Page 171 of Open Ice

“Ready for another year?” I asked quietly.

“With you? Always.”

Five. Four. Three. Two. One.

“Happy New Year!”

The TV erupted with cheers and beams of light. Around us, Tyler kissed Kaitlin, Kinnunen kissed Alyssa.

And I pulled Étienne to me and kissed him.

It was soft, sweet, unhurried, and shamefree. A kiss that saidI love youandwe made itandhere’s to the open ice ahead.