Page 39 of Mr. Winter
He grabs the crown from the table and puts it on. “There, now let’s go.”
Women still look at him as he passes. They must be shocked to find he’s not the hideous beast they assumed he’d be. He stops once we’re outside. There is a table with different syrups on it and empty cups.
“First things first, one of the Christmas memories you wanted. My grandfather had done every Christmas tradition he knew with me—and there were a lot—so he decided to make up his own.” He fills the cups with shaved ice. “Winters’ family snow cones. You can make your own combination, but there is a secret recipe that can only be shared with family.” He moves behind me and whispers in my ear. “Ready to learn?”
“Sure. One problem, you said 'family.'”
Jack snaps his fingers. “Damn, you’re right. My parents should be here by now, let’s go find them and see about fixing that.”
He grabs my hand and leads me further outside to a part I haven’t been to before. Jack is moving so fast that my heel comes off. I stop to fix it but find that he’s disappeared. Confused, I opt to follow the direction it looks like he was headed.
“Espen?” I call out his real name since he’s not publicly known as Jack.
He doesn’t answer. He was serious about finding his mom. Trusting my sense of direction, I make a right and run right into Noah Voss.
“Dad! You and Mom made it!”
He pulls me in a tight hug. “Yes, baby girl. We told you we’d be here for the party. The damn weather delayed us, but that’s behind us now.”
“Why are you outside?” I ask. There is still no sign of Jack.
“We arrived with Espen’s parents, and Delilah was telling us about this beautiful winter garden we needed to see. I checked my phone andpoofthey were gone.”
“Must be a family trait. Slippery suckers.”
My dad chortles then tucks my hand in the crook of his arm. “I think I know the way. Let’s catch up en route. You and Espen, huh? I heard you were moving into the mansion. Do you love him, sweetpea?”
I nod, happy that I don’t even have to consider his question. “More than I ever thought was possible.”
“I’m happy you two figured it out. The Winters’ are a wonderful family. Fun fact, I named you after Espen’s grandparents.”
I stop to stare at my dad for a second. I’ve never heard this before now.
“You did?”
“Yes. They saved my life—long story. You wouldn’t be here without them. That’s why I named you Arden, a combination of Arlinda and Denholm."
“Holy crap!”
My dad chuckles and continues to walk. “Holy crap is right. Now you’re in love with their grandson. Serendipity, you think? I can’t wait to hear what your mother thinks about this.”
I’m still stunned as he guides me through the maze to where this spectacular garden seems to be hidden. White lights illuminate the path. It really is beautiful at night. I cannot wait to see this garden. My dad tells me of their recent adventures abroad, and we’re laughing until we hit the clearing.
Jack stands there talking to Alperen while my mother chats with his mom. Kimberly and Deacon are acting like they're the only ones outside. Mack looks happy since he ditched his date and is talking to his parents. It’s like a private party I wasn’t invited to. The garden is beautiful. I didn’t know some plants could survive winter, but it isn’t my area of expertise, and this is a magical family.
I hear rustling behind us and look over my shoulder to see Karessa Hale followed by her husband Oran. Now, I’m really confused. Founder’s Island isn’t far, but they don’t usually show up for the hell of it. She does, however, have one skill set.
My dad kisses my temple, and I turn to see Jack in front of me. “So, I checked with my mom about the recipe, and I was right the first time. It is for family only.” He grabs my hands. “So, I decided we should fix it.”
I give him big eyes and blink a few times. Jack looks to his right where Mr. Fairhope is standing. The group moves in closer, standing around us. Mr. Fairhope looks around and addresses the group.
“We’re all here today to celebrate the relationship of Arden and Espen and to be witnesses and supporters of the commitment they share with one another. Together, we’re a group of the most important people in their lives, and we’re here to publicly recognize the love they share today.”
“Espen?” I whisper.
“Shhh. Don’t interrupt our wedding,” he whispers back.
“Holy shit.”
