Page 57 of A Gingerbread Romance

“Thanks,” said Jonathan. Having a brother in management at the North Star Resort was very convenient. He’d found out more than once.

“No problem.”

Jonathan pulled his phone away from his ear to look at the geolocation that Luke had just sent him as the notification made a soft dinging sound.

“Meet me there in half an hour.”

“Got it. Can you lend me a pair of ski pants, too?”

“Seriously?” said Luke.

“Yes.” He’d brought jeans and sweats, but he hadn’t thought to bring any sort of outdoor gear other than a jacket, gloves, and a hat.

“All right, big brother. You got it. I’ll see you soon.”

EIGHTEEN

He’d probably broken the speed limit on the backcountry Pennsylvania roads, which may not have been the wisest thing he could do, given the potential for slippery patches if the weather had been different. But seeing how bright the sunshine was, he’d opted to take his chances.

And so now, Jonathan was gliding along on his skis behind his brother, marveling at the snow-laden branches of the towering evergreens amid the complete tranquility of their surroundings. His breath formed chilly clouds in the air, but he felt more alive than he had in ages.

“Only one more mile,” Luke called over his shoulder as they passed another marker on the trail.

“Copy that,” called Jonathan with a grin.

Cross-country skiing was harder than he’d guessed. It seemed to be a full-body workout, engaging even more sets of muscles than he normally worked out at the gym. But Luke had given him some tips on technique, and he’d picked it up quickly enough.

Because this had to work, and he wasn’t going to overcomplicate things. They’d find the women, and he’d get the chance to tell Greta how much he loved her. Right out here in this serene setting, a place she’d claimed was one of her favorite places in the entire world.

Luke had attempted to text and call Chloe to ask her to stay at the falls once they reached them, but to no avail. Luke had even tried Greta’s phone, but again, had gotten no response.

Worst-case scenario, he and Luke would start down the other trail if they weren’t at the falls when he and Luke arrived, and they’d either meet the women on their way in or catch up to them on their way back. Whatever the case, Jonathan wasn’t giving up.

Following the winding trail, he and Luke eventually reached a creek bed. The water still flowed gently through the forest, but the creek had succumbed to the winter chill in several spots, where frozen mounds created natural barriers that the water had to flow around. It was like a winter wonderland.

“Look,” said Luke over his shoulder several minutes later, “up there.”

Jonathan fixed his gaze into the distance, where the lovely figures of two women could be seen standing in a secluded grove of powdery white.

“It’s them,” he said, picking up his pace, his heart soaring. He’d found her.

In moments, Jonathan and Luke reached the grove. Both women had removed their skis and were facing the falls. Neither seemed yet to have noticed their arrival.

But they both turned around at the sound of Jonathan unclipping his boots. He stepped into the snow. “Greta,” he whispered, his eyes sweeping her gray ski pants, her white parka and knitted white hat over the locks of her long, golden-brown hair. She looked as gorgeous as ever.

Her jaw dropped open; her eyes went wide, but she didn’t speak.

“Luke! Jonathan!” exclaimed Chloe, breaking the silence. “What a wonderful surprise!” She ran to greet her husband with a sideways grin and wave at Jonathan, throwing her arms around Luke’s neck as they settled into a sweet kiss.

“Jonathan,” Greta said softly, returning her gaze to him, her eyes cautious. “What are you doing here?”

He studied her. “Didn’t we decide to go skiing today?”

She wrinkled her mouth. “Well, yes we did, but—”

“—I wanted to see the falls. With you.” He stepped closer, then fell in beside her, fixing his gaze on the rocky creek, where much of the once-flowing water now stood still, captured in a delicate dance of icicles and frost. “It’s beautiful. I can see why you love this place.”

She turned her head and looked up at him, and he felt her eyes on his face. “It is. But, Jonathan, what are you really doing here?”

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