“Oh.” Fitz nodded and dropped his gaze to his gloved hands. He pasted a smile on his face. “You should see what he needs.”

  Jack hated how the delight and joy faded from Fitz’s expression. “I’ll just be a minute,” Jack promised. He noticed some of the guys had started making their way to the stall renting ice skates. “Why don’t you get in line for ice skates?”

  “Okay.” Fitz kissed Jack’s cheek and joined the others, Duchess on his heels. Leo said something to Fitz that made him smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Obviously, he didn’t expect Jack to return, especially when he asked for only one pair of skates. With a heavy sigh, Jack answered his phone.

  “Hey, Maury. What’s up?”

  “I’m so sorry to bug you on your vacation, but we have a problem.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  It had been nice while it lasted.

  “I’m sorry,” Laz said quietly as he wrapped an arm around Fitz and squeezed, offering him comfort as he had countless times. His best friend was always there for him, often including him in his plans when Jack was away for several days or when something had come up and Jack had to cancel their plans.

  Fitz shrugged and tried to smile, even if his heart hurt. He understood, he did, and he should have known better than to get his hopes up. It wasn’t Jack’s fault. He’d been working in cybersecurity long before he’d met Fitz.

  Even if Jack planned on making changes, it wouldn’t happen overnight. What Jack did was important. His clients and his department needed him. Some jobs required a level of security clearance only Jack had access to. Four Kings Security didn’t just offer security to individuals and small businesses but to giant multi-million and multi-billion-dollar corporations.

  “We can watch Duchess for you while you ice skate,” Leo offered. “We’re doggy-sitting.”

  “You don’t want to skate?” Fitz asked Leo.

  Leo’s eyes went wide. “Me? On razor-sharp metal blades? No thanks. I’d rather play with Duchess, Chip, Cookie, and Cocoa in the snow. That way, if I fall, I’ll hit something soft.” He ran off with the dogs, the pom-pom dangling off his hat bouncing.

  “Where’s he getting all those hats?” Fitz asked King.

  King shrugged. “I don’t know. He didn’t bring them with him. Is there a pom-pom hat store on the main street? He has a new one on every time we leave the house.”

  “Maybe it’s Santa,” Fitz teased.

  King chuckled. “I’m starting to wonder if the mayor really is Santa. No one has seen him. Except Leo, but he still won’t tell me what he’s been up to.” Leo waved excitedly at King with both mittened hands. “Excuse me. He’s discovered the cookie stall, and by his excitement, I’m guessing there’s something of the fish-shaped variety.” He walked off, and Fitz couldn’t help his sigh. Those two were so darn sweet.

  Fitz sat on the bench on the edge of the ice rink and tightened the laces on his pristine white skates when a pair of black skates skidded to a halt in front of him. He lifted his gaze, eyes wide.

  Jack held out a hand, a big smile on his handsome face. “Ready to get your skate on?”

  “But…I thought you had to work.”

  “I’d rather go ice skating with you.”

  Fitz’s heart did a flip, and he stood, happiness bubbling up inside him. “Are you sure?”

  “I have a great team, and Maury is more than capable of taking care of things. He was excited when I told him we had a lot of good things to talk about when I got back, and he was in charge until I return to the office. Right now, I’m on vacation with my beautiful boyfriend.”

  Forgetting they were on skates, Fitz threw himself at Jack, who caught him but lost his balance. Fitz yelped as the two of them crashed onto the ice, Fitz landing Jack.

  “Ouch.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Fitz said through a gasp. “Are you okay? Did you hit your head?”

  Jack blinked up at him and started laughing, the sound filling Fitz with so much happiness. How was it possible to love someone this much? He thought he’d known what love was, then Jack had come along. Even with Jack away working long hours, Fitz never questioned whether Jack loved him.

  “You two are dorks,” Joker said as he skated by with Gio, who shook his head, amused.

  Carefully, Fitz got himself to his feet, and Jack did the same. Scanning the area, Fitz spotted the Four Kings pups with King, Leo, Lucky, and Mason over by the Jingle Paws market stall. The four dogs sat in a row before Leo, tails wagging as they waited expectantly. Leo held his palm out, and all three sat back on their haunches, lifted, and waved their front paws. With a laugh, Leo gave each of them a treat.

