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Prologue
Bethenny
As the mayor of Winter Falls, it was my responsibility to make sure our town was ready to face the blizzard that was headed our way. With Christmas just around the corner, our little ski town was packed to the gills with tourists, making our planning even more complicated. That was why I’d called the key people I needed to speak with to Town Hall for a meeting…a decision I was starting to regret because everyone was holding different conversations at once.
“Can I get some quiet please?” I called.
When only some of the chatter ceased, I stuck my fingers in my mouth and whistled like my brother taught me when I was little. I’d had to be a bit of a spitfire as a kid, just so I could keep up with all of my brothers.
The noise immediately died down, and I smiled as I stepped behind the podium and picked up a clipboard. “Okay, people. You know why you’re here. We have a major blizzard approaching, and it’s expected to hit a few days after Christmas.”
I received nods, but everyone remained quiet, and my smile widened as I continued, “I know you’ve all been through this many times, but preparation is key, so we’ll continue to do this every time,”—I rolled my eyes when there were several groans from the crowd—“and I don’t want to hear any grumbling.” I narrowed my eyes and pointed at a tall man with brown hair and green eyes. “I’m talking to you, Gavin.”
He winked, then gave me a snappy salute. “Yes, ma’am.” A ripple of laughter floated across the crowd. Few people were more prepared for emergency situations on the mountain than the head of the ski patrol for the Winter Falls Ski Resort, which everyone in the room knew.
I laughed before my eyes dropped to the podium, and I picked up a pen. “Let’s add a few more patrols to each shift and make sure we stock the shacks with plenty of essentials, blankets, and medical supplies.”
“I’ll pull in some extra help to check all of them before tomorrow night,” he replied. “We need all hands on deck, so I’ll make sure ski lessons are canceled until the storm passes, too.”
Raven Ashley, the owner of the Snowed Inn and Lodge, laughed and grinned. “Wow. I can already hear the hearts breaking of all the women who booked solos so they could meet a hunky ski instructor.”
Gavin leaned further back in his chair with a smirk. “You’re one to talk.”
“Hmmm?” Raven replied innocently.
“You’re constantly chasing single male guests away with a stick.”
Raven shrugged and tucked wayward strands of her long, straight blonde hair behind her ear. “Not a stick. Bed bugs.”
Raven delivered the retort with a serious look, but we all knew she was joking, as evidenced by the chuckles that floated over the crowd. The inn owner was well known for her sense of humor—and her love of Christmas magic.
“You laugh,” grumbled a tall, good-looking man with red hair, freckles, and an Irish accent. Colin Ferguson was the assistant manager at the inn. “You’re not the ones who found at least three dozen tiny rubber spiders in your office,” he finished with a shudder.
Raven gasped and glared at her assistant manager. “You put hot sauce in my spiced hot chocolate!”
Colin grinned, his green eyes twinkling merrily. “Spicysauce,” he emphasized, then snorted. “And you know exactly why I did that.”
I pressed my lips together to avoid laughing. Colin and Raven were like brother and sister and while they deeply respected each other, they got a kick out of pushing the other one’s buttons. It was one of the things that endeared them to the guests–who were known to jump in and help from time to time.
Clearing my throat, I regained everyone’s attention. It only took us about fifteen minutes to run through all of the tasks that needed to be done before the storm hit.
“I think that’s it,” I announced, scanning my list one last time. “Have a great holiday, everyone! I’ll see you all at the town party on New Year’s Eve.”
1
Lincoln
Ihonestly wasn’t sure how my plane landed on the ground without crashing. The flight had been delayed twice due to weather in my hometown of Snow Valley. But when we arrived at the small airport near Winter Falls, it was almost midnight and snowing even harder, with the wind whipping the flakes into a frenzy.
By the time I deplaned and ran across the tarmac to the two-terminal building, the heavy snow had covered me from head to toe. Since I was between snowboard competitions, I’d been a little careless with my appearance, letting my dark blond hair grow a bit shaggy and my beard come in fully. Despite the knit cap I’d pulled on when they opened the door, my wet hair flopped in my face, and I shivered down to my bones.
Once inside, I set down my carry-on and shook off as much of the snow as possible before putting my soggy hat and gloves in my pocket. At least my ski parka was nice and dry inside. The jeans had been a stupid decision, though, as they were currently plastered to my body.
With a sigh, I picked up my duffel bag and followed the signs to the car rental. I was glad I’d had the foresight to reserve a four-wheel drive, but then, I’d grown up with weather like this. Driving in snowy conditions was old hat, but I still needed an appropriate vehicle.
A woman with red glasses and a wide smile greeted me as I approached the counter. “Merry Christmas! I’m Cindy. How can I help you?” she greeted me cheerfully. Her enthusiasm did not help my mood. My Christmas spirit had been depleted several hours ago when I was sitting in a plane on the tarmac with nothing but pretzels to replace the Christmas dinner I was missing.
“I have a reservation.”
