Deep Freeze Christmas

by Marian P. Merritt

  "Yes, it does." He smiled and gazed into her eyes until she broke the connection and turned toward the moon.

  Silent, they stared into the night sky. After a few moments, Max ran off and romped in the snowdrifts along the pond.

  Cameron stood and watched Max. "Looks as if he's having fun."

  "Yep." Leona imagined being as carefree as Max and enjoying the snow as much as the yellow Lab did. She'd seen movies where kids laid in the snow and made snow angels.

  Could she do it?

  Should she?

  Why not?

  "I think we should join him." She leapt off the steps and lay in a large drift. The snow caressed her as she began moving her arms up and down and her legs in and out. The cold ice seeped into her collar, but she didn't care. Sheer joy filled her heart. Laughter bubbled inside and then exploded. She finally stood and stepped away from her handiwork.

  Cameron laughed and leaned on the railing. "Looks like a perfect angel to me."

  She peered his way and realized he looked at her and not her snow artwork.

  Max dashed around her wanting to play, breaking the connection she and Cameron had for just an instant. Max jumped up, and she raced away from him. She didn't get far. He caught up and knocked her into the snow. She wrestled with him until they both panted with exhaustion.

  Cameron's laughter drifted through the night as he caught up to where she and Max lay in the snow.

  "We're pooped." She gasped for air.

  "Um…think again," Cameron said as Max jumped after a rabbit at the edge of the forest.

  "Shouldn't you go after him?"

  "He'll find his way back." Cameron plopped into the snow next to her. Close. Too close.

  "Speaking of heading back. I need to. Five AM will be here soon." She stood and dusted the snow off her shoulders and legs. Besides, she'd spent enough time with Cameron. He was here with Marissa, and Leona had no intention of coming between them. What was he doing out here with her anyway?

  "I imagine it does. Any hints on what's for breakfast?"

  "Nothing special tomorrow. Traditional biscuits and sausage gravy with scrambled eggs and fruit."

  "Sounds great."

  They walked together toward the lodge.

  When Leona glanced at the upstairs balcony, Marissa stood at the opened door staring down at them—her glare evident in the bright evening moonlight.

  After a few minutes, Max sprinted past them toward the porch.

  "See, I told you he'd find us." He stopped at the back porch. "I'll take him in the side door. His kennel is in the mud room there."

  Leona stomped her boots on the side of the steps and walked up the porch to the back door. "Goodnight, Cameron."

  "Good night, Leona."

  After he walked away, she removed her boots and entered. She'd probably gone too far with the romp in the snow with Max and Cameron. When would she learn? The night had been so perfect until Cameron showed up—or had it been perfect because he'd shown up?

  ****

  Cameron wiped the snow from Max's coat and paws and settled him in for the night. He slid a carabineer on the kennel to avoid Max's repeat escape.

  He sat on the bench and removed his boots. What a night. The first time he'd laughed out loud in a long time. Working in the entertainment business had not been entertaining for him. His father's high expectations and Cameron's non-stop busyness had zapped any ideas of old-fashion fun. Even parties were for networking. And many of the women he met were more interested in his bank account and what he could do for their career than in him.

  Tonight, Leona had shown him a glimpse into what being with someone who enjoyed life and who believed in God could be like. That was another thing he'd let slip from his life—God.

  She hadn't cared about her makeup or what her hair was doing. She'd just enjoyed the moment and the snow. Her childlike wonder had captivated him.

  He'd actually seen the skies from a different perspective tonight, and it felt good. He climbed the stairs in his socks and tiptoed down the hall careful not to make any noise. At this late hour, he knew his dad's guests were asleep. As he turned the knob of his bedroom door, a noise behind caused the muscles along his back to tighten.

  Marissa's room was across the hall. Her sultry, whispered voice wafted out. "Cameron, I'm still awake. Would you like to visit?" She was standing in the doorway. Thankfully, she'd donned a thick robe. But there was no mistaking her intent when she slid her leg through the slit in the robe.

