Page 33 of A Winter Admire
“Happy Solstice, Odara,” Edwin said.
“Happy Solstice! It’s such a treat to see you enjoying the festivities, Sinoe!” She clapped her hands together. “And just look at the two of you. What a wonderful sight.” She reached out and grabbed Sinoe’s hand, clutching it. “Sinoe, will you keep Edwin warm this winter? He is always so alone in his cabin.”
Edwin ducked his head.
“I hope to keep him warm this winter,” Sinoe said softly. “And for many winters, if he will have me.” His gaze slid to Edwin’s. He smiled cautiously.
Edwin’s throat tightened.
“Wonderful. Just wonderful. Well, I’ll leave you two to enjoy the festivities.” She began to walk off. She paused. “Make sure you try the hot chocolate, Sinoe. At the rate my grandchildren are drinking it, you’ll be lucky if it doesn’t run out.”
Edwin cleared his throat. “Well, we better do what she says.”
They walked towards the stand, Sinoe’s hand in his. They bought their hot chocolate and watched people ice skating on the frozen lake. Sinoe took a sip and moaned. Desire pooled in Edwin’s belly.
“This is amazing,” Sinoe said. “I’ve never had anything like it.”
“Well, sadly you’ll have to wait until next Winter Solstice to have it again.” Edwin took a sip, savouring the hot, sweet liquid. But still, his mind was distracted. “Did you mean it?”
“Mean what?”
“What you said to Odara, about wanting to be with me for many winters.” He swallowed. “It’s fine if you don’t. If you just said it on an impulse. You don’t have to—”
“Edwin,” Sinoe said. He cupped Edwin’s cheek. “I want to spend next Winter Solstice with you. And every Winter Solstice after that.”
The bands around Edwin’s chest loosened.
“But I’m greedy,” Sinoe said. “I want far more than that. In the spring, I want to take you to the valley and show you the work I do as a healer. Then I want to introduce you to everyone and tell them you’re mine. In the summer, I want to hike with you to Rorrin’s Peaks and show you plants you’ve never seen before. And in the autumn, I want to take you into the forest and make love to you on piles of fallen leaves of yellow and gold.”
“Oh,” Edwin said, feeling light-headed.
“And then, each night no matter the time of year, I want to return to your cabin and sit with you and pat your one-eyed rabbit until it’s time to sleep. I want to curl up with you in your bed, keeping you warm. And each morning, I want to wake you with kisses and caresses until you come apart in my arms.”
Sinoe licked his lips. He took a deep breath. “But only if that’s what you want. I love you, Edwin.”
With a start, Edwin realised Sinoe was nervous. It had never occurred to Edwin that Sinoe might fear rejection from him. He’d never thought Sinoe could care for him as much as he did for Sinoe.
“I want,” he blurted. “I want all of that. I love you, Sinoe. And I want to spend all the seasons in all the years of my life with you.”
Sinoe’s smile was breathtaking, and Edwin was certain it mirrored his own. Sinoe leaned forward, right there in the middle of the village, and captured his lips in a fierce kiss. A kiss that tasted of hot chocolate and Sinoe. A kiss that promised many more Solstices to come.
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