  “He spoils them rotten,” Fitz said, smiling as he took Jack’s hands.

  “And you’re going to ask him not to?” Jack asked, knowing perfectly well Fitz would do no such thing. “Yeah, I didn’t think so.”

  They’d been ice skating during the holidays several years ago but skating in a faux ice rink in Florida was a far cry from a snowy ice rink in the mountains. For one, it was freezing, but Fitz was managing with the lights, the portable heaters, his many layers of water-repellent clothing, and Jack to keep him warm. His propensity for always feeling cold had him overly cautious about his exposure to the frosty air for long periods. He’d also taken enough Vitamin C to turn his blood into orange juice.

  “There’s a reason I moved to Florida and not the Arctic,” Colton grumbled, waving his arms as he attempted to keep his balance. He was still getting the hang of ice skating, but Ace was with him every cautious step of the way. As new puppy parents, they wouldn’t be staying out long. The two were in for some sleepless nights.

  It was cute seeing a half-asleep Ace taking Cocoa outside to potty. Fitz had gone down to the kitchen in the middle of the night for some water, and Ace had been coming in from the cold with Cocoa, his hair sticking up all over, boots and coat on haphazardly over his pajamas. He’d grunted a greeting as he lumbered by.

  Laz and Red didn’t stay on the ice long. Once it got crowded, Laz pulled Red along, knowing his boyfriend was uncomfortable. They huddled on one of the many benches scattered around the market square, talking, and drinking hot chocolate.

  As Fitz and Jack skated around the large ice rink, their family scattered about, having fun and enjoying one another’s company, Fitz had never been happier. The thought of spending more time with Jack, of making even more memories together, filled Fitz with so much joy.

  When Fitz’s cheeks started to go numb from the winter chill nipping at his face, they left the ice and handed in their skates. Fitz wrapped his arm around Jack’s and led him to the market stalls, soaking in the warmth from the heaters. That and he had to browse. Not that Jack minded. He was happy walking with Fitz and drinking his hot cider while Fitz sipped his hot cocoa. They spotted Clara, and Fitz hurried over to her.

  “It all turned out so magical,” Fitz said in awe of how wonderful everything looked.

  “It’s a dream,” Clara said. “Christopher is over the moon.”

  “Where is your husband?” Jack asked. “None of us have run into him.”

  Which was impressive considering the size of Winterhaven. How had they all missed seeing him since their arrival? Well, all of them except Leo, who was being very hush-hush about it.

  “He’s busy getting everything ready for the big day.”

  Fitz and Jack exchanged glances. “Big day?” Fitz asked.

  Clara blinked, her eyes going wide. She waved a hand and laughed. “You know, Christmas Day. Lots to celebrate here in Winterhaven. Speaking of celebration.” She handed Fitz a flyer. “Tomorrow, we’re kicking off Winterhaven’s Festival of Fun with our big cookie-baking contest. There will be gingerbread house decorating and cookie decorating afterward.”

  “Have you managed to get back any of the guests who’d canceled?” Jack asked.

  Clara sighed. “Only a few, but I suppose that’s to be expected considering how close it is to Christmas. They most likely made other plans. But we’ll get some folks from the neighboring towns, so we can’t complain. Thank you both again. We would never have been able to do all this without the help of you and your family. See you tomorrow?”

  “You bet,” Fitz promised.

  Clara gave out more flyers, and Fitz turned to Jack. “I need to find Gio. Oh, and Red. He has to enter the cookie-baking contest.”

  Jack chuckled. “I think he’d enjoy that. And we would enjoy eating the entries.”

  They strolled through the market square, and Fitz made a mental note of everything he wanted to buy, including a few things for Jack. Fitz never bought Jack anything techy. It was like buying a chef a knife when you had no clue how to cook. In a way, it made shopping for Jack easier and less stressful for Fitz. He spotted Gio and Joker by one of the stalls near the end of the row.

  Fitz gasped, throwing out a hand to stop Jack. “Did you see that?”

  “See what?”

