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Bennett:Send pics.
The shower turned off, covering the cabin in silence. I sipped my coffee before standing up to leave, giving Jamie the privacy she needed to dress and get ready. Stepping out onto the deck I got my first view of Park City in all its morning glory. The sun was hitting the snow-covered mountains just right, other cabins peeking out from the trees. It was quiet—so quiet I bet you could hear a pin drop. It was absolutely stunning.
“Good morning, Daxton.”
I turned at the sound of my middle name to see Harrison walk up with a thermos in his hand. The man was wearing a winter coat, snow boots and . . . shorts.
“Morning, Harrison, aren't you cold?” I asked. Considering I was able to see my own breath as I talked, I knew he must be very cold.
But instead, he shook his head. “Nah, I’ve slept in colder than this.”
“You didn’t sleep outside, did you?” I knew I was asking a dumb question, but I couldn’t help but wonder.
Harrison laughed. “No, mom wouldn’t let me even if I tried. You probably couldn’t see the other cabin last night, but the parents and I are in that cabin.” Using his thermos he pointed to the cabin up the road, closer to the main cabin we ate in last night. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did, thank you and woke up to Jamie making coffee.” I smiled, bringing my cup to my lips to take a full gulp.
Harrison took a drink from his own thermos. “Where is Jamie? Mom sent me over here to tell you guys to get ready for brunch.”
I nodded towards the house. “She just got out of the shower. Just thought I’d give her some privacy.”
He nodded and then took a deep breath, closing his eyes and tilting his head back. “You’ll love it here. Park City is . . . clean.”
“Clean? Compared to?”
“Anywhere really. I’ve traveled a lot, but this is always my favorite place to come every year. And not just because my family is here.” Opening his eyes, he took in the scenery. A chill air flew by, hitting our cheeks just right. “Ha,” Harrison laughed. “I bet you your coffee is cold now.”
“That just means I’ll get to make more for Jamie.”
Harrison squinted his eyes and looked at me. His bushy beard and hair covered most of his face, but his green eyes still stood out through the hair. He looked like a mountain man, one who went weeks without a shower, sometimes even food. There was no telling where this man had been in his years and suddenly, I wanted to know all about him.
He hummed. “Good response.”
The cabin door creaked open, and Jamie stepped out, making both of us turn. Dressed in black leggings and a gray baggy sweater, her wet hair fell over her shoulders. She looked towards me and her brother. I could almost see the hamster spinning in the wheel. The many thoughts that could be going through her brain. I shifted my feet and reached out for her arm. Pinching her sweater between my fingers I pulled her close, wrapping my arm around her shoulders.
Was my PDA a little too much? Maybe, but honestly, if she was willing to take it, I would keep giving it.
“What are you two talking about?”
“Your boyfriend's cold coffee,” Harrison replied.
“I was just about to make another pot.” I raised my chin slightly and looked down at Jamie. Arching her back, she stayed close to me while looking up to meet my gaze.
Harrison let out a long sigh. “Actually, Jamie . . . dry your hair. We’re leaving for the cafe soon. Dax can get more coffee there.”
“Perfect.” Jamie placed her hand on my chest and pushed herself off. “I guess I’ll go braid my hair. Give me a few more minutes. Oh Harrison”—she pointed at her brother—“you took a shower, proud of you.”
Harrison chuckled and looked down at his feet. “I shower.”
“I need to know all about your adventures Harrison. Every. Single. One.” I took another drink of my coffee, which was—as Harrison predicted—freezing cold.
He smiled, the white shining through his dark beard. “Those are bonfire night stories.” He turned his back, stuffing his freehand in his coat pocket. “See you soon.”
I watched as he trudged back through the snow, a foot almost falling out of his boot - but the man pressed forward until he was at the front porch. Before he went inside, he removed his boots, leaving them sitting by the front door.
I took one last glance at the mountains—pulling my phone out to snap a photo of the view, before instantly sending it to the group chat with Milo and Clay, and then I sent it separately to Bennet.
Milo:Looks like Marble - only a lot bigger!