  Cameron swallowed, he didn't want to hurt her feelings, but he had to be honest with her. "Marissa, I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression about us. I brought you here as my father's guest only."

  Her bottom lip protruded and her brows furrowed. "Now, Cameron, don't give up on us just yet. I think we can be good together." She met him in the middle of the hallway and grabbed his shirt collar. When she guided his lips to hers, Cameron froze. How could she be so bold? Her hands pulled him closer to her.

  He reached up and slid her arms from around his neck. A sound at the end of the hallway captured his attention. He turned to see Leona standing near the stairway.

  Cinq

  The next morning, Leona whipped the white gravy while Chef made drop biscuits.

  "Hey, take it easy on that poor innocent gravy. It didn't do nothing to you." Chef nudged her with his elbow. "What's de matter, shâ?"

  "Oh, nothing." She usually loved when Chef used the Cajun variation of chéri, but somehow this morning the term of endearment only irritated her.

  He raised his left eyebrow and gave her "the look" he was famous for. As much as she wanted to tell Chef what was on her mind, she couldn't.

  Last night, when she'd seen Cameron and Marissa kissing, she knew then they were together. She'd felt even worse for encouraging the playfulness they'd shared last night. And the good things she wanted to think about him were also dashed. Why did he keep showing an interest in her when he was with Marissa? Those were the guys she had little use for. She couldn't hide her disappointment. The smirk on Marissa's face had been as sharp as a knife stab right to Leona’s gut.

  "How's dat gravy comin'?"

  "Almost done, Chef. The bacon is ready, fruit sliced, and the eggs are scrambled—waiting to be cooked."

  "Very good. The biscuits will only take a few minutes."

  Leona was elated when Chef had decided to do a buffet-style breakfast. She wouldn't have to be in and out of the dining room to serve the guests. She could check on the food and then come back into the kitchen.

  Chef had set up the buffet earlier. He began taking dishes out to the serving area.

  Leona followed with a chafing dish filled with bacon and transferred it into the buffet server.

  Cameron came into the dining room. "Yum, bacon. You can never have too much bacon." He stole a few pieces as he followed Leona.

  "I'm sure your arteries would say differently." She put the tray in place and then walked back into the kitchen.

  Chef started the eggs. "Leona, would you check on the biscuits."

  "Sure, Chef."

  Cameron stood at the counter.

  "Mornin', Cameron. What're you up to this mornin'?"

  "Oh, Dad has several snowmobiles so we're taking a trip through the woods. I wanted to see if you could spare Leona for the day."

  "Hmmm, that's a tough question. I suppose I could, but dat's up to Leona." Chef turned his attention to her.

  She gave Chef the death stare. How dare he leave it up to her?

  "I need to be here. I've committed to cooking, and that's what I'm here to do. Thanks for the offer Cameron, but I think I'll pass." She didn't need to spend time with him. He was here with Marissa. He needed to spend his days with her.

  His disheartened look tore at her heart. She didn't understand him. Not at all. But the expression in his gaze begged to be heard. Was he trying to get her alone to explain last night? As far as she was concerned, she'd seen all she needed to put her mind to rest about Camero
n Fleming.

  Once he'd left the kitchen, Chef turned to her. "You know we're doin' bag lunches today and a light dinner tonight. You could have gone wit' him."

  "Chef, he's here with Marissa. I'm not playing those games."

  "Somehow, petite, knowin' what I know about Cameron, I can't imagine him being wit Marissa."

  "Well, I believe he is, and I'm not getting involved with him." She pulled the biscuits from the oven and placed them in a warmed wrap inside a basket.

  "Suit yourself. But he's a good guy, and dere's always more to every story than what you see." He ladled the scrambled eggs into a chafing dish and carried them into the dining room.

  Leona went in with the warm biscuits. As she turned the corner, she nearly bumped into Marissa.

  With a Cheshire cat grin plastered on her face, the actress greeted Leona. "Well, good morning. Did you have a nice walk in the snow last night? Cameron told me all about it."

