When the Snow Falls Page 8

  Liam and Hannah followed Max through the crowded gymnasium down a long hall that was decorated with Christmas trees cut from green construction paper. Bells and angels and snowflakes had been placed neatly on bulletin boards. Hannah couldn’t get enough of the cheery scene. How had she missed this as a child? It wasn’t as though she’d had a bad childhood. Her father had been wonderful, but sadly, he hadn’t bothered to share the joy one should share with a child and their loved ones during this festive time of year. Like the fictitious character created by Charles Dickens, Hannah had experienced a life-changing moment, only hers wasn’t nearly as dramatic as the story of Scrooge. But it was far more of an eye-opener. She would not let another minute pass without being forever thankful to Angelica Shepard and the students at Telluride High. As a matter of fact, she had all those millions at home just sitting in the bank. She would find something charitable that she could be a part of, maybe something to help children from abusive homes. Yes! That was it. She would talk to Grace later and see what she thought of the idea.

  Cheered by her newly discovered love for Christmas and the joy it brought to so many, Hannah couldn’t wait to call Camden and tell her about her experience.

  In the cafeteria, Max had gathered a large group of people, and one by one, he introduced Hannah and Liam.

  “This is Stephanie, Patrick’s wife. And this”—Max fluffed the blond curls on the head of a little baby boy—“is Shannon Patrick Edward O’Brien, future Olympian.”

  “You don’t know that,” said a young girl with dark brown hair and large brown eyes. She appeared to be around ten or so.

  “Amanda, mind your manners,” Stephanie said. “This is my daughter, Amanda. And this”—Stephanie motioned for another girl, who had been talking with a group of kids her age and was the spitting image of Amanda to come over—“is Ashley, who is thirteen.”

  Both girls shook hands with Hannah and Liam.

  Next they were introduced to Ella, Max and Grace’s daughter. “I’m three,” she said, and held up three pudgy fingers.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Ella. I am three, too, but twice,” Hannah explained to the little girl with dark hair and green eyes just like her mother’s.

  The little girl didn’t have a clue what Hannah was referring to, but since everyone else laughed, she laughed right along with them.

  “This is Bryce, Grace’s brother, and his beautiful wife, Melanie.”

  More handshaking and nice-to-meet-yous. Hannah knew she wouldn’t remember everyone’s name, but at least when Max spoke of them, she would be able to recall their faces. Faces she always remembered; names . . . well, not so much. That was Camden’s job.

  Patrick kept looking around, then spied a couple, raced across the room, and practically dragged them across the cafeteria. “This is my sister Claire and her fiancé, Quinn Connor. They’re attorneys, too. Quinn is from Ireland.”

  Liam stepped forward to shake his hand. “Nice to meet ya,” he said with an overly exaggerated Irish accent.

  “And ya, too,” Quinn said in a genuine Irish accent. “We’ll have to talk shop another time.”

  “Nice meeting you both,” Hannah said. There were so many people, she was a bit overwhelmed by it all. In a good way.

  “Okay, I think you’ve met most of the clan. We’re all going to Eagles Nest for a late dinner, minus the kiddies, of course, if you want to join us. We’ll take the gondola up, though. No snow coach this time.” Max searched the group, stopping when his eyes found Grace. They were a handsome couple, Hannah thought. Though she didn’t think Max could hold a candle to Liam, but now wasn’t the time or place for those kinds of thoughts.

  “Do you want to go?” Liam asked her.

  “I’m game if you are,” Hannah said excitedly. “I am hungry, come to think of it. I don’t think I’ve eaten since breakfast.”

  “Then I’ll take that as a yes.” To Max, he said, “We’ll meet up in say”—Liam looked at his watch—“half an hour?”

  “Perfect. Grace’s mother, Juanita, is in town tonight, so she’ll handle the kiddies. She’s got some help, I think.” Max looked at Grace.

  “Yes, her beau, as she calls him, is hanging around tonight,” Grace said. “Mom is a widow, but I think that might change soon.”

  “How nice,” Hannah said. “I guess we’ll see you at dinner.”

