Page 2 of Snowed in With My Small Town Billionaire

“I have patients and my schedule is packed.”

Martha, who was standing behind him, said, “You should go. You haven’t had a vacation in five years. Your appointments can be rescheduled. Any emergencies can go to the hospital. Sadie, your new sister-in-law, and Dr. Gibson are more than capable of handling anything that comes your way.”

Sawyer hesitated.

“You’re getting grouchy because you’re overworked and the only thing you’ve done for fun lately is attending Ryder’s, Colton’s, and Lane’s weddings. The one full weekend off you had a few weeks ago was spent fixing up dogs that were rescued from the puppy mill.”

Lucas raised his eyebrows. “I heard about that. I hope they all found a good home.”

“Actually, there are several that are still on Lane’s ranch. He’s acting as a temporary sanctuary until he can get them all adopted,” Sawyer said.

“I can always use another copilot. After we get back from the vacation I’ll stop by and get me a new friend. Old Fred passed a month ago. He was seventeen,” Lucas said, sadly. “For now, though, you and I are leaving Saturday morning for Montagne Maudite.”

“I’ll have Denise start calling your patients and rearranging your schedule,” Martha said. “I’m locking the doors to your office and I’m taking your keys.”

Sawyer held up his hands in surrender. “What time are you picking me up?”

****

Sawyer loaded his skis, snowshoes, and suitcase into Lucas’ truck Saturday morning.

“Of all the places you chose to vacation on, you had to choose Montagne Maudite?”

Lucas shrugged his shoulders and grinned. “What can I say. I like to live dangerously.”

“As a helicopter pilot, I would think that you get enough danger.”

“Nah. It’s routine. I just give people helicopter tours doing the same thing every day.” Lucas paused for a second. “I can’t quite remember the story behind the mountain’s name.”

Sawyer took a swig of his energy drink. “Really? Well, let me educate you. Centuries ago, there was a small village on the side of the mountain. Claire was a beautiful healer who had a special relationship with nature. Etienne, her fiancé, was a skilled hunter. They were very much in love and were going to get married under the harvest moon.”

“Sounds romantic.”

“One day, a mysterious traveler showed up. He had been injured and asked for shelter, food, and help. The villagers welcomed him and gave him everything they needed. He fell in love with Claire and told her that if she married Etienne, then the village and everyone in it would be doomed.”

“That’s a heck of a way to repay kindness.”

“I know. The villagers were terrified because he supposedly had supernatural powers. Claire ignored, him though, rejected the man’s advances, and swore her love and loyalty to Etienne.In a fit of anger, the stranger said that a tragedy would strike on the night of their wedding. The villagers begged Claire and Etienne to call off the wedding, but they refused.”

“Of course, they refused or there wouldn’t be a story,” Sawyer said sardonically. “I’m guessing something bad happened the night of their wedding.”

“Yep. You must be psychic or something. Anyway, as soon as the couple said their vows, the ground started shaking and a sudden avalanche of snow and rocks roared down from the top of the mountain, burying the village. The traveler appeared in front of Claire and Etienne in the form of a vengeful spirit. He said that if Claire would abandon Etienne, he would spare the lives of the villagers. She refused. The spirit unleashed his anger on Etienne, turning him into a mist-like being, and scattered him around the mountain. His body disappeared and the only thing left was his voice that people can hear in the wind.”

“So now people can hear him calling for her when the wind blows.”

“You guessed it. Claire begged the stranger to undo the curse, but he just laughed at her and said she was destined to wander the mountain forever searching for her love. According to the curse, anyone who dares go on the mountain risks facing avalanches or being turned into the mist. There have been a lot of injuries and deaths on the mountain.”

“Of course, there have been. It is a mountain. People go camping, get lost, and freeze to death. It’s a ski resort. People are going to get hurt. There hasn’t been an avalanche or other catastrophe for decades.”

“You just jinxed us,” Sawyer groaned.

“There’s no such thing as jinxes. They only exist in people’s imaginations,” Lucas said. “We’re going to have a great vacation.”

They talked about their lives and everything they’ve been up to. Lucas just ended a long-term relationship when he and his girlfriend realized that there wasn’t a spark there anymore. They were just comfortable with each other.

Sawyer talked about his practice and that he had a few new nieces and nephews, Colton’s plane crash, and the puppy mill rescues.

“Sounds like your family keeps you busy. Do you ever do anything fun for yourself?”

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