by Sarah Morgan
When he finally released her, she kept her hand on his shoulder for extra support.
Someone strolling past them muttered get a room, and Dan grinned.
“That’s not a bad idea. How about we check into an airport hotel and I’ll show you how much I love you? We’ll tell your parents we were stuck in the snow.”
Even though it was a ridiculous idea, she was almost tempted. Her legs still felt like liquid and her body throbbed with need. The chemistry between them was off the scale. When they were naked and in bed she never had any doubts at all.
“Dan, I’ve been wondering—” Say it, Rosie, say it! “I’m wondering if we should have taken more time over this, that’s all. It’s happening very fast and that’s a lot of pressure.”
“You are so thoughtful, but don’t worry about it. Mom is a champion last-minute organizer. She has never met a crisis she hasn’t defeated. Frankly she thrives on it. Everything will be fine. It’s given her something to focus on. I haven’t seen her this happy since Dad died.”
And still more pressure.
Everything he said made it harder for her to speak up.
“Dan—”
“Wait—is that them?” Dan peered over her shoulder and she turned, searching the flow of people.
They ranged from the very young to the very old, many of them arriving to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. They surged around her wearing scarves, hats and eager expressions while juggling suitcases and parcels.
She saw a family placating a fractious toddler, an exhausted mother soothing a baby.
She didn’t see her parents.
“It’s not them.”
“You’re right, they are taking a long time.” Dan frowned at the last trickle of people. “Your dad would have called if there was an issue, right?”
“I hope so.” Unless he’d forgotten to charge his phone, a habit of his that drove all of them crazy. She rose on tiptoe to study a new bunch of people emerging through the doors.
Not her parents.
She was about to text again when she spotted her father’s head above the crowd.
“There he is! He’s the one with the windswept hair and the glasses.” She gave a wave. She was relieved to see them.
“I see him. And is that your mom? Is she okay, do you think? She looks a little—unsteady on her feet. Oh.” Dan gave an awkward laugh. “I guess she is okay. She’s really into your dad, right? Do they always kiss like that in public? That’s pretty cute. Maybe we should have got that room after all. They could have used it.” Because he was taller than her he had a better view, but as the people in front of her parted she saw her parents locked in a passionate embrace.
Rosie was aghast. What the—?
“They’re not normally like that. I mean, they have a great marriage obviously because they’ve been together forever, but they’re not usually that demonstrative.” She was thoroughly mortified while next to her, Dan was dying with laughter.
“I think it’s cool, and I can promise you that I’ll still be kissing you like that when we’ve been together for thirty years. Maybe your mom is glad to be alive after the flight. Nothing boosts your gratitude levels like a near-death experience, right?”
“Right.” When she’d worried that her family might embarrass her, this wasn’t the scenario she’d had in mind.
She saw her dad unpeel her mother’s arms from his neck.
They were still too far away for her to hear what was being said, but she saw her mother straighten her clothing and slide her arm through her husband’s.
It seemed like a gesture born of necessity rather than affection. Studying her closely, Rosie thought it looked as if her mother was leaning on her father.
Was she sick or something?
Anxious, she let go of Dan’s hand, ran to her parents and hugged them. First her mother, then her father. “I was starting to worry. How was your flight?”
“It went in a flash,” her mother said. “The cheap seats were full by the time we booked, so Dad treated us to business class seats in the middle row. We were able to hold hands and watch movies. It was like dating again. It made us realize how much in love we still are.”
Rosie froze. Was this really her mother? Her sensible, practical, steady mother? “Er, Mum—”
“What sweetie? I love your father, that’s all. I want you to know that. We are so happy together. Happy, happy, happy. Everything is fine, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Did I mention how happy we are?”
What wouldn’t be fine? What shouldn’t she be worrying about?
When someone told you not to worry it generally meant there was something to worry about.
She glanced at her father for clues and he gave a tired smile.
“It’s been a long flight, and you know flying isn’t your mother’s idea of entertainment.”
