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Maureen’s stomach fluttered like she was eighteen again.Before she could ask any more questions, the other snow-covered man approached them.
A big man, with a frost-covered beard and a cap pulled low on his head.His eyes sparkled with life and despite his imposing size, Maureen could see he was a jolly man.“Sorry to interrupt,” he said with a slap on Adam’s shoulder.“This must be—”
“This is Maureen.”Adam introduced her.“Maureen, this is Kevin, the man responsible for getting me up to the inn tonight on his snowmobile in what can only be described as—”
“An impossible scenario.”Kevin laughed.“It’s a good thing I enjoy a challenge.”
“A snowmobile?”That would explain the amount of snow covering both the men.“But…why?I mean…”
“When Adam here explained to me how important it was that he get up the mountain tonight, there was no way I could refuse.”Kevin spoke matter-of-factly.“Besides, it was just a little snow.”
“A little snow?”Lucy Gibbons appeared behind them, a scowl on her face as she took in the amount of snow the men were dropping on the floor.“Can I please take your coats, gentlemen?I’m sure you’re going to want a chance to warm up for a few minutes before we discuss the accommodation situation.”
“Don’t worry about me, Lucy.My buddy Russ works out here in maintenance.I can crash on his couch tonight and head back down to town in the morning.”
The innkeeper nodded.“If that’s okay with Russ, it’s okay with us.But please do not risk your life again to head back down until it’s safe.”
The big man shrugged off the concern.“Just because the plows can’t get through doesn’t mean I’ll be stopped.”He laughed while Lucy shook her head.
“At any rate, thank you, for delivering Mr.Lancaster to us.It was incredibly dangerous, but—”
“Worth the risk.”Adam looked directly at Maureen.His green eyes flashed, and she couldn’t help but blush a little.
She really did feel like a girl again.
Kevin laughed and slapped his thigh.“See?”he said to Lucy.“It was worth it.”He turned to Adam and once more slapped him on the back.“Enjoy your stay, buddy.It was nice to meet you and hear all about your lady here.”
By now, Maureen was sure her face was on fire.
“Hold on, Kevin.”Adam reached into the inner pocket of his thick jacket and pulled out his wallet before shrugging out of his jacket and handing it to the innkeeper.“I need to square up with you.”
“Your money is no good with me.”The other man held out his hand and shook his head.“Merry Christmas.I’m just happy I could be a small part of your story.”
“Kevin.I told you I’d pay you.I—”
“I won’t accept it.”He crossed his arms and grinned.“Merry Christmas.To both of you.”He nodded in Maureen’s direction and added, “He was very determined to get up here tonight.I think he really likes you.”
“Okay.Kevin, that’s enough.Stop dripping all over my floor.”Lucy Gibbons grabbed his arm and began to drag him away.
“Have fun, you two,” Kevin called as the innkeeper dragged him away.
Maureen watched him go and took the chance to compose herself before facing Adam.“He seems like quite the character.”
Adam laughed.“That’s putting it mildly.I met him in a pub in town, and when he heard my story…well, I guessourstory…he insisted on helping me out.”Adam’s face turned serious.“And I’m really glad he did.”He reached for her hand.“It’s…well, it’s incredible to see you again, Maureen.You look every bit as beautiful as you were when you were eighteen.More so.”
“Thank you.”She looked down at her hand in his and closed her eyes for a brief moment, unsure she could trust what she was seeing and feeling.“It is absolutely incredible to see you, Adam.I didn’t…I wasn’t sure… Well, I didn’t think you were coming,” she finished honestly.
“I’ll admit, the weather is not ideal.”
“It wasn’t just the weather.”There was no point beating around the bush.“I worried that maybe you might have changed your mind.”
“Never.”
He looked so sincere, any doubts Maureen had vanished.
“Nothing was going to keep me away, Maureen.I’ve waited an entire lifetime to see you again.”
Her heart fluttered, just like it had all those years ago when he bought her that very first lemonade.
