Page 33 of Tye

“Yeah, and doesn’t pull a salary either,” I said and come to a stop.

I turned Demi to face Rivendell, which was just becoming visible through the trees. I could see the fairy lights and the fires I lit.

“Shit!” Demi exclaimed as a wondrous expression settled on her face. I watched as she took in the stunning scene in front of her.

“Could we visit?” she whispered in awe.

I grabbed her hand and pulled her through the snow to the Council Hall, where the fires burned and heat hit us. Demi spun in a circle, her eyes wide, cheeks pink, and lips curved into a smile.

“So beautiful,” she mumbled.

“Yeah,” I agreed, but looking at her.

“What’s that?” Demi asked after a few minutes, spotting the table.

“Dinner.”

“We’re eating here?” Demi squealed.

“Yup. Everything should be hot, and I’ve got blankets warming if you’re feeling chilly.” With my good arm, I hauled the covers off two chairs and held Demi’s out to her.

Demi smiled shyly and took her seat as I grabbed the blankets and tucked her in.

“They’re warm!” she exclaimed.

“I left them near the fire. The fires will keep the chill off us, but I don’t want you to catch a cold,” I replied.

“What do we have?” Demi asked as I opened the pot warmers and sniffed.

“Stew with dumplings, cooked to Mom’s specification, and what looks like a trifle,” I said. “And fresh bread rolls.”

“Wow. A perfect meal for a night like this.” Demi smiled.

“Yeah. Mom has certain meals for each season. You wouldn’t get this in the summer.” I smiled.

“I would hope not! Oh, this is amazing.”

“Mom’s secret recipe,” I teased, and Demi poked her tongue out.

“Ice, thank you,” Demi said as she broke her roll in half.

“You are welcome.”

“I’ve never had such a thoughtful and romantic date. Nobody’s ever put this much effort in for me before,” Demi mused.

“Then more fool them. Because you’re worth breaking my back for,” I replied.

“You say the nicest things, Ice.”

“Demi, I am nice. Unless it concerns my family.”

“That goes for most, though. People would protect their family rather than destroy it,” Demi said.

“For me, it’s more. My parents were drunks and didn’t even realise I was around most of the time. I’ve no idea what happened to them. I hit the streets before I turned ten and luckily found Carmine, Serenity, and Harley. When you grow upwithout a family, finding one is a miracle. I’d happily swim in shit to make sure my people are okay.”

“Ice.”

That was all Demi said, and I knew she understood me.