  “When Gio turned to give Cookie a treat, Joker glanced at the stall next to the one they’re in front of.”

  The silence had Fitz turning to face Jack. Honestly, how could his boyfriend have no clue? Fitz could barely contain himself. “Babe, it’s a jewelry stall.”

  Jack’s brows furrowed together. “Um, okay?”

  “A men’s jewelry stall.”

  Jack shrugged. “Maybe he’s thinking of getting Gio jewelry for Christmas.” He seemed puzzled by this. “Weird. Sacha’s not the jewelry type.”

  “Maybe he’s the buying-his-boyfriend-an-engagement-ring type?”

  “No way.” Jack shook his head. “If Sacha’s brain had gone anywhere in the vicinity of that thought, he’d have told me. He’d also be freaking the fuck out.”

  “You mean like that?” Fitz asked, pointing to Joker off in the distance, running.

  “He’s just chasing Chip,” Jack replied. “Chip probably got something in his mouth he shouldn’t because that’s life with a dog.”

  “True. Except your boy is now outrunning his dog.”

  “Oh shit.” Jack kissed Fitz’s cheek. “I’ll be back!” He darted off, and Fitz called out after him.

  “Good luck!” His boyfriend was going to need it. Joker was fast. Ooh, this gave Fitz the perfect opportunity to talk to Gio. He went to the stall where Gio had bought a little pink bag of treats from Rin-Tin-Tinsel. Ugh, Fitz couldn’t with these adorable stalls.

  “Perfect timing,” Gio said, holding out the pink bag with candy cane-striped bows. “For your princess. They’re amazing. Cookie and Chip went wild over them. Organic, home-baked dog treats.”

  “Aw, thank you. She’s going to love them.” Fitz placed the bag in his coat pocket. “Where did Joker go?”

  “He said Chip had something in his mouth.” Gio chuckled. “It’s the most said phrase in our house. ‘What are you eating?’ Don’t know who’s worse, Chip or Cookie.” He cocked his head, and both he and Fitz replied at the same time.

  “Chip.”

  Fitz laughed. He could attest to that. However, it was more likely that Joker took off and Chip followed, thinking they were playing, rather than Joker taking off after Chip.

  “I wanted to talk to you about something.” Fitz started walking, and Gio joined him. “Winterhaven finally has everything it needs for a successful holiday season. Except for guests.”

  “I was thinking that, too. It won’t do the town much good to look beautiful if we’re the only ones here to see it.”

  “Clara mentioned some people coming in from the neighboring towns and a few of the guests who’d canceled rebooked, but that’s not enough to save Winterhaven’s holiday season. I was wondering if maybe there was something you could do?”

  Gio seemed to think about it. His face lit up. “Why didn’t I think of that sooner? I have the perfect solution!”

  “You do? That was fast.” Fitz winked at him. “That’s why you’re the brains of the operation.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Gio said with a laugh. “But thank you. First, I need to speak to Clara and find out how much lodging is available, then make a few calls. It’ll be perfect.” He looked so excited. Glancing around, there was no sign of Joker, Jack, or Chip. “I don’t see Sacha. I’ll text him and let him know I’m looking for Clara.”

  “Keep me posted, and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.” Fitz smiled as Gio hurried off to do what he did best. Help people. Fitz had no doubt Gio had the perfect solution, a way to help Winterhaven and, most likely, whoever ended up being a guest.

  Now, to find his princess. He texted Leo, who said that Duchess was with Red and Laz building a snowman, or rather snow dog. With a laugh, Fitz headed for the clearing just behind the market square. Fewer people were there, but a number of families with children were spread out, building snowmen or making snow angels.

  When Duchess saw him, she barked and bounded over to him, her tail wagging excitedly, her black floof covered in snow like she’d been digging or rolling around. He gave her lots of scritches before she bounded off again to play. Ace and Colton appeared with Chip, Cookie, and Cocoa on their heels.

  “We’re heading back and taking the furry beasts with us,” Ace said. “Want us to take her royal fluffness?”

  Fitz chuckled. “Thanks, that would be great.” He scanned the market square. “I’m guessing you saw Joker and Jack?”

