Chapter Twenty-Four
Spencer
Spencer watched the room settle after the chaos, the tension slowly bleeding out of the air like steam from a kettle.
People had gone back to their activities—some playing icebreaker games, others chatting in cozy corners or laughing over spiked punch.
A few couples had drifted toward the dance floor, swaying under the soft glow of string lights and the faint shimmer of fake snow falling from a machine tucked into the rafters.
“Can I talk to you outside?” Jamie asked.
“Sure can.”
Spencer felt the cold air hit his face as he stepped out onto the porch, Jamie’s hand warm in his.
The snow crunched beneath their boots, and the quiet outside the cabin was a welcome break from the noise and tension inside.
Jamie had asked to talk, and Spencer didn’t hesitate. Whatever it was, he wanted to hear it.
They stopped near the railing, breath visible in the crisp night air. Spencer turned to him, and his brows furrowed. “What’s going on?”
Jamie looked down for a second, then met his eyes. “I want you to know I never took money from Tom. Never.”
Spencer didn’t even flinch. He pulled Jamie into his arms without thinking, wrapping him up like he could shield him from every cruel word Tom had ever thrown.
“I know you didn’t,” he said softly. “And even if you had, that’s not my business.
We both have a past. I can see exactly what Tom is—a liar and a control freak. ”
Jamie nodded, but his voice cracked a little. “Yeah. I think we had an open relationship… but I was never told. I thought it was just us. He’s not out because of his job, so he refused to be seen in public with me.”
Spencer felt something twist in his chest. That hit too close to home.
He looked out over the snow-covered trees, his thoughts drifting to Montana.
To the ranch. To the place he’d called home for years but never really felt safe enough to be fully himself.
He wasn’t out there either. Not really. People knew he lived alone, worked hard, and kept to himself.
But they didn’t know he was gay. Not yet.
He’d planned to bring Jamie back, let people see them together, maybe ease into it.
But now, hearing Jamie talk about being hidden, about being made to feel like a secret—it made Spencer’s stomach churn.
That slow, quiet plan wasn’t going to cut it.
Not if he wanted this to last. Not if he wanted to be better than Tom.
He’d been thinking about selling the ranch anyway. The upkeep was constant, the winters brutal, and sometimes the loneliness crept in too deep. But part of him clung to it because of the promise he’d made to his grandfather. To keep it going. To hold onto the land that had raised him.
But now? He wasn’t sure. Was staying worth risking a relationship that could be everything? Was honoring a promise to the past more important than building a future with Jamie?
Spencer looked down at Jamie, who was still tucked against his chest, eyes tired but open. He didn’t have all the answers yet, but one thing was clear: hiding wasn’t an option. Not anymore.
He kissed Jamie’s temple, lingering there. “You deserve to be seen,” he whispered. “And I want to be the one who sees you. All the way.”
“Thank you. I think I’m ready to go back inside.”
Spencer took his hand and returned to the mixer.
He turned to Jamie, who was still a little quiet, still processing everything.
Spencer could see it in the way his shoulders were just a little too tight, the way his fingers kept brushing the edge of his red mask like he wasn’t sure if he wanted to keep it on or rip it off.
Spencer reached for his hand. “Hey,” he said, voice low and warm. “Dance with me?”
Jamie stared at him, surprised. “Now?”
“Yeah. Right now.”
Jamie’s lips twitched into a smile. “Yes, it will be our first dance.”
“We have lots of firsts.”
He led Jamie to the edge of the dance floor, where the music had slowed to something soft and jazzy, the kind of tune that made you want to lean in close and forget the world.
Spencer pulled Jamie into his arms, one hand on his waist, the other laced with Jamie’s fingers.
Jamie fit against him like he always did—like they’d been dancing together for years, even if this was their first time.
They swayed gently, boots brushing against the floor, the rest of the room fading into a blur of red and black and twinkling lights. Spencer could feel Jamie’s breath against his neck, steadying. He didn’t say anything, just held him a little tighter, letting the music do the talking.
This party was loud and messy, and full of strangers, but it was also safe.
No one stared. No one whispered. Around them, other couples danced, laughed, and flirted.
And for once, Spencer didn’t feel like they had to shrink themselves to fit in.
They could just be. Once again, his thoughts swirled around about their living together in Montana.
Could he keep Jamie’s attention if they couldn’t express themselves opening like they could here?
His heart ached, and he felt torn into pieces.
Jamie looked up at him, eyes soft behind the mask. “Thanks for asking me.”
Spencer smiled. “I’ve been wanting to ever since we walked in.”
Jamie leaned in, and Spencer met him halfway. Their lips touched—slow, sure, and unhurried. It wasn’t a show. It wasn’t for anyone else. It was just them in the middle of a crowded room, finding their own quiet moment.
When they pulled apart, Jamie rested his head against Spencer’s chest, and Spencer let his chin rest on top of Jamie’s hair. The music kept playing, and they kept swaying, wrapped up in each other like the rest of the world could wait.
Nathan and Alfie made their way to them when they’d finished dancing and settled in at a table.
“You okay?” Nathan asked.
“I’m going to ship my truck back. I’m going to get Jamie and me on your flight. Tom is going to ship Jamie’s things.”
“That’s great. I can’t wait to ride.”
“Me too,” Alfie said.
“I decorated my ranch for Christmas, so it should be fun. We’re ready to leave so I can make reservations. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for everything.”
All four of them took turns hugging each other. And for the first time all night, Spencer felt like they’d finally arrived as a couple.