Chapter 74

An hour later, Lance was chanting that reminder to himself as they walked for what seemed like hours in the cold and snow, checking out row after row of trees spread across the farm. His feet were freezing, his cheeks were wind-chapped, and his eyelashes were covered in snowflakes, but the smile on Wade’s face warmed his soul. 17

Wade

Back at the hotel, they ordered dinner in and spent the rest of the day talking and making plans. By the time they climbed into bed, they had the start of a proposal to share with the family. Wade felt like a child at Christmas as they debated the pros and cons of opening the tree farm. He drew a rudimentary map of the Dwyer Ranch and they spent some time discussing the possible layout.

“I obviously don’t know much about the process about growing trees, and the layout like that,” Lance said, gesturing to the sketch laying on Wade’s pillow, “but I loved the store idea. I felt like the outside was too boring. It needed some ‘punching up,’ if that’s the right phrase? I don’t mean we make it look like one of those houses at Christmas decorated with every outdoor garage sale holiday item they could find.”

Wade laughed. “God, I hope not.”

“No. Just something classic. Like some of those old-fashioned Victorian style lampposts. And some wreathes made from fresh greenery. For starters.”

Wade could actually picture it. “Kind Christmas Carol-ish?”

Lance’s eyes widened and he jumped onto his knees like a kid. “Exactly like that!”

Wade pulled him down to lay next to him, moving the map to the nightstand. “You’re getting just as excited about this as I am.”

Lance kissed his cheek before tucking his head under Wade’s chin. “Until you, this wasn’t something I’d ever thought about, but yeah, the possibilities are exciting.”

Wade held him tighter and sighed. It wasn’t just the tree farm he was excited about. With Lance by his side, Wade’s whole life had become exciting.

They talked a while longer about the farm. They both liked the idea of using a barn as a main store to sell decorations and other holiday-related items. Lance pointed out the need to contract with someone to design and build it could be costly. Wade admitted the cost may be more than he bargained for, but knew there were financial options they could discuss with the family.

Once the lights were out, their talk turned to more intimate things, including the possibility of not using condoms. Wade was routinely tested and wasn’t surprised to find out that Lance was just as vigilant, but they both agreed to err on the side of caution and get tested again before they stopped using condoms.

When he settled down to sleep, he spooned Lance, his arm thrown around the man’s waist. Other than some sweet kisses, neither had pushed for more. And he was completely fine with that. This thing that was growing between them, the connection, was more than just sex. He’d never felt it before and wondered if this was what love was like for everyone? Like the connection transcended the physical and he was excited to see what happened next.

Of course, when he woke up hard, his cock pressed against Lance’s firm, round ass, he was definitely of a different mindset. Lance’s hair fell back, tickling Wade’s nose, and he brushed it aside, but not before taking a deep breath. The scent of Lance was a mixture of comfort and excitement yet again and he smiled at that. Another thing that he’d never experienced before with another man.

Lance stirred and stretched as he pushed against Wade before turning in his arms. “Hi,” he whispered.

Lance smiled. “Good morning.”

Just as Wade leaned down for a morning kiss, his phone buzzed on the nightstand.

“Better answer it,” Lance said before giving him a kiss on the cheek and rolling out of bed. “Could be your family.”

Our family, he silently corrected as he grabbed his phone. Casey’s name lit up on the screen. Something was wrong, otherwise Casey would have just texted.

“Casey? What’s going on?” He swung his legs off the bed, his heartrate ratcheting up.

“Our friend Milton let the horses out in the middle of the night!”

Wade rubbed his hand over his face. “What the hell? All of them?”

“Yep. Someone opened the barn door, then went in and opened every stall! I know it was Milton.”

Of course it was Milton. Had to be. Or at least one or two of his lackeys. Milton was too old to pull this off himself.

Wade’s heart slammed against his chest. “Stardust? Oh, God!”

“No, we’ve spent the morning rounding them up…on Milton’s land. They all seem okay, thank God. Sheriff talked to him, but he’s playing dumb. Shit, Wade! How does this man keep pulling this crap? I can’t wait for the cameras to be installed.”

“Yeah, this week.”

Lance walked out of the bathroom and furrowed his brow.