Page 74 of A Moment In Time

“I guess if I had, I wouldn’t have decided to go out and take a damn picture of whatever I was taking a picture of.”

“That’s true. And you wouldn’t have broken that tree’s fall.”

“Ouch. Stupid tree. I still wish I could remember how that happened.”

“And I still think it’s better that you don’t.”

When they took the turn and drove past Cooper’s barn, Sydney was impressed. “Wow. That’s really cool.”

Gage turned in his seat and looked at her. “You’ve never been out here?”

“No. I was never invited.”

He pointed out the window. “Take the left fork.”

“This tiny little road?”

“That’s why it wasn’t plowed the other night. Cory can’t get the tow truck down it.”

She glanced at him. “How often do you get snowed in?”

“I don’t. I walk to Cooper’s.”

“Of course.”

When they arrived at Gage’s house, she was impressed all over again. “Wow.”

“What were you expecting?”

“You’ve talked about your house a few times. That it was a fishing shack or something?”

“I don’t think I ever referred to it as a shack.”

“Whatever. It’s beautiful.”

“I’ve made some improvements over the years. I moved in ten years ago.”

“And there’s a creek?”

“Out back. Just beyond the fallen tree.”

“Hmm. We’ll check that out another time.”

“Yeah. I think I’ll avoid the creek for a while. At least until all the snow is gone.”

Sydney parked in front of the house next to Gage’s truck. Cooper had moved it back for him once the road was plowed. Gage took his time getting out of the car, and Sydney came around to help him.

He looked at her. “I’m fine. I got it.”

She put up her hands. “Okay.”

They headed for the porch and when they got to the steps, Sydney took his arm. He scowled at her. “I’m not an invalid.”

She helped him up the steps. “Let’s not get to the strangling stage on the first night.”

“Alright.” They went through the door and he went to the couch and sat down. “Go ahead. Check the place out.”

“I intend to.” She walked around the room, looked at the kitchen, then peeked into the bedroom. “Wow. Super clean.” She returned to him. “Can I get you anything?”

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