“I might be terrible at it.”
He pulled her into the circle of his arms. “Even if you hate it there is plenty to enjoy at Snow Crystal. Trust me on that. You’ll have a great time. Luxury cabin by a frozen lake. Snowy forest. Log fire. Shelves of books, extra large bed—”
“Stop! You’re making sure I can’t possibly say no.”
“Why would you say no?”
“Because it isn’t something I’ve ever done before.”
“Isn’t that what Challenge Harriet is all about?”
“Good point. And what would I wear to a winter wedding?”
“Something warm, because knowing the O’Neil family at least part of it will be outdoors.” He stayed silent, letting her chew it over, surprised by how badly he wanted her there. “Well? What do you think?”
She smiled. “I think it sounds like one big challenge. Which makes it perfect. What do I need to pack?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
THE GENEROUS FALL of snow had turned Vermont into a winter wonderland. They drove over covered bridges white with snow and through villages decked for the holidays. They passed storefronts decorated with fresh green wreaths and windows strung with sparkling lights. Harriet saw pretty clapboard homesteads and people overloaded with parcels struggling home through the snow. And then there were the mountains, their snowy peaks and forested slopes cradling the villages be
low.
“I never believed in love at first sight until now. It’s magical,” she breathed. “Like something from a Christmas fairy tale.” The words caught in her throat. This was Christmas as she’d imagined it should be when she was a child and trying to escape the reality of her own.
Of course reality had been nothing like this.
In their house, Christmas had been another day to be endured. Worse, if anything, than other days because of the pressure to spend it together. Oh, they’d gone through the motions, opening presents, eating food. Sadly, her father’s temper didn’t take a holiday. If anything it was exacerbated when he was caged with his family. A wife he loved, but who didn’t love him back. Children who understood none of it.
Would things have been different, Harriet wondered, if they’d known the truth?
Ethan was driving, his hands steady on the wheel as he tackled the increasingly challenging road conditions.
“This fall of snow is lucky for them. Good start to the winter. Are you cold?” He glanced at her briefly. “You haven’t taken your hat off.”
“I’m good.” And she had a reason for not removing her hat. A road sign flashed past and she squinted at it. “Moose Crossing?”
“They have to cross exactly there or they get a ticket.” Ethan kept a straight face and she laughed.
“I may be a city girl, but I’m not stupid.”
He slowed his speed as they approached a bend in the road. “It’s a warning to motorists. If there’s one thing you don’t want to hit around here it’s a moose.”
“I’m sure the moose would agree. Can’t be a happy experience for him, either.”
He glanced at her with a smile and a shake of his head. “Only you would think about the emotional impact on the moose.”
“What were you thinking of?”
“The probable injuries incurred by the driver. I’m assuming you’ve never had a collision with a moose. They have long legs. If you hit one at night the likely scenario is that they come shooting through your windshield and that’s one hell of a lot of animal landing on you. The result isn’t pretty.”
“Have you ever seen that happen?”
“Not many moose in Times Square.”
“Oh funny.” She pulled a face. “You worked out in the boonies, and you’ve visited here every year for decades. You must have had a moose encounter.”
“Only when hiking.”