Page 51 of Cold Winter Nights

He glanced towards Stone and saw him staring back at him with so much love and confidence that there were only three words that came to mind, wanting to keep that expression on Stone’s face for the rest of their days.

“I’d be honored.” He nodded and accepted the folder. “I’ll read this over and get it back to you by next week.”

“A toast.” The mayor stood with her cup of her tea. “I’m sure in Manhattan they toast with a much classier drink, but this is what we prefer in our little neck of the woods.”

Royal smiled. “It’s what I prefer as well, Madam Mayor.”

Royal

Royal couldn’t believe it’d only been a year since he’d wandered into Windeville as he stood on the balcony of the new banquet room at the Cedar Pines Bed and Breakfast. It was one of the many renovations Mrs. Pearl had made to accommodate the influx of tourists.

The sharp cold nipped at Royal’s cheeks as he marveled at the brilliance of the first annual New Year’s festival.

The streets were dusted with snow and lined with twinkling lights that made everything in the old town appear shiny and new. Royal glanced up at the towering mountains, the scent of pine and fresh fallen snow filling his lungs never got old.

The town square had been transformed into a winter wonderland with a dash of enchantment. The massive Christmas tree that was a staple during the holidays was now adorned with white and gold ornaments and hundreds of dancing lights. A brand-new archway Stone and his crew had built stretched from one side of the street to the other and was decorated with gold garlands, evergreen boughs and mistletoe.

A string quartet played in front of the fountain, near the frozen lake that was now an ice rink, all ringing with the sounds of singing and laughter that made the town come to life.

There was a town dinner planned in a few minutes, but Royal’s stomach was already growling. He wondered if he hadtime to jet over to Mr. MacElroy’s stand for some of his honey-roasted pecans.

Royal waved at the many friends who glanced up at him. Some were warming themselves around the fire pits scattered about the square, others were moving through the market wearing New Years top hats and blowing noise makers.

The life Royal thought was only real in cheesy Hallmark movies was one he was actually living. A rush of gratitude filled his heart as strong arms wrapped around him from behind and the welcome tickle of a soft beard grazed his neck.

“Hey,” Stone murmured, breaking into his thoughts. “What are you doing out here besides freezing?”

“I’m not freezing anymore.” Royal nestled closer into Stone’s heat.

“You’ve been so quiet.” Stone kissed his throat.

“I’m just thinking…”

“About…”

“About how much has changed in me. A year ago I was…”

Royal struggled to find the words. How could he explain his transformation from a greedy corporate android, to who he was in Stone’s arms.

“I didn’t know what the hell I was doing when I came here, or what I wanted. But now, standing here, looking out at the place that saved my life…my home. I just can’t believe it.”

Stone squeezed him tighter, his solid presence grounding him like always. The sounds of the festival faded as he turned and rested his cheek on Stone’s chest and listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat through his thick sweater.

“This town didn’t save you, Royal. You were already a gorgeous, strong, brilliant man, but you were trapped in a place that didn’t deserve you.” Stone kissed his forehead. “You came just in time and savedus, baby…not the other way around.”

Royal was speechless.

“Look out there.”

He turned and watched the children, the town laughing and celebrating with the hundreds of tourists who’d come to enjoy one of the several festivals they’d have this year.

“A year ago after the winter storm, all of us felt like there was no coming back from that disaster, we were walking around hopeless, with our heads down in defeat.”

Royal closed his eyes. Oh, he remembered all right.

“Andyouwere the only one with the strength to fight. You went back into the belly of the beast and you came out victorious. You helped rebuild Windeville, bigger and better than it was before. All of this, the festivals, the new businesses, you made it happen, baby.”

Royal glanced up and saw the pride in Stone’s eyes.

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