“I’ll call Tony,” Robert promised. “And I’m good here, so worry about yourselves. You’re about to get stranded.”
Jett gave an obnoxious scoff and let go of his dad to glare in Harrison’s direction. “We’re not going to get stuck anywhere with the way this idiot drives.”
Harrison had no idea what he was talking about. He was a safe driver—too much trauma there for him to unlock. “Going five over the speed limit is not dangerous.”
“At least you’re taking the late flight tomorrow,” Robert added, side-stepping their argument. “Plenty of time to put Jetty-boy’s ADHD to work and have him shovel a path to the road.”
Jett’s mouth went slack with shock. “The road is the same goddamn distance as Hobbiton is from Mordor. I can’t shovel that much!”
Harrison had no idea what the hell Jett was talking about, and judging by Robert’s expression, neither did he.
Robert pulled his son closer so he could ruffle his hair. “I’m glad you’re feeling better, kiddo. You’re already speaking in riddles again.”
Jett flushed, accepting his father’s affection and praise. “I’m okay now. I have Harrison to lean on, just like you said.”
Warmth flooded Harrison’s soul. This trip home had been good for them and their relationship. He was sad that it wasn’t longer, but they would have the summer together alone—unless Bracken and Cote started building summer homes on the land Harrison still had to gift them.
“Get out of here before the snow starts,” Robert told them. “I’ll see you boyssoon—”
“Don’t say it,” Jett hissed. “Do not say the ‘P’ word around me right now. We still have points to catch up on.”
Robert chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ll be seeing you for a visit no matter what.” His gaze met Harrison’s, and he nodded. “Leave the house to me. I’ll make sure the brats stay away.”
“Thank you,” said Harrison, ignoring Jett’s questioning look. “Christmas was great, Robert. I had fun.”
When Robert glowered at him, Harrison quickly corrected himself.
“Dad.”
“That’s what I thought.”
Jett laughed, and Harrison smiled at the sound. The Frasers were a strange family, but he loved them anyway.
Robert waved at them from the door, and Jett copied him, neither of them stopping until the Jeep pulled out of the driveway, and they lost sight of each other.
“You guys are cute,” Harrison said, glancing at Jett. “Robert is a great guy. My parents could learn a lot from him.”
A hand settled on his thigh, squeezing tenderly.
“He’s your dad too,” said Jett.
Harrison smirked. “I’d have to sign a marriage contract first before it’s official.”
Jett’s scoff made him smile harder. “Oh yeah. I heard you got plans. Can’t wait to see them.”
Jett’s tone was bratty in the way that always made Harrison want to kiss him, but he could see how red his cheeks were.
“Just you wait, Fraser.” Harrison removed one hand from the steering wheel so he could take Jett’s, dragging his thumb along his bare ring finger. “Soon there will be two Killingers in the NHL.”
Jett didn’t talk to him for the rest of the ride home.
The snow wasn’t supposed to start until early afternoon, but it was already covering tracks by the time they returned to the lake house.
Harrison considered leaving early just in case thirty centimetres changed to fifty, but he decided against it. They had a Jeep, and Harrison had a four-wheeler with a plow, so he was confident he could get them back to the city in time for their flight the following night.
He was hesitant to give up this time because he wanted to keep Jett distracted for as long as he could. He had improved so much, and coming back fresh after a long and relaxing break was something he deserved.
Harrison spent an hour outside gassing up the four-wheeler and making sure he was prepared if he had to dig them out tomorrow, but Jett called him in for lunch before he had a chance to stock up on firewood.
