Page 55 of Black Ice
The next morning Wyatt rolled out of bed early. He would soon meet the snowshoeing party at the equipment barn near the house. They had done a lot to remodel the whole property to make it easier for guests including parking. Then he and Dale had changed up a lot of the landscaping to protect the privacy of the houses behind the business.
All in all, it worked pretty well—especially on early mornings like this one when he could spend a little extra time in bed with his wife. Some days it was almost too much that he had it all. And better still that he could share it all with Evelyn.
Way back in the day, he never dreamed life could be this good. He was more than grateful and he tried to show it to her, the family, and the community every day.
He poured his coffee into a travel mug and then went back to the bedroom to kiss Evie goodbye, only to find her sitting up in bed with a notebook in her lap. “What are you doing awake?”
“You know me.” She closed the notebook. “Always a new idea looking for an outlet.”
“One thing I love about you.”
“Thanks. Be safe out there today.”
“Always,” he assured her.
“While you’re out, I’ll get everything together so we can dress at the casino.”
“Solid plan.” He kissed her again, lingering as much as he dared. “You are a smart woman. Your dad will have a blast with the boys tonight.”
“I heard whispers about a gift wrapping party.”
“Oh.” Wyatt sat back. “Duly noted. Other than brainstorms, what are you up to today?”
“I’m mostly in the office today.”
“Good. I’ll see you later.” Brushing his lips across hers one last time, he forced himself to the door and back to work.
The snowshoeing group arrived right on time. He would be leading two couples—brothers and their wives—up to the overlook. It was an easy route, but since it was their first time on snowshoes, he knew there would be a few challenges and funny moments.
He got everybody geared up, confirmed they were prepared with the right outerwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses for this bright winter morning. Behind the barn, the snowshoeing lessons were accompanied by plenty of laughter and good-natured ribbing. And by the time they were ready to head out, Wyatt was confident they would all have a blast. Him included.
He led the way toward the trail, reminded them to ask questions, and set out at a steady clip.
Along the way, he pointed out various natural interests, including signs of deer and mountain goats. “At the overlook on a clear day like this, we’re likely to see bald eagles too.”
The idea created plenty of anticipation as they worked their way along. He answered the typical questions about growing up here, running the business, and of course, any tips for winning big at the casinos.
His favorite question. “Best way to make bank at the casinos is to keep your money in your pocket,” he teased.
The four of them laughed.
“Seriously, don’t play roulette,” he advised. “It’s got the worst odds of winning no matter where you gamble.”
They came around a bend in the path and a break in the trees, and he paused for the group to take pictures with that crisp blue winter sky behind them.
Moving on, he spotted cougar tracks and pointed them out, assuring the group there was nothing to worry about. “We’re way too noisy and we’re a big group,” he explained. “They want easier prey than us. Besides, this isn’t their ideal hunting time.”
One of the women pointed to the ground just off the trail. “Is that cougar poop?”
Wyatt came over for a closer look. Smiling, he reached down and picked it up. “This is an owl pellet. Owls can’t digest the bones and fur of their prey, so when they’re done eating, they regurgitate these pellets. It’s a good find. Do you want to keep it?”
The woman shook her head. “I’ll get my souvenirs from the casinos.”
“Understood. Can’t say I blame you.” He tossed the pellet back into the woods and kept going.
They hit the overlook at just the right time to see the eagles. The group was thrilled, watching the soaring raptors ride the thermals, perching occasionally in the treetops near the ridge.
Wyatt unpacked the picnic for the group which was basically a hiker’s version of a charcuterie board with cheeses, crackers, olives, nuts, and sliced summer sausage. There was plenty of cool water, along with thermoses of hot chocolate.
