Page 80 of Wild Card

Bear chuckles. He’s right behind me with his hands on my hips. “We’ve got you, little one.”

I can’t see him, but I can see the fog that comes with his breath.

“You two are braver than I am,” I admit. “This lake could give way at any time.”

“The ice is inches thick at this time of year.” Rush skates backward as easily as walking. “Quit being dramatic and enjoy the ride.”

He winks, and my heart races just like it always does.

The naughty little smile that pulls at his mouth ensures he caught my feelings in the bond.

I lick my chapped lips as the twins glide me along the ice until it actually starts to be fun.

Kinda.

“We should have rented one of those old people walkers.” I laugh. “I’ve seen people use them when they’re just learning.”

“You don’t need a walker,” Bear growls, scooping me up and skating along like I weigh nothing. “You’ve got us.”

“Holy shit.” I grab onto his jacket for dear life.

“Show off.” Rush circles around us just far enough away that I don’t stress about a collision.

“Are you ever going to make your way over here?” Thorne calls out from the safety of dry land.

“Yeah, her nose and cheeks are red. It’s probably time we call this session.” Bear nods and skates us back toward the bench on the side of the lake.

Thorne made it seem like he was going to take a few pictures and head back inside.

I wrap my arm around Bear’s neck as he glides us over the ice. He’s ridiculously hot with the black beanie pulled low on his head.

We get close to the edge of the lake, and I start to wonder how I’ll manage to stumble to the bench.

Maybe Bear can hand me off to Thorne.

Between Rush and Bear, they’ve managed to keep me mostly upright.

I’d call this event a success.

I don’t want to ruin it with my clumsiness now.

“Look,” Bear says, nodding toward his twin.

I twist a little until I can see Rush.

He barrels toward us at full speed, but Bear isn’t worried, so I’m not either. It’s ridiculously hot watching Rush move so fluidly.

I gasp when he’s about five feet away. Instead of circling around us like I expect, he hits his knees on the ice, skidding to a stop only a foot in front of us.

“Goddamn, that hurts so much more without the pads.” Rush chuckles, holding out a ring box. “Hey, sweetheart, we know it’s taken a while, but we wanted to give you the chance to settle in. Wanna make this official in a church?”

I nod wildly, and Bear places me on my feet.

Rush rips off my glove, sliding the ring on my half-frozen finger.

It’s a heart-shaped solitaire, and I love it so much that I squeal.

My skates go different directions, and Rush drops the box to grab my hips at the same time Bear’s hands land on my shoulders.

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