“Oh but it was entertaining and after the first few glasses of champagne I wasn’t nervous at all!” Her mother sounded joyful. “That lovely man kept topping my glass up—”
“Lovely man?”
“One of the cabin crew. And Dad was talking and flirting outrageously with me. I was laughing so hard I didn’t even realize we’d taken off until the seat belt sign went ping.”
Rosie had seen her father hold a lecture hall in thrall, debate issues vigorously at the dinner table and eviscerate intellectual snobs, but she’d never seen him flirt.
The fact that she couldn’t imagine it was fine with her.
She admired and was grateful for her parents’ steady relationship, but that didn’t mean she wanted to dwell on the details.
“I’m glad the flight was bearable.”
“It was more than bearable. It felt as if we were going on our honeymoon. If it had been a night flight we might even have—”
“Mum!” Was her mother drunk?
Her father patted her shoulder. “Sorry we kept you waiting, Rosie. We’re last out of the door because they’ve lost your mother’s suitcase, including her wedding outfit.”
“Oh no, that’s terrible.” Was that an omen? No, of course it wasn’t an omen. On the other hand if she was going to believe in good omens, she also had to believe in bad ones. Stop it, Rosie! “What do we do?”
“We’ve been told to go to wherever we’re staying and wait for her case to be delivered.”
“And when will that be?”
“They don’t know. Hopefully soon.”
“I’m more worried about the presents I packed. They were only small things, but I chose them carefully. We don’t need clothes.” Her mother rested her head on his shoulder, unconcerned. “It will be like our first Christmas together. Remember that? It snowed, and we didn’t bother leaving the bed. We couldn’t afford heating, so we relied on body warmth. We didn’t get dressed for days.”
Rosie wanted to cover her mother’s mouth with her hand. “Too much information, Mum.” Had neither of them noticed Dan standing behind her? How much had he heard?
This was a nightmare. The first time she was introducing her parents to her fiancé and her mother was nothing like herself.
Her father didn’t seem like himself either. Usually he was the most laid-back person she knew, but today he looked tense. Perhaps that wasn’t surprising given the stressful flight he’d had with her mother.
“I want you to meet Dan.” Hardly the best timing, but what choice did she have? She grabbed him by the arm and tugged him forward.
“Great to finally meet you in person.” Dan stepped toward them, a smile on his face and hand outstretched, enviably comfortable with people. He’d told her it came from being an only child and having to look outside the family for playmates, but she suspected it was part of his personality.
He shook her mother’s hand, then her father’s and he was so warm and welcoming that Rosie relaxed a little.
>
Maybe he hadn’t noticed that her mother appeared to have consumed a little too much alcohol on the plane.
And then her mother let go of her dad’s arm and teetered toward him.
“Oh, Rosie, he’s gorgeous. No wonder you want to marry him quickly.” She closed her hands over Dan’s biceps and squeezed. “So strong. Yummy. And those eyes and that smile.”
“Mum, please—”
Sadly her mother wasn’t done. “You obviously work out, Dan.”
Kill me now. “Dan is a personal trainer. That’s how we met, remember? I decided I had to stop being a couch potato, so I joined a gym. I’m sure I told you.”
Why had she been worrying about the future of their relationship? After this, their relationship probably had no future. She should give the ring back right now and save Dan the trouble of asking for it.
She sent him an agonized look and was relieved when he winked at her.
The fact that he was struggling not to laugh made her feel a little better. Somehow, he always managed to find humor in situations she found stressful.
She loved him. She really did love him.
And she was so grateful she managed a weak smile in return. “I think my mother likes you.”
“Which is good news all around as I’m soon to be joining the family. It’s been a long journey for your parents,” he said calmly. “Let’s get them home.”
His kindness was another thing she loved about him. Katie was right that most of Rosie’s past boyfriends had treated her carelessly. Dan was always thoughtful.
Oh what was wrong with her? She should be dancing with joy that she was marrying him. She should be relieved they were doing it quickly before he had a chance to discover what a flaky person she was.
Already he was chatting comfortably with her parents. “The weather can be pretty changeable at this time of year, so we’re pleased to have blue skies to welcome you today. And don’t worry about the luggage. I’m sure my mother will be able to help you out with some emergency clothing.”
