Page 51 of Black Ice
“The Silver Aces has been good to us,” she mused. “That’s thanks to you as much as me,”
He huffed, ever the skeptic. “How d’you figure?”
“We’ve built it on everything you taught me, Dad. You gave us the solid foundation.”
The boys caught sight of him and raced up, wrapping themselves around their grandpa, too happy seeing him to spare her a greeting. Unfazed, she took advantage, giving her husband a big kiss.
“Everything all right up here?” He tapped her nose. “I thought you’d be down the hill right after us.”
“Next run.” A small fib, but not one he’d hold against her. She hadn’t told him they were pregnant again. She wanted to share the news on Christmas morning when she could surprise them all and celebrate together as a family, without any interruptions.
With so much activity, anticipation, and excitement around the holiday no one had noticed her appetite was low. The same factors easily explained away her mid-afternoon slump and evening brain fog.
“The next snowshoe group comes in tomorrow,” Wyatt said, proving her point about the business distractions. Behind hissunglasses, she knew he was studying the snow-covered trees marching up the mountains. “Should be a good day for it.”
“You’ll have a blast,” she replied confidently. With the snow getting deeper every week, Wyatt led most of the snowshoe tours along trails Dale had mapped out decades ago.
“We will. They chose a relatively easy trail,” he said. “They’ll have great views when we reach the overlook.”
“Before you head out, check with Lisa in case someone up at the cabins needs something.” The rustic cabins were becoming more popular for intrepid travelers looking for a way to truly go off grid and get back to nature. The hands-off service created a big profit margin for the business, but she and Wyatt didn’t believe in ignoring any of their guests.
“Not my first rodeo,” he joked.
“And please don’t be late getting back. The party is tomorrow night.”
“You should stay home and play games,” Cole said, his gaze pleading. Both boys had Wyatt’s eyes and had already mastered the expressions that melted her heart.
“I’m sure Grandpa will be happy to play games while we’re at the grown-up party.”
“When are we moving to the cabin?” Caleb asked.
“We’re staying home where Santa can find us,” Cole stated with exaggerated authority.
She tugged Caleb’s stocking cap into place before it fell off and he lost it. “Different trip, different cabin sweetie,” Evie assured him. “Daddy’s taking a snowshoe group to the overlook tomorrow.”
“Ohhh,” the twins replied. They were already familiar with the vocabulary, though it would be years before they understood the routes and the full scope of the business. Cole grabbed her hand, squeezing tightly to get her attention through the padded gloves. “Will Santa know where to find the cabin people?”
“Absolutely. You know we send daily updates to Santa about where to find our guests.” She bundled him close. “You look like you need a break from this wind.” She brushed a finger over his rosy cheeks. “How about we go inside for a snack?”
“Yeah, let’s do that, guys,” Dale agreed. “Then we can go work on the snow family. Should we take the horses and sleigh back to the house?” He met Evie’s gaze. “Do we have any evening sleigh rides tonight?”
She pulled out her phone. “We’re clear.”
With an excited whoop they were off, each of them clinging to one of Grandpa’s hands.
Evie grinned. “Before long, it’ll be a whole snow village out there,” she said to Wyatt.
“Enough to make the dog crazy.”
“He loves it,” Evie disagreed. Their dog Poncho, a German shepherd rescue, loved the snow and made a game of taking bites out of the snowmen or other structures the boys built. And in the evenings, there were zoomies with the boys and the dog, zipping through the snow.
She looped her hand around Wyatt’s arm. “What about you, Daddy? Are you ready for a snack?”
“Always.” His laughter faded as he studied her face. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were wearing yourself out.”
Evie shook her head. “It’s a busy season. I’m riding the holiday adrenaline rush. And before you start worrying, yes, there is a lot on my mind. And no, I’m not doing too much.”
“I reserve the right to veto you later.”