  Finally, they were able to make their escape. When they were inside the Hummer, Hannah leaned back against the headrest. “I think this has been the best evening of my life. And to think what I’ve missed all these years. I am going to make up for it, I promise.”

  “What have you missed?” Liam asked as he carefully maneuvered through the parking lot.

  “Christmas. I’ve missed Christmas.”

  On the drive to the gondola, Hannah gave him the condensed version of her life and her distaste for the holidays.

  “I’ve never been big on celebrations, but I never had anyone to celebrate with. But now I think that’s changed for me as well.”

  Hannah said nothing. She let the silence of the night envelop her and wrap her in the best gift of all.

  The future and all its possibilities.

  Chapter 14

  The next day, nothing happened at The Snow Zone. No calls, no weirdos wanting to poke her. And when Camden called, there was no news on the phone records. She’d stayed out too late last night and enjoyed every single moment, but today she was truly tuckered out. And to think she’d agreed to ski with Liam after they’d finished up for the day.

  Max met up with them long enough to tell them the slopes were theirs for as long as they wanted and insisted on keeping two of the bunny-hill lifts open just for them.

  “This is employee time, too. Don’t forget, these people live to ski. Tasha and Terrence are skiing, too. Don’t say anything to either of them. I want to watch her first. If I see she’s got a bit of talent, I’ll pop up on the slopes. I need to loosen the old bones anyway. Haven’t had time to ski.”

  Hannah and Candy Lee went to the rental shop, where she was fitted with ski boots, beginner skis, and poles. “Oh. My. Gosh. My feet feel like they weigh a ton,” Hannah said as she slowly walked out of the rental shop.

  “You’ll feel as light as a feather once you start gliding through the snow. We have four inches of fresh powder. It’ll be perfect for you. Have fun.” Candy Lee waved and headed for her car. She had a date tonight, and she had told Hannah that while she could ski anytime she wanted, she didn’t always have a date. Hannah told her that she completely understood.

  Liam waited for her at the bottom of the bunny hill. She carried her skis over her shoulder as she’d been instructed. She dropped them on the snow-covered ground next to Liam’s. “I’m a bit nervous. Are you?”

  “A little, but you’re with me. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He looked in her eyes, and Hannah knew what was going to happen next.

  His lips were warm when they touched hers. He tasted like peppermint and chocolate. She kissed him back, softly, her lips gently touching his. The slight kiss sent butterflies to her stomach, and she was sure they were dancing. Liam raised his mouth from hers and gazed into her eyes. “This is okay?” he asked.

  She didn’t bother to answer with words. She stood on her tiptoes in the uncomfortable ski boots and pressed her mouth against his. Waves of desire burned in the center of her, unlike any she’d ever experienced. Liam took that as a sign and deepened the kiss. He parted her lips with his tongue, and she allowed him free rein over her lips, her tongue, her teeth. He continued to explore her mouth until the sound of a snowmobile blasting past them brought them back to earth.

  They broke away from one another, and each felt a bit shy, different, as though their first kiss had changed the status of their relationship. And it had, for both of them.

  Terrence and Tasha came flying through the snow once again, stopping this time when they saw that the couple was no longer in a lip-lock.

  “I knew you two were a
couple; don’t ask me how, but I did,” Terrence said as soon as he removed his helmet. “This is Tasha.”

  “I’ve heard a lot of good things about you. Your brother told me about your dream of becoming an Olympic skier. I think it’s fantastic.”

  “Thanks,” Tasha said shyly. She was petite but muscular. Her honey-colored skin was flushed from the cold, but Hannah knew the girl could have cared less. She saw two sets of skis hooked on the back of the snowmobile. “I’d love to see you ski a bit before I give it a try. Maybe I can learn something from you,” Hannah said, then looked at Liam and winked. He knew what she was up to. He gave her a slight nod.

  Tasha put her skis on first, then her helmet and gloves, along with a pair of goggles. “You’re not supposed to go on the mountain without goggles unless it’s sunny. Right, Terrence?” She looked to her brother for approval.