  “Jack sent Chip to us,” Colton said. “He ran off, saying something about helping Joker?” He shrugged. “Who knows with those two? See you later.” They left with the dogs, and Fitz joined Red and Laz. He hoped Joker was okay. Considering he’d been the most relationship averse from all of them, worried Fitz. Yes, Joker adored Gio, but who knew what went on in that mercurial brain of his?

  “Hey, guys. Whatcha making?” Fitz asked.

  “A snow poodle,” Laz replied with a laugh. “Maybe now we can finish it since the model isn’t here to bite the tail off her likeness. For the third time.”

  Fitz snorted. “My girl is very fussy about her appearance.”

  “Don’t I know it,” Laz replied, shaking his head. “Remember when she kept pulling the bow off her head, and it was because she’d wanted you to put the tiara on her instead?”

  Fitz laughed at the memory. His girl had definite opinions about fashion. He removed the flyer Clara had given him from his coat pocket and showed it to Red. “Did you hear about the cookie-baking contest tomorrow?”

  Red smiled wide. “You bet! Sounds like a lot of fun. I have a couple of family recipes I can’t wait to try out.”

  “Red’s going to make his dad’s famous gingerbread cookies. And….” He batted his lashes at Red, making his boyfriend chuckle.

  “And Laz’s favorite raspberry and almond shortbread thumbprints.”

  Just the sound of them made Fitz’s mouth water. “I need those in my life. Just make sure you hide some because if you blink, they’ll all be in Ace’s stomach. Cookie thief.”

  Laz seemed to notice Jack wasn’t with Fitz. “Did Jack have to work?”

  As he shook his head, Fitz picked up some snow and started adding to their tailless snow poodle. “Jack put Maury in charge while he’s gone.”

  “Really?” Red straightened. He was a big guy, but in his thick winter coat, scarf, and hat, he looked even bigger, towering over them like the gentle giant he was. “Jack passed work on to someone else? So it’s true? Jack’s going to work fewer hours?”

  “That’s what he said.” Fitz’s cell phone buzzed a heartbeat later, and he removed it from his pocket. He gaped at the text. “What the hell? How does he know!” He showed Laz and Red his text from Ace. It said, “Ha! That’s what he said.”

  Laz shook his head, his eyes wide. “Like Leo says, he defies science.”

  “One of these days, I’m going to find out how he does it,” Fitz grumbled. “Or better yet, I’m going to get the jump on Ace for a change.”

  “That way lies madness,” Red warned.

  Red wasn’t wrong.

  “When you do, I need to be there for it,” Laz said.

  Fitz wasn’t the only one Ace jumped out at and scared the crap out of. He removed the ribbon from the pink treat bag Gio had bought Duchess and fashioned it into a bow for their snow poodle, his thoughts on Joker. Whatever was going on, Fitz hoped Jack could help.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  “Would you stop!”

  Jack forgot how hard it was to run in the snow. How the hell did his best friend do it? It seemed like no matter how hard Jack tried, he couldn’t catch up. His face was all but numb from the icy chill. It was a good thing he had the thick knitted scarf Fitz had bought him. How was Joker so fast? Then again, when Sacha Wilder was motivated, nothing could stop him.

  “You’re not going to outrun your thoughts if that’s what you’re trying to do,” Jack shouted. Where the hell were they? He paused long enough to look around. Okay, they hadn’t gone too far. The market stalls were still visible.

  Joker stopped.

  Thank you.

  Jack tried to catch his breath from behind his scarf, his hot breath puffing against the soft woven fabric. As he caught up, he shook his head. “Did we have to do this?”

  “I can’t get married.” Joker turned to face Jack and grabbed his shoulders. “Gio knows too many people. Do you realize how big the wedding would be? I can’t pick out napkins or colors like Drake’s Neck. You know how I know what the fuck color that is or that it’s named after a particular blue found on the neck of a male duck? Ace! Because that’s the kind of crazy shit he had to deal with when planning his wedding. I can’t be asked to research duck colors, Jack!”

  “First of all, no one says you have to get married. Second, even if you two decide to get married, the size of the wedding is up to you both. Thirdly, Gio is not Colton. He would never ask you to research duck colors, so breathe.”