  Great. Cameron had discussed her. Leona tried to ignore the heat rising in her face but felt God prompting her heart to offer kindness instead of what Marissa expected. "It was nice, Marissa. You should have come out."

  Marissa paused and looked at Leona with her head cocked to one side. "I wasn't invited."

  "You didn't need to be. No one was. It was impromptu. Oh, by the way, I'm baking Christmas cookies later this afternoon and wanted to know if you wanted to help."

  Marissa blinked a few times and stared.

  Leona braced for assault but felt God prompting her to make the offer.

  "No, thank you," Marissa replied.

  "OK, maybe next time."

  Cameron approached with stocking cap and scarf in hand. "Maybe next time what?"

  Marissa linked her arm through his. "Leona is making cookies and wanted to know if I wanted to participate."

  "Like in decorating sugar cookies?"

  Leona nodded.

  Cameron smiled. "I'll help, I love doing those."

  That was not what Leona had in mind. Disappointment painted the other woman’s face. "Maybe I will take you up on that offer, after all." The smile she imparted toward Leona did not reach her eyes.

  "Good, it'll be fun." Leona smiled.

  Bryan walked in behind Cameron. "What'll be fun?"

  "We're making sugar cookies this afternoon, woohoo." The sarcasm from Marissa shot through.

  "Really? I used to do those with my mom every Christmas when I was a kid. I sure missed that when she passed away." Bryan glanced out the window, but not before Leona got a glimpse of the sadness clouding his eyes.

  "You're welcome to join us," Leona offered.

  He smiled with dazzling brilliance.

  Leona got a glimpse of why woman melted at his feet.

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "That would be the best Christmas present ever. I would love to."

  "Then it's settled. The four of us will make cookies when y'all get back from your snowmobile rides." Leona turned toward the kitchen.

  "Wait," Bryan called after her. "Aren't you coming with us? I need a partner. Won't you join me?"

  When she turned back to the group, she was met with hopeful smiles from Bryan and Cameron. Marissa's painted on smile spoke the loudest.

  What should she do? Bryan had been the one to invite her, not Cameron. She'd never ridden a snowmobile before and would love to see the countryside. Would this be her only chance while here?

  "I don't know."

  "C'mon. I'm sure Chef can spare you for the day." Bryan put his hands together. "Please come."

  It wasn't everyday a man deemed The Sexiest Man Alive begged you to go snowmobiling with him. She'd surely have to mark this in her journal. His green gaze beckoned.

  Cameron donned his stocking cap. "C'mon. Chef already said it was OK."

  CG walked in. "Everybody ready? Leona, are you joining us? We'd love to have you."

  Bryan's questioning gaze never left her. "Well?"

  "OK, sounds like fun. Let me tell Chef." She ran into the kitchen, and before she could say anything, Chef waved her off. "Go. It's time you had some fun, girl. You work too hard."

  She kissed his cheek. "See you this afternoon."

  He handed her a sack lunch. "Dress warm."

  "Yes, Chef." She snickered, grabbed the lunch, and then dropped it off with the others before running upstairs to change.

  Marissa did not look very happy.

  ****

  Just out the door, four large snowmobiles lined the front driveway. Cameron's dad had installed trails years ago, and they'd added a few additional ones every couple of years. Today CG would lead them through the latest trails and to a gorgeous spot on top of the mountain for their picnic.

  CG and Coco led the group, followed by Henry and Charlene, Bryan and Leona, with Cameron and Marissa bringing up the rear.

  As they gathered speed, Cameron's heart rate sped as well. He'd forgotten the thrill of riding the big machines. He wouldn't be able to be too adventurous with Marissa onboard, but there were a few open fields where they could have some fun.

  Leona, just ahead of him, dressed in a snowsuit with one of his dad's helmets on, turned her head from side to side. Was she enjoying the ride? Taking in the beautiful views? He hoped so. It was always a treat to have someone come up to their lodge who'd never been in snow before. It was like experiencing his first time all over again through their eyes. He was happy she'd come.

  He searched his brain trying to remember who she reminded him of. Her warm brown eyes brought a familiar calm when he looked into them. It felt like coming home after being gone for a long time. He wanted to spend as much time as possible with her for purely selfish reasons—he liked how he felt when he was around her.