  “Right, but Miss Ray and Mr. McConnell are guests of Mr. Jorgenson. I think he’ll let them get by without them just this once.”

  At the mention of Max’s name, Tasha’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “He’s the best, you know. Ever.”

  “So I hear. Go ahead, show us your stuff. We’ll be waiting here.”

  Tasha didn’t need to be told twice. She and Terrence took the lift up to the top of the mountain. Somewhere out there, Max would watch her, and she’d either get her hopes and dreams crushed, or—and for some reason, Hannah was almost sure this would be the case—Max might’ve found another gold-medal winner.

  Twenty minutes later, Tasha came flying down to the bottom of the mountain like a speed demon, but graceful as ever. Terrence was several hundred feet behind her, but both Hannah and Liam saw Max in the distance as he slowed down, waiting for Terrence to join his sister at the bottom of the run.

  When they’d taken off their helmets and poled their way over to where Hannah and Liam waited, Max zoomed down the rest of the run, then stopped beside them, sending snow flying through the air.

  “Max Jorgenson!” Tasha shouted. “I. Can’t. Believe. This.”

  Terrence appeared to be truly shocked. Neither was expecting to see Max. Hannah was thrilled to be here to share in the moment. She knew just by the look on Max’s face that he’d seen something special in Tasha, just as Terrence had said.

  “How would you like to have me as your new coach?” Max asked the young girl.

  There were no words. Just happy tears and hugs.

  All those present knew that they would never forget this moment: the birth of a new Olympic-class skier.

  Chapter 15

  Hannah and Liam had spent the better part of the next day locating the culprit who’d hacked into The Snow Zone’s computer system. The result had come as a shock to everyone, except for Stephanie.

  Glenn Marshall, her abusive ex-husband, who’d recently gotten out of prison early for good behavior, had been behind the entire plot. While serving time in the state penitentiary in Cañon City, Colorado, he’d become best buds with his cellmate, a young guy who happened to be serving the tail end of a five-year sentence for credit-card fraud and identity theft. He was smart and computer savvy, and Glenn saw him as a way to grab some heavy-duty cash, as well as to spy on his ex-wife and daughters.

  Philip, the computer expert, had been out of prison for three months before Glenn was released and had used the time to case the joint, so to speak. With what he had learned, they’d plotted to steal as much money as they could from The Snow Zone. The next part of their plan was to travel to Mexico, where they would open a strip club with the money they had stolen.

  When her ex was identified as one of the perpetrators, Stephanie was shocked, humiliated, and mortified. Grace and Max knew this was in no way her fault, and, to be on the safe side until things settled down, both insisted that she and Patrick take the girls to Hawaii for the rest of the year. Not wanting to put his family in harm’s way, Patrick agreed immediately and was now training Terrence to act as his temporary replacement. Max would be there, too, but this also provided an opportunity to help out Terrence and Tasha. They were good kids with a bright future ahead of them. They needed a break, and it seemed that this year Santa was in a very giving mood.

  Tonight was the big ski party, when the main trails would be lit up just like a real Christmas tree, and Tasha would get to show her stuff to the locals and the media. Max had dropped a few hints, and before he knew it, the lighting party had become the big event of the Christmas season at Maximum Glide.

  The biggest surprise of all: Hannah absolutely loved to ski! She’d picked it up instantly that first evening on the slopes, and in a matter of two days was skiing the blue runs like an old pro. She and Liam were both having the time of their lives. She hated to go home, but she knew that while this was a special time for both her and Liam, their relationship would deepen when they returned to Florida. Her heart felt light, and she knew that was because she was falling madly in love with Liam McConnell.

  And he felt the same way; he’d hinted as much when he’d kissed her a second time.

  Lovestruck? Yes! Snow? Yes!

  Cold? Absolutely!

  Epilogue

  The ski runs were as bright as the stars as several hundred people waited to see the girl who was being touted as the next Lindsey Vonn.

  Tasha Alexander was sixteen years old and after tonight, her life would change forever.

  The announcer called for Tasha to take her mark at the top of the mountain. Crowds were gathered at the base of the mountain, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the new Olympic hopeful. Though she had obviously missed the February 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the sixteen-year-old Tasha would be ready for the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, come 2018.

