Page 112 of Ice Cold Christmas

Maybe he might want to become a part-time Ice Breaker, too. He certainly had the money to invest in the cause. But it wasn’t just him. He and Melody were a package deal.

“There’s always another case.” Hunter’s face darkened. “Always. Something I’ve learned since joining the crew.”

Victor took a deep breath. “I want to help.” No, change that. “We want to help. Melody and I are interested in doing whatever the hell we can to assist your team.”

Hunter had his red box tucked under his arm. “Thought you both might feel that way.” His head tilted to the right. “Changes you, doesn’t it?”

Yes. He’d never forget what it was like to lose the woman he loved. But Hunter was right. He was lucky. One of the very, very lucky ones.

He’d gotten her back. “We have resources to use. Mage Industries has a charitable arm. We have investments—we can help. We can make a difference.”

“I’ll call you after the holidays,” Hunter told him. “Welcome to the team.”

Victor walked into the kitchen.

“Dashing through the snow, in a one horse—” Melody stopped. Her dimple flashed. “Victor!” And she rushed toward him. She kissed him. A warm, sweet kiss. One that tasted of cinnamon.

Love.

She pulled back. A dash of flour marked her right cheek. “Where is Hunter? Is he staying for dinner?”

“He had to go. Said thanks for the cookies.”

“Aw.” Her face fell. “I was hoping to say goodbye. To tell him how grateful I am for all of his help.”

“He knows, baby, and it’s not goodbye. We’ll be working with him again.”

“We?” Delight flashed on her face. “So you told him that we want to work with him?”

Because it had been Melody’s idea for them to start helping the Ice Breakers.

“What did he say?” Melody asked.

“Welcome to the team.”

She threw her arms around him again. Did a little happy bounce.

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart,” he told her. I love you.

The Christmas music kept playing. The cookies kept baking. And Melody kissed him.

Finally. Finally. The kid who’d been looking through the windows and dreaming of a home like everyone else for so long—he’d grown up. He’d fought for what he wanted.

Melody was his family. His life.

“Merry Christmas,” she whispered against his lips.

Christmas morning…

With a smile already curving his lips, Victor opened his eyes and reached for Melody.

But she wasn’t there.

Unease slithered through him, but he blinked it away. Darkness surrounded him as he turned to face the bathroom doorway. He climbed from the bed. Crept for the door. Knocked lightly. “Melody?”

No answer.

He reached for the knob. Swung the door open. Darkness. Silence.