Page 11 of Marrying the Mountain Man

By noon, the bar had a mild lunchtime crowd. I left Rachel in charge, letting her know I might return if needed. She gave me a playful salute, mouthing “Have fun, Daddio!” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t fully suppress a smile.

On a whim, I picked up a few groceries at the local store—some fresh fruit, bread, milk, cheese, a couple of sweet treats and chips for the kids. I hadn’t realized how much food a pair of growing boys ate.

Back home, I found Mindy at the small dining table, laptop open, scribbling notes on a legal pad. She jumped slightly when I walked in.

“Hey,” she greeted, standing to help me with the bags. “You’re back earlier than I thought.”

I shrugged. “Rachel can handle the lunch crowd. Figured I’d see if you needed anything.” I hoisted the groceries onto the counter. “Also, I come bearing fresh fortifications.”

Her eyes crinkled with amusement. “Fantastic. Thanks.”

She helped me put things away, pausing only to show me her notes. “Beth said the board meeting is tomorrow at three. I have to refine my pitch…like how to attract more spring visitors, highlight the upcoming carnival, maybe partner with local businesses. I’m a bit out of practice with face-to-face presentations, though.”

“You’ll do great.” I glanced at her bullet points. “At Skyline, we often do cross-promotions with the carnival folks. Everyone loves funnel cake and beer.”

She laughed. “Funnel cake and beer. That’s… different. But maybe an angle. Thanks.”

We chatted while stowing the groceries, an easy camaraderie filling the small kitchen. When we finished, Mindy made us quick sandwiches for lunch—turkey and cheese, andI found I liked the simplicity. She seemed more relaxed than yesterday.

Around two-thirty, Mindy started gathering her laptop and notes. “I’ll need to pick up the twins soon. If you’re free, want to come?”

“Of course,” I replied. “But I have an idea. Since the lake’s still frozen, we could head there after we grab them…let them burn off some energy. Then maybe hot chocolate?”

Mindy’s face lit up. “They’d be thrilled. But I’m afraid we don’t own skates.”

“There’s a small rental shack near the lake,” I assured her.

She nodded, smiling. “Sounds great.”

We left in my pickup this time, swinging by the elementary school just as kids poured out. Connor and Cody rushed over, excitement in their eyes.

“Mom! Levi!” Cody shouted. “I got an A on my first math assignment!”

Connor added, “And Ms. Brewster said I’m reading at next year’s level!”

Mindy beamed with pride. “That’s awesome. Also, we have a surprise: we’re going ice skating…If you want.”

They both erupted in whoops, clambering into the back seat. I exchanged a grin with Mindy, thoroughly amused at how quickly these kids adapted.

A short drive later, we reached the small lake on the outskirts of town. Despite being mid-March, the lake remained frozen enough for cautious skating, a handful of families braving the chilly breeze. A small wooden shack sold cocoa, rental skates, and hand warmers.

Cody tugged at Mindy’s arm. “Can we skate right away?”

“Yes, but first we get skates,” Mindy laughed. “We can’t skate in sneakers.”

We approached the shack, renting a couple pairs of kids’ skates. Mindy eyed me skeptically. “You’re not skating?”

I smirked. “I might. Don’t want to show off my pro moves too early.” Truth was, I’d skated a few times as a kid, but I wasn’t exactly graceful.

Connor snorted. “Show off, huh?”

Mindy’s eyes danced with humor as she laced up her skates. I took a pair too, determined not to be outdone by an eight-year-old. Soon, the four of us stepped onto the ice—well, I half-stepped, half-wobbled. The kids giggled at my clumsy start. Mindy glided cautiously, arms out for balance.

“It’s been years,” she admitted with a nervous laugh. “But let’s see if I remember.”

The kids braved it first, each clinging to a plastic support bar the rental shack provided. Before long, Cody let go, arms spread like a little daredevil, while Connor cruised behind him, still hugging the bar. I stuck close to Mindy, trying not to topple.

“You okay?” I asked, noticing how she bit her lip, focusing on each glide.

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