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The next morning was one of excitement and chaos, and I hadn’t even had a chance to think about what almost happened with Skye. What I wish would have happened. What I hoped would happen eventually.
When Cora called for me that night, she had woken from a bad dream and was terrified when she couldn’t find me. I felt awful for leaving her like that, and once we were reunited, all she wanted to do was crawl in bed with me.
So, I took her and Laila back to our chalet, where they both spent the night in my bed, and I got very little sleep between thinking about Skye, and trying to avoid getting hit in the face by tiny little hands and feet.
The girls woke long before I was ready, but fortunately, Beth was ready for them, and occupied them for a little while so I could put myself together. When I finally forced myself out of bed, I peered out the window towards Skye’s bedroom. The bedroom where we had almost…
Her curtains were still closed, and I hoped she was able to get better sleep than I had. Before I had a chance to spend too much time looking through the window like an absolute creep, there was a knock on my bedroom door.
“Hi, Beth,” I said as I cracked it open.
“I’m sorry, but the girls are very eager to get going.”
“I know, I know. I’ll be right out.”
Beth nodded as she walked away. I wasn’t sure if I was still pleased with my decision, or I was regretting leaving all of their presents at the Harris’ chalet. I should have known that they would have very limited patience for waiting around. I couldn’t blame them. I was excited to get going, too. But not for the same reasons they were.
I pulled on my Christmas sweater the girls had gifted me last year, and ran a comb through my ever-graying hair. I probably should have taken a shower or at least had a shave, but I knew Laila and Cora didn’t have the patience for that.
When I came downstairs, the girls were standing next to the front door, bouncing up and down, each of them holding one of Beth’s hands.
“Can we go now?” Cora squealed.
“Yes, yes, we can go now.”
The two girls bolted out the door and into the deep snow that was nearly up to their ears. I followed them outside, and took a deep breath of the fresh mountain air. There really was nothing quite like the air in the Alps.
A few short minutes later,I was relaxing in a leather armchair with a mug of hot coffee in my hands. The crackling of the fireplace filled the room with a comforting rhythm, its flames casting dancing shadows on the walls adorned with charming wooden accents.
Around me, the adults were nestled in various corners of the room, their faces illuminated by the soft, flickering glow. The aroma of breakfast, prepared with love and care, wafted from the kitchen, promising a feast of delectable treats. The scent of cinnamon mingled with the freshness of pine, creating an intoxicating perfume that hung in the air.
Outside, the snowfall had intensified into a flurry, painting the world in a pristine white. The snowflakes, delicate and intricate, clung to the windowpanes, creating a mesmerizing mosaic. Beyond the glass, the snow-laden trees stood tall and majestic, their branches bowing under the weight of the freshly fallen snow. Every now and then, a gust of wind would shake the trees, causing the snow to cascade down like powdered sugar, adding to the enchantment of the scene.
I glanced across the room at Skye, who was leaning against the doorframe to the kitchen. I couldn’t truly put into words how much I adored her. She had so far spent the morning making sure everyone had food, coffee, and cocoa, while also ensuring that all the kids got the correct presents to open.
She watched over everyone with a smile on her face, like there was no place she would rather be. I must have spent too long watching, because she looked over at me and her cheeks turned the slightest shade of pink. I smiled at her, and wished that I could talk to her about last night.
In the moment, I felt like we were on the same page. She wanted it just as badly as I did, it seemed, and I could sense her disappointment when I had to leave the room. I just hoped she hadn’t changed her mind since then. I don’t know if I would be able to handle never kissing those sweet lips again.
When I looked back over at where she had been standing, she was gone. I looked around to see if she had found a seat somewhere, but it appeared she had left the room.
A moment later, she reemerged with a small package in her hands. It was wrapped in red paper, and had a big silver bow on top. She crossed the room to me and sat on the arm of the chair.
“What have you got there?” I asked.
“Oh, um, this is for you,” she said, trying to hide her smile.
I was completely taken aback. She hadn’t known I would be there. How in the world did she get me a present in the short amount of time we had been in Switzerland. There wasn’t a town nearby, and the resort gift shop was full to the brim of tourist souvenirs.
Regardless, I was thrilled she had thought of me, but also incredibly embarrassed that I didn’t have anything for her. I was certain she hadn’t been expecting anything, but I made a mental note to send her a gift just as soon as I got back to New York.
Skye handed me the small box a bit sheepishly, and I took it from her, having no idea what to anticipate.
“I’m sorry, it’s kind of a dumb gift, but I really wanted to get you something.”
“I’m sure I will love it. Thank you, Skye.”
I peeled at the paper to reveal a white box. When I opened it, there was a little snow globe with the main cabin of the resort inside. I shook it, and the snow began to fall gently over the peaks of the roof, and onto the tiny trees.
