Page 23 of Mink Hijinks
“Okay, who’s ready for snowball fights?” my brother Ralph calls, tugging on my sleeve. “Join us! We want to see if you can dodge better than us.”
“Sure thing!” I laugh and squeeze Pax’s hand. “Come with us?”
“Of course. Still need to work out some of those riding kinks.” He presses a quick kiss to my nose.
“You said kinks.” I wink before chasing my siblings and nibblings and everyone outside. Pax laughs behind me.
Once I’m out the door, I strip and shift to my mink form. I love the feel of snow beneath my paws, I join the fray, darting through the chaos.
I glance back at Pax, who watches from the porch, wrapped in a blanket mom found.
“You coming out?” Leon calls out.
“In a bit!” Pax says. “I want to watch first. Gotta size up the players,” he replies, his eyes bright with excitement.
The kids squeal as a few of the older ones throw snowballs, and I can’t help but smile, feeling alive in the moment. I burrow into the snow and pop up over and over. It’s one of my favorite things to do as a mink.
Soon Pax joins us, throwing snowball after snowball at everyone. He’s gentle, no doubt not wanting to hurt anyone.
After a while, we all return inside, breathless and covered with snow. Pax is waiting for me with a soft smile and a steaming mug of hot coco.
“Did you have fun?” he asks, amusement in his voice.
“Definitely. Did you,” I ask, shaking off the chill.
“So much,” he says, stealing a drink of my hot chocolate.
Once everyone is dry and clothed again, we gather around the dining table, laden with steaming platters of holiday food. My father pats Pax on the back, grinning. “You’re brave to come into all of this so suddenly. Our family can be a little loud, but it’s all love.”
Pax nods, his voice soft but sincere. “Thank you for welcoming me. I was pretty afraid, but Aaron assured me it’d be good. And I’ve had the best time so far.”
I give him a side hug and kiss the top of his head. He melts into me.
As the night deepens, the house buzzes with music and laughter after we open presents. Pax and I share a blanket near the hearth, his face glowing from the festive lights.
“Feeling okay?” I whisper, leaning closer.
“Yes, it’s just... more than I expected,” he replies, looking around. “But I feel safe here, Aaron. I feel like I belong.”
His admission hits me straight in the chest. “You belong here. I promise.”
PAX
Christmas Eve was a lot, and I loved every minute. Aaron brought me back to his house, and we passed out on the couch, not even making it to his bedroom. Sunlight streams through what appears to be an honest to goodness stained glass window. The light plays on the surfaces of the room and I can’t help but take in the riot of colors and textures. The living room is all plush and bright right down to a hot pink couch, lime green fuzzy carpet and bright orange ceiling. He told me his house was decorated maximalist style, but I hadn’t anticipated everything being so… Aaron. There’s a stack of three giant gummy bear statues in the corner and puffy stars dangling from the ceiling.
“So, what do you think?” Aaron asks as he watches me take in his house.
“I love it.” I turn to him and kiss his nose. “It’s magical here.”
“It really is. I wanted it to feel like a wonderland, and it is.” Aaron looks around as if he’s just seeing it for the first time. His hand moves as if he’s sketching. He pushes to his feet, then disappears somewhere. “You inspire me, Pax.” He plops back down on the couch and starts sketching. What unfolds is the cutest cat I’ve ever seen.
“How did you know I liked cats?”
“You talked about them at length in the car. You wish you had one, but didn’t feel right leaving it home alone while you worked.”
“You’re a really good listener.” I lean back into the couch and stare at the ceiling, taking in the subtle pattern.
“We don’t really do anything on Christmas day, so we have the time to ourselves. Unless you want to go back over and play with the kiddos.” Aaron seems to plead with me, begging for me to agree to that.