  All watched in silence as the petite girl wearing a hot-pink ski suit flew down the mountain, weaved in and out of the flags without touching a single one, and came to a perfect stop at the end of the run, where the crowd cheered her on, beginning to chant, “Tasha, Tasha, Tasha.”

  She bowed and waved her hot-pink helmet in the cold night air.

  “You know that we’re watching history tonight,” Hannah said as she and Liam stood with Max and Grace in a special stand set up for the media.

  “I know. And we’re going to share our own history, too. You okay with that?” Liam whispered in her ear, sending goose bumps down her spine.

  “I’m very definitely okay with it.”

  “Then let’s go home to Florida tonight. Pierce can be here in a matter of hours.”

  Hannah didn’t want to ruin the moment, but right now she didn’t want to return to Florida. And she had to tell him why.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever told this to anyone, but I’m going to tell you. On Christmas Eve, I’ll turn thirty-four. I have never had a birthday present that wasn’t wrapped in Christmas paper. I would love to have a real, bona fide birthday party at Eagles Nest. Does that sound childish or what?”

  “Wow! I had no clue. You should have told me.”

  “Well, it isn’t something a grown woman goes around telling. It’s silly, but I remember when I was little, I always felt slighted, cheated in a way. Dad was great, but never once did he bother to wrap any of my birthday gifts in anything except Christmas paper. I always felt like my birthdays were too much trouble since they were on Christmas Eve.”

  “Well, Ms. Ray, I will make you a promise. From now on, you are going to have the biggest and the best birthday party money and I can plan and buy. But right now, how would you feel about taking a midnight stroll through the snow?”

  “I never thought I’d hear myself say this, but I would love to.” Hannah stopped. “I forgot something. I need to make a phone call. I know this is bad timing, but I promised Camden I would call and check on Leanne and Art.”

  “Okay. I’ll just step aside and give you some privacy,” Liam said, then turned to walk away.

  “No! I want you beside me. In case I get too cold. You’ll have to wrap me in your arms to keep me warm.”

 
“Now there’s an idea for some birthday-party wrap. Me and you,” Liam said. He kissed her, then pulled her next to him.

  “Now make that phone call and be quick about it. I can’t wait to take that walk and smooch in the snow.”

  Hannah laughed loudly. This was almost too good to be true. But it is what it is, and she was going with it. All of her reservations about the holidays and men were going to be a thing of the past, just like the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol.

  She dialed Camden’s number. Camden answered on the first ring.

  “You’re late; you realize that, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I do, but I have a good excuse. Now, first of all, tell me about Leanne.”

  “She’s still in the hospital, but I convinced her to get an order of protection. She’s agreed, and I’ve taken care of all the paperwork. All I’m waiting for is Judge Sturgis to sign the papers. The cowardly hubby has skipped town, but that was to be expected. With all that family money behind him, I’m sure they’ll keep him hidden for a very long time. Leanne said she wants to return to Hope House when she gets out of the hospital. I told her we would make all the necessary arrangements. You think your friend Grace will let her go back?”

  “Of course she will. I’ll call her tomorrow and explain the situation. Grace will help her, I’m sure. Now, we haven’t talked about your date with Art. How was it? Is he a keeper? Did you like his family? Do they like you?”

  “Good grief, Hannah, you sound exactly like my mother! I swear, if I didn’t know better, I’d think she had been reincarnated and come back as you. I mean that in a funny way, so don’t say anything. Art. Okay. Art is absolutely the nicest guy I’ve met in a very long time. His mom and dad are two adorable little Jewish people with white hair and sparkly blue eyes. They sort of reminded me of a miniature Mr. and Mrs. Claus, but I didn’t want to tell them that, them being Jewish and all. Seriously, they’re adorable. I can’t wait for you to meet them. You should taste her potato latkes. They’re to die for. So, now that you’ve caught that lousy thief, when are you coming home? I just bought Stephen King’s latest book for our beach staycation. I hate lying out alone.”