“I doubt it,” Maggie said. “Unless she went through a seriously fat stage at some point. Did she keep her pregnancy clothes?”
“Mum! You’re not fat and you don’t need anyone’s pregnancy clothes.” Since when had her mother been insecure? She’d never been one of those women who had obsessed over appearance. She took care of herself and liked to look her best, but that was as far as it went. “I think we should get out of here so that we can do most of the journey while it’s light.”
Dan seemed to agree because he scooped the luggage that hadn’t been lost and they all trooped to the car.
“Do you want to sit in the front with Dan, Dad?” At least that way she could silence her mother if necessary. Rosie opened the door for her father, but her mother grabbed his hand.
“This is our first trip together in a long time. We want to sit together, don’t we, Nick?”
Rosie saw her father pause.
“Maybe that would be the best idea.” He squeezed Rosie’s shoulder and nudged her into the front seat next to Dan. “She’ll be fine, don’t worry. My fault. I should have taken her glass away but I was so relieved that she wasn’t screaming in terror, I let her carry on.”
Rosie slid into the passenger seat and prayed the journey would pass quickly. The thought of four hours trapped in a car with her drunk mother didn’t thrill her. With luck she’d fall asleep and wake up entirely sober.
Catherine had invited them to join them up at the lodge for a family dinner that evening, but Rosie was already planning to postpone that event.
She’d arrange room service and tell Dan’s mother that they were jet-lagged and feeling the effects of the flight. That was true, if you counted alcohol poisoning as one of the effects of a flight.
Hopefully after an early night, her mother would be recovered.
There was still the issue of the missing suitcase of course, but Rosie would fix that problem tomorrow.
“You’ve lived in the area long, Dan?” Her father shifted the conversation onto safe ground.
“I was raised in Boston, but my parents came out here to ski when they were first married, fell in love with the place and that was it. My dad bought a plot of land before it became unaffordable, developed it and the rest is history. They love the outdoor lifestyle and the culture. When he died, my mother built up the wedding business.” Dan glanced in his mirror. “You guys live in Oxford. All that history right there on your doorstep. I’ve always wanted to visit.”
“It’s a wonderful place,” Maggie said happily. “We live in a pretty cottage with roses and honeysuckle round the door.”
Dan smiled. “Sounds charming.”
“It is. And you don’t need to worry that you won’t see it, because I will not be selling it. I’ve made up my mind. I know it’s too big for one, but I love it too much to ever leave.”
Too big for one? Rosie frowned. What was her mother talking about?
“Two of you live there,” she said patiently. “You and Dad. That’s two, not one.”
“Oh yes. The thing is, I see us as one. Isn’t that right, Nick? After so many years together, we’ve blended into one being.”
Her mother had totally lost it.
Dan reached across and squeezed Rosie’s hand, then glanced in the mirror at her mother. “It’s your family home. My family feel the same about Snowfall Lodge. My mom always says she’d have to be dragged away from the place. I think when you’ve lived somewhere a long time, it becomes part of you. I understand why you wouldn’t want to sell your home. That makes sense to me.”
It made no sense to Rosie because the question of selling Honeysuckle Cottage had never arisen.
Her parents adored the place. It was the only home Rosie had ever known. They’d never mentioned selling.
“Aspen was originally a mining town, and then the market for silver collapsed.” Dan eased into the flow of traffic leaving the airport. “Fortunately skiing became a thing, and the town developed from there. The position is great. We’re right by the Roaring Fork River, and we’ve got Red Mountain to the North, Smuggler Mountain to the East and Aspen Mountain to the South.”
“The Roaring Fork River,” Maggie murmured. “That sounds romantic. We have the Thames and the Cherwell.”
“It’s a tributary of the Colorado River. You guys should come back here in the summer.” The traffic eased and Dan put his foot down. “The drive over Independence Pass is stunning.”
“We can’t take that route now?”
“Closed in the winter. We’re forced to take the long route.”
Rosie glanced over her