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“We’re ready now!” Cora proclaimed.
“Well, get over here and let’s watch this movie,” I told her.
They peeled off their snow-soaked coats and boots and bounced back over to their blankets and pillows, snuggling in like they had never left. I looked over at Skye, who was now sitting up, and gave her a quick wink. I didn’t know if we were ever going to get more than this, but I wasn’t going to take any second of it for granted.
15
SKYE
After working through bothFrozenmovies, way too much popcorn, and at least five pounds of candy, the girls were sufficiently satisfied, and I was ready to get out on the slopes. Beth was taking Laila and Cora for the afternoon, so Owen and I were free to hit the bigger slopes together, something we hadn’t done yet.
We headed to the main lodge, got suited up, and were ready to spend the afternoon in the sun. We hopped onto the lift, and I looked over at Owen, feeling my heart warm with affection. I couldn’t help but feel like I had had a stroke of luck reuniting with him like this. It was as if the universe conspired to bring us back together.
The air was crisp, and our laughter blended seamlessly with the distant echoes of other skiers on the slopes as we rode up to the top of the mountain. It felt just like childhood, when we could talk about anything and everything, and the laughter came easily.
“You know I’m, like, really good at skiing, right?” Owen asked as we reached the top.
“If you’re as good at skiing as you are at building snowmen, then I can’t wait to see you out there.”
“Listen, I didn’t realize it was an art contest. I just thought we were having fun.’
“Your snowman looked more like a—how do I put this nicely—a blob? Like snow fell off the roof and just piled there? I mean, if it had been a Jabba the Hut building contest, you definitely would have won.”
“Ouch,” he said as he put his hand over his heart in mock-hurt.
We hopped off the lift and moved out of the way before I had a chance to respond.
“I guess you’ll just have to prove yourself.”
“Are you challenging me?”
“Well, only if you think you can handle it. I’m an excellent skier.”
“Oh, I can handle it. I’m not worried about that. I’m just afraid you’re going to get your feelings hurt when I beat you.”
“Trust me, you don’t have to worry about that.”
“I know; you’re very strong.”
“No, I mean, you’re not going to beat me so it doesn’t matter either way.”
“Wow, someone is confident.”
“It’s on, Anderson.”
“Good luck, Harris.”
We shook hands and narrowed our eyes at one another. A little healthy competition never hurt anyone, right? Under the vast blue sky, Owen and I found ourselves gearing up for an impromptu skiing competition. The excitement in Owen’s eyes mirrored my own as we prepared to take on the mountains and, perhaps, each other’s skills.
“First one to the bottom wins?”
“You’re on.”
With a playful glint in his eyes, he gestured for me to take the lead, his smile cocky and condescending, yet somehow still encouraging. I took off, my skis gliding over the powdery snow with a sense of exhilaration. He followed closely behind, his movements calculated and precise. I had to admit, he was keeping up better than I thought he would.
As we raced down the slopes, the wind rushed past us, and the snowflakes swirled around, creating a whirl of white. We dodged people, trees, and posts. Then went over jumps, rails, and hills.
The wind was whipping past me and I couldn’t see Owen anywhere. I feared he had gotten too far ahead, and I would never catch up to him. I returned my focus to the slopes ahead of me. I pushed faster and faster, and just when I thought I was going to launch myself into the snow, Owen came zipping past me, moving at light speed.
