Page 55 of Holiday Wishes and Tentacle Dreams

“What are you afraid of?” Doren asked.

“I told you,” Bard squeezed out through their clenched jaw, “I wasn’t watching the barista.”

Doren sighed, but Jake reached forward and touched Bard’s face. Doren adored the way Jake cared for their family. Doren’s mother and father had visited a few times since Thanksgiving, and each time Jake had gone out of his way to help them feel comfortable on land.

“You’ll do it when you’re ready,” Jake said, smiling. “Just know that you deserve to be happy.”

A quick flash of guilt crossed Bard’s face before it was replaced by a small, sheepish smile.

“Thanks, Jake.”

“Of course. We’re going to get our nitro cold brews now. We’ll ask him about you.”

“Wait—”

Before Bard could say anything, Jake had guided them through the coffeeshop door, leaving Doren’s sibling behind, crouching in the shrubbery.

God, Doren loved this man.

They slipped an arm around Jake’s waist, leaning into his heft and luxuriating in his warmth. He was everything an alien sea monster could have wanted.

Kissing his cheek, Doren whispered into Jake’s ear. “I cannot wait for the peppermint lattes to return. Nitro cold brews are wonderful, but they aren’t the same.”

Jake reached up and turned Doren’s face to his own, pressing their lips together before breaking and gazing deep into Doren’s eyes.

“Next winter, we’ll still be here in Linwood Falls, sipping peppermint lattes and putting up decorations together. And I can’t wait.”