  Marissa, with her arms around him, squeezed his waist, reminding him who sat behind him. A twinge of guilt pierced. He couldn't stop thinking about Leona even while the beautiful and desirable Marissa clamored for his attention. Most men would trade places with him in a heartbeat.

  Six

  When Leona lifted the visor on her helmet, a gust of frigid air flashed in. She craned to see all of the mountain landscape. The aspens and Douglas fir dotted the trail in contrasting evergreen and white. She loved the "eyes" of the Aspen bark. Although, it was hard to see zipping along as fast as they did, the speed added to the fun. Thankfully, she'd bundled well, and the cold air couldn't seep into her suit.

  When they climbed the crest and circled to a stop, the view of the valley took her breath away. She and Bryan dismounted the snowmobile, removed their helmets, and waded through the thick snow closer to the edge for a better view. She inhaled deeply and allowed the clean air to cool her lungs.

  Wow. She was at a loss for words to describe the unparalleled beauty. The valley lay sprawled below with the partially frozen river winding through. The lodge nestled in one of the river's bends appeared as a miniature in the vast landscape. She'd never seen anything as majestic and awe-inspiring. How could anyone take in this kind of beauty and not believe in God?

  "Isn't it beautiful?" Bryan asked.

  "Yes, like nothing I've seen before. God's handiwork at its absolute best." She exhaled a cloud of mist.

  He shook his head. "God? Haven't heard that in a while. My mom believed."

  "You don't?" She sat on a large rock protruding from the snow and slid over to give him room to sit.

  He joined her. "Not really."

  "So who do you think created all this amazing beauty?" She inhaled his woodsy, manly cologne.

  "No one. It's just here." He smiled at her with a twinkle in his stunning green eyes.

  "Just here, huh?" She nudged his arm. "You'll have to do better than that, Golby. This…" She spread her arms out. "…doesn't just happen. What would your mom have thought?"

  "She would have agreed with you. God's handiwork." He looked out toward the valley. "She would have loved this spot."

  "Sounds like a special lady. I would have liked her."

  He turned to her. "
You would have. She loved to cook and make people feel at home. A lot like you."

  Warmth spread through her neck and face. She didn't know how to respond.

  "The fire is ready." Cameron walked over to where Bryan and Leona sat. "Also, Julian added a few thermos bottles of hot chocolate and coffee."

  "That sounds great." Leona rose and retrieved hers and Bryan's lunches from the back of their snowmobile.

  They walked to the fire ring where CG had installed benches in a circle. She sat in the open spot by Marissa and warmed her hands next to the roaring fire.

  "That feels good." She took the offered thermos of hot chocolate and cups from Marissa.

  "This chocolate is really good. Did you make this?" Marissa asked.

  "No, this is Chef's recipe."

  "Why do you call him Chef?"

  "It's a habit now. I did it when I first started working for him years ago. It's a way to show that I respect him and his position." Leona poured a cup and then passed the thermos and cups to Bryan.

  Cameron leaned forward from next to Marissa. "So, Leona what did you think about snowmobiling?"

  "I loved it. This place is fantastic. I'll remember this trip for quite a while." She sipped her chocolate.

  On the opposite side of her, Bryan leaned forward and placed his elbow on his thigh. "Aren't you glad you came?"

  "I am. I really am." She smiled at him, and he returned hers with a brilliant one of his own.

  "Bryan, I'm impressed you can drive one of those things." Marissa pointed back toward the snowmobiles. She smiled sweetly at Bryan.

  Marissa's attitude with men seemed to be like the kid in the room full of toys. She only wanted the one another kid was interested in.

  Now that Leona understood that, she could more easily deal with the actress. "Have you ever driven one of those?" Leona asked Marissa.

  "Who me? Never. And you wouldn't catch me trying either. I’m content to sit on the back and enjoy the scenery."

  "What about you, Leona? Would you try it?" Cameron asked while warming his hands near the fire.