CHAPTER SIX
The crisp winter air bit at Joe's skin as he led Blossom toward the outdoor ice skating rink. The sun had just begun to dip behind the line of pine trees that bordered the park, casting long, angular shadows over the pristine, glittering ice.
The rink was alive with the sound of laughter, holiday music playing from a nearby speaker, and the skates of kids slicing across the surface with the occasional tumble and shout.
Blossom took a deep breath, a smile spreading across her face. The excitement in her eyes was hard to miss, but Joe knew that underneath it all, she was a little apprehensive. She was here for him and for Bloomâwell, she was here for all of them, really. He hadn't expected her to come with him when he mentioned his family's annual ice skating tradition, but Trinity had coaxed her into it. Now, as he took in her relaxed posture, he knew it was going to be an afternoon to remember.
"Are you ready?" Joe asked, giving her a grin that was equal parts teasing and reassuring.
Blossom looked up at him, eyes sparkling beneath the soft glow of the park lights. "I think so. But don't laugh if I fall, okay?"
"I'll only laugh if you make it dramatic," Joe shot back, chuckling as he took her hand. Her skin was warm, the rough edges of her calluses comforting against his palm.
Before they could step out onto the ice, Joe's younger sister, Summer, appeared with her phone in hand, the screen already recording. "I can't believe you finally convinced her to come, Joe!" she said, grinning at Blossom.
Blossom laughed, but it was a little nervous. "I didn't exactly have a choice," she said, glancing at Joe, who winked back at her. "But I'm glad I did."
"Alright, let's see what you've got, Joe," Summer teased, stepping back to get a better view. Joe rolled his eyes, turning to take a step onto the ice. Blossom followed closely, the two of them wobbling slightly before Joe caught her by the waist, steadying them both.
"You good?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Blossom said, her voice steady but light with laughter. They pushed off and began to glide across the rink. Joe was a natural, his movements fluid and confident. Blossom, on the other hand, moved cautiously at first, her steps small and deliberate. But as she gained a little more confidence, her smile broadened.
They skated in circles, occasionally taking breaks as Summer filmed them. "Joe, you better watch out or I'm going to put that on the family group chat," Summer said, giggling as she caught a clip of them mid-laugh.
As they took a break by the railing, Joe leaned down to catch his breath. He noticed the way Blossom's eyes seemed to take everything inâthe kids skating nearby, the couples holding hands, and even a group of friends playfully racing each other.
"You're really something, you know that?" Joe said, the compliment slipping out before he could stop it.
Blossom turned to him, a curious expression crossing her face. "What do you mean?"
Joe's brows furrowed for a second as he thought. "You're... unique. The way you jumped into this, how you've taken care of everything with Bloom, and now thisâskating, like it's no big deal. You're just different, Blossom."
She blushed, casting her gaze downward, her lips parting in a small smile. Before she could respond, a familiar voice called out, and Trinity appeared with her own kids in tow, her laughter ringing through the air.
"Blossom! You've got to show the kids what you can do," Trinity said, eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've seen you skate a bit, but I want everyone to see how talented you are."
Blossom's eyes widened, and for a moment, she looked panicked. Joe noticed it right away, squeezing her hand in reassurance. "Come on, you've got this," he whispered.
Trinity's kids were already cheering, the sound mixed with the background noise of the skating rink. Blossom looked at them, a nervous but determined smile crossing her face.
"Alright, alright," she said, pushing off from the railing and moving toward the center of the rink. Joe watched as she moved, feeling the heat of pride surge in his chest.
Blossom didn't just skate; she glided, her body moving with an effortless grace. Joe's jaw dropped as he took in her fluid, precise movementsâone, two, and she was spinning, a perfect pirouette that made even the seasoned skaters pause. It was almost as if he was seeing a different side of her. He didn't know she had this side to her, this confidence that came with doing something so effortlessly beautiful.
The kids were screaming in delight, cheering her on as if they were watching a performance in an Olympic final. Summer was snapping pictures like crazy, the flash of her camera going off every few seconds. Joe's sister even called out, "You could have been a pro skater, Blossom!"
Blossom landed with a flourish, her expression a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion. She laughed, a bright sound that warmed the winter air.
"Okay, maybe I exaggerated a bit when I said I couldn't cook," she said, breathless from the impromptu display. The kids rushed over, demanding high-fives and hugs, asking if she would show them how to do the spins and jumps. Joe stepped forward, grinning from ear to ear as he reached out for her hand.
"You really are the most unique woman I've ever met," Joe said, his voice low enough for only her to hear. His eyes searched hers, and she met his gaze, a small blush rising in her cheeks.
"Yeah? That's saying a lot," she said, a teasing smile playing at her lips.
"It is," Joe said. "And you know what? I think my family's already convinced you're a part of this one." He glanced at Trinity and Summer, who were now clapping and cheering. His sister shot him a thumbs-up, and he felt the weight of everything settling in his chestâhope, love, connection.
Blossom's smile faltered, and she bit her lip, a nervousness that was almost comical. "I don't know if I'm ready for that yet."
Joe shook his head, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You already are. And Bloom's going to be a part of this too. That's how it's supposed to be."
Blossom's eyes glistened, a soft sheen of tears threatening to spill. Before she could respond, Trinity was pulling her into a hug, the kids joining in around them, giggling and grabbing at Blossom's coat.
"Alright, alright! Enough of that for now," Trinity said, laughing and squeezing Blossom. "Let's get some hot cocoa. Joe, get your sisters! We're celebrating tonight."
Joe reached for Blossom's hand, threading his fingers through hers as they made their way off the ice. It was already dark, and the rink was illuminated by the twinkling lights that had been strung around the trees. The laughter and warmth of their combined company seemed to seep into every corner of his heart, making him feel like maybe, just maybe, he had found where he was meant to be.
Blossom turned to him, a small, shy smile on her lips. "Thanks for inviting me, Joe," she said, squeezing his hand. "I didn't expect this. I didn't expect you."
Joe leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "Well, I'm glad I did," he said, letting the moment linger as the sounds of the rink faded into the background.
The night wasn't perfect, but it was theirs. And for the first time in a long time, Joe felt like he was exactly where he needed to be.