First Glances and Taking Chances - Rose and Thorne, #5

Vinnie and Ethan were an instrumental part of the task force that brought an end to the career of the serial killer known as the Florida Mangler. The entire task force has been an invited to a meeting with the President, as they excitedly tell their friends, Troy and Brendan. Not only that, they plan to celebrate Christmas together in the nation's capital. But Fate has other plans in store for them, and Vinnie finds himself sidelined, unable to go.
However, that's no reason for Ethan not to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Vinnie urges Ethan to go, telling him they'll just adjust their plans to celebrate Christmas in Roanoke instead. Troy and Brendn offer to stay with Vinnie and assist him, so Ethan relucantly agrees to go. When Ethan finds himself in a situation not of his making, in grave danger, a terrified Vinnie can only watch and wait...
and wonder if the man he loves will make it home to him, not just for Christmas, but forever.