Page 65 of Merry Kissmas

“We’re going to look so good at the top of the tree,” Tre says, passing us while I ski slowly next to Pierce, who is holding his snowboard under his arm.

We all get to the top of the hill.At least Andrew looks just as freaked out as his cousin.Kenzie glances at me and cringes.It is a little scary that someone, meaning Andrew or Pierce, might end up in the emergency room if this goes badly.

“Okay, let’s get you strapped in.”I help Pierce get his feet in and lock them in place.“Remember what I said.”

He nods.I put my goggles in place and look down the row.Carter and Faith might be a contender too.She’s really athletic, and they’re on skis just like Tre and Tessa.

Clearly, the disadvantaged ones are us and Kenzie and Andrew.

We all stare at one another, start the countdown, and push off to start our descent.

Andrew falls immediately.

Pierce holds his own for a little longer but ends up on his ass, cringing in pain.

Tessa loses a ski farther down, and Faith is doing the pizza stance slow as a turtle.This is good for us.

I help Pierce back up.He’s athletic, so he gets it for a little bit, but getting down this mountain is no quick feat.

Tre helps Tessa, and they start back down the hill.

The leading team changes back and forth most of the way, but when I can see the bottom, I’m proud of Pierce for sticking to it, since I’m pretty sure I heard Andrew tell Kenzie that he was done five falls ago.I fully expect him to be walking down the mountain.

Faith got off track, and Carter had to set her straight, so we’re in front of them.

I’m sure Tre and Tessa are already done and waiting at the bottom with their winning smiles.

“Tre fell.”Pierce points to his right.

I look past him, lifting my goggles.Sure enough, both of Tre’s skis are off, and Tessa is getting out of hers to help him.This is our chance.

“I feel like I shouldn’t have told you that.You have that look in your eyes,” Pierce says.

“It’s fine, but we have a chance now.You’re going longer every time before you fall.You got this!”I put my goggles back on and slide behind him, prepared to guide him down.

“What are you doing?”he asks.

“Ensuring our win.”I sneak a peek at Tre and Tessa.He’s about to get into his skis.

I push Pierce with my hand on his hip and my skis on either side of his board.

“Whoa!”Pierce says when he wobbles from the speed.

“Remember, knees bent and center your gravity,” I say.

“You said not to go straight.I don’t feel like I’m in control.”Pierce glances over his shoulder at me.

“Eyes forward.”My hands are on his hips, and my attention wavers back to Tre.

He’s up on his skis, pushing off with the poles.Tessa is right behind him.

I know I can get us to that finish line before them.

“This is fast,” Pierce says, but I’m too busy making sure we reach the bottom first.

Our momentum builds, and I’m having a hard time keeping my hands on his hips.Soon, I grasp for Pierce’s jacket, but he’s inches, then an entire foot in front of me.

“Brynn!”he shouts.

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