tell him, wrapping his favorite scarf around his neck. “We’re going.”
The cold air is a refreshing slap, instantly clearing the cobwebs of indoor lethargy. Oxford trots ahead with regal purpose as we make our way toward Perfect Pines.
“I can’t feel my face,” Finn announces after approximately thirty seconds.
“You’re being dramatic,” I laugh, linking my arm through his. “It’s invigorating!”
“That’s what people say when they don’t want to admit something is terrible,” he grumbles, but he squeezes my arm affectionately.
“Honestly. It’s not actually terrible here,” Finn admits grudgingly, his nose and cheeks pink from the cold. “The scenery is quite picturesque.”
“What about your family and parents? Are they in the city?”
“I’m an only child, and yes, my moms and dads are staying put in the city this year, my first holiday without them.”
“Your moms and dads?” I ask, “Plurial?”
He laughs, “Yep, two moms, and two dads.”
“Oh my god, that explains so much!”
“Hey, are you saying I’m spoiled and used to getting my way? Because you’d be exactly right.”
I laugh and link my arm through his. “Well, I can’t wait to meet them. And thank you for coming with me.”
“As if I could resist your omega charm.”
