Nights we’d put the awnings down, turn on the LED lights, set up our chairs outside and enjoy the evening, even if it was a little cold. The novelty and fun of it all was impossible to ignore, despite the weather.
Jayne didn’t mind the cold, of course. Winter elves and cold went together like necromancers and death, but I wasn’t as hardy.
At the campsites that had firepits, we took full advantage. We even roasted marshmallows. Sometimes, we’d watch a movie on the pull-out TV. One night, the campers in the spot next to us invited us over to play cards. Jayne was pretty careful to keep her hair down to hide her ears, and it seemed to be working pretty well.
I couldn’t think of a time I’d been happier.
I looked over at Jayne, sitting beside me in the slightly warmer climes of Salt Lake City. We’d parked for the night at the KOA campground just outside of town. Our spot had a tree, a little patch of grass and a fire ring, where I had gotten a decent blaze going with some firewood purchased at the camp store. “Tomorrow we reach Vegas.”
She nodded. “It’ll be great to see your folks again. Are we going to stay in the guest house or the RV?”
I hadn’t thought about it, actually. We’d stayed in my parents’ guest house when we’d visited on our honeymoon. Guest house made it sound small, but the house was bigger than our new apartment. “Up to you.”
She shrugged, a little smile on her face. “The guest house is gorgeous, but we’re so settled in here.”
“Then let’s just park it on the property and call it done. We won’t have to move the cats, either.”
“You say Spider’s name?” Sugar asked.
I glanced over my shoulder. Spider and Sugar were looking at us through the screen door. Despite the cool air, we often left it open so they didn’t feel too left out. “No.”
Spider stood up on his back legs and put his front paws on the screen. “We come out now.”
Jayne turned around. “You guys can’t come out here and—” She lowered her voice. “You’re not supposed to be talking.”
Spider sat down again. He yawned, then licked Sugar on the head a few times. I could have sworn I heard him mutter “Mean” under his breath.
I just shook my head as I faced the fire again. “Is it just me, or are they talking more than usual?”
“I think they’re excited by the adventure.” She reached over and took my hand. “And I have to say I completely understand. This has been so much fun. I never thought I’d say that about driving for thirteen hours a day, but spending time with you, even just talking, has been wonderful.”
“I couldn’t agree more. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. I was worried you’d hate it. You seemed like your mind was already made up in the North Pole.”
“You’re right, it was a little bit.” She stared at the fire. “I didn’t know what to expect. It certainly wasn’t that hotel suite on wheels behind us.”
“It’s the most beautiful RV I’ve ever seen.”
“Do you mind driving all those hours? I should be taking a turn, shouldn’t I?”
“I don’t mind driving at all. I enjoy it, really. But if you want to, I’m happy to let you have a crack at it.”
“I’d want to practice first.”
A breeze swept through the campsite, making Jayne take her hand back to tug her thick cardigan closer. The fire whipped sideways.
“Are you cold?” I was. “We should go in.”
She shrugged. “Just felt a little chill. I think I’m ready to crash.”
I stood. “I’ll put the fire out and meet you inside.” I offered her my hand.
She took it, letting me tug her into my arms. “Don’t be long. I need warming up.”
“Not to worry, Princess.” I knew very well she didn’t really need warming up. Didn’t matter. I could play along. I kissed the tip of her nose while I slid my hands down to her hips to pull her closer. “You’re about to be very warm indeed.”
Chapter Eight
Jayne
I woke up to the delicious smells of coffee and pancakes. Sin was in the kitchen, humming something. He sounded very happy.
That made me very happy. I grinned and snuggled deeper into the covers. The RV’s bed was incredibly comfortable, and I was perfectly content wrapped in the warm covers. Not to mention Spider was curled up on my pillow beside my head and Sugar was somewhere near my hip. The cats were clearly content as well.
From my cocoon, I called out, “Are you bringing me breakfast in bed?”
“Would you like breakfast in bed?”
I could hear the smile in his voice. “Only if it comes with the chef.”
He laughed. “I’ll talk to management and see what I can do.”
A few minutes later, he came in with a cup of coffee and plate of pancakes, heavily doused with butter and syrup, just the way I liked them.
I sat up a little. “You really are the world’s best husband.”
He nodded with deep self-satisfaction. “I really am, aren’t I?” He bowed. “Your breakfast, madam.”
I tugged the covers up, playfully covering myself. “My husband will be back at any moment so don’t try anything funny.”
Sin laughed. “I hear he’s an incredibly handsome man with a terrible temper, so I’ll be on my best behavior.”
I exhaled a hard breath as I looked up at him from under my lashes. “Well, that’s disappointing.”
Sugar stretched, and behind me came a sleepy meow followed by, “Breakfast, Mama.”
I shook my head at Sin. “I’ll throw my robe on and come out.”
He nodded knowingly. “Probably better than getting syrup all over the bed. I’ll meet you at the diner.”
That’s what we’d taken to calling the booth in the kitchen.
He walked back out with the coffee and pancakes. “Come on, Sugar. Come on, Spider. Breakfast.”
“Chicken Party!” Spider tore past me like his little butt was on fire. Sugar followed.
I pulled on my robe and a pair of fuzzy socks. Not that I needed them. One of the nicest things about the RV was the heated floors. Winter elves might do just fine in the cold, but that didn’t mean we didn’t like creature comforts. I wound my hair up into a clip, then straightened the covers. Not exactly making the bed, but I hadn’t had coffee yet either.
I slid into my side of the booth. My coffee and pancakes were already there. Sin joined me with his own as soon as he finished splitting a can of Chicken Party between Sugar and Spider.
As they dug in, we did too. I loved pancakes, and Sin was especially good at making them. They were kind of doughnut-adjacent, after all.
I stretched my right leg out and stuck my foot under his thigh as I gave him a grin. “Thanks for breakfast.”
The corner of his mouth hitched up, and his eyes had a dreamy, faraway gleam. “You’re welcome.”
I knew what he was thinking about. Last night. It had been good. But then so had everything lately. I was more than happy. I was blissful. And all while in an RV. Who’d have thought? “How many hours of driving are left?”