Page 62 of Icebreaker

Trying to show that an inflatable wall was no match for me, I scrambled up the first box, but my foot slipped, and I tumbled back down in a jumble of limbs, laughing my head off.

Axel stared down at me. "Are you okay?"

I giggled and grabbed his chin for a quick kiss. "I don't know when I've been better. Help me up. We can still win this."

We led the way, ahead of our teammates, for the rest of the course. Sergei drew close, but one of his pointy elf boots caught in a bow, and he tumbled backward, rolling head over heels against the bouncy presents. I looked down to ensure he was okay and saw him lying on his back, laughing loudly.

As Axel and I neared the finish line, kids screamed their support. Decked out in red and green Lumberjacks jerseys, they waved handmade signs. When I was close, I put on a burst of speed.

It wasn't enough. Axel's long legs and determination passed me at the last second. He crossed the line just before me, raising his arms in triumph.

I collapsed beside him on the inflated surface. "Not bad for an old man," he declared. I gasped to catch my breath and smiled at him.

He climbed to his feet and pulled me up with him. When he pulled me close for a sweaty, enthusiastic kiss, the crowd went wild. They cheered, and I heard more than a few "Awws."

Axel tugged on his jersey to straighten it. "I guess the old man's still got it. I know I've got you."

I held on tight with my heart so full of love I thought it might explode. "You have me forever…and even after that."

Axel and I bowed and waved to the cheering crowd. My cheeks were sore from smiling so much. It was a good pain, triggered by spontaneous expressions of happiness and joy.

A few seconds later, Axel was signing autographs. He had a sparkle of triumph in his eyes and was still catching his breath. Despite the exertion, he looked like he was on top of the world, maybe standing at the peak of Mt. Hood instead of in his sock feet on the edge of an inflatable obstacle course.

When everyone had finished the race, we made space for more guys and accepted high-fives and congratulations from both adults and kids. The entire atmosphere buzzed with a contagious holiday spirit.

As we returned to the starting line to grab our shoes, Axel turned to face me. "Thank you for talking me into this. You always believe in me…even when I find it hard to believe in myself.

I reached out and held my hands against his cheeks. "You never have to thank me for helping you out. It's the easiest thing in the world for me."

Coach caught up to us before we could get too comfortable standing around. "Axel, Quinn, how about taking a round serving cocoa? I'm sure plenty of fans would like to meet you up close and personal."

I turned to Axel. "You up for it?"

"Why not? I think it sounds fun."

The sweet aroma of cocoa and muddling spices for apple cider surrounded us as we stood behind the refreshment stand. We ladled out steaming cups to eager fans. The adults drifted toward the cider, while the rich, creamy cocoa was a big hit with the kids.

Axel handed a steaming cup to a little girl wearing a bright red coat. "Here you go, and be careful, it's hot."

She took the cup and looked up at him with wide eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Karlsson."

He replied in a warm and friendly voice, "You're welcome. Enjoy. Chocolate is always a good thing."

I handed another cup to a young boy bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Have some hot cocoa. Are you having fun here today?"

He nodded his head vigorously. "This is the best day ever! I decided I would play hockey like you when I grew up, and I got to meet Santa. Now, I get to see real hockey players up close. Wow!"

I chuckled and glanced at Axel. He was already engaged in a conversation with another young boy. "What's been your favorite part of the day so far?"

The boy didn't hesitate. "The obstacle course! I watched you and Quinn racing. Man, you were so fast."

Axel grinned. "Yeah, it was fun." He reached out and ruffled the boy's hair. "Keep having a great time today."

As the boy ran off to rejoin his friends, an older couple approached. "Two hot cocoas, please," said the man.

"Coming right up." Axel ladled the steaming chocolate into cups. "Are you enjoying the event?"

The woman took one of the cups. "It's wonderful. The Lumberjacks are such a wonderful addition to the community. You did a great job with the decorations and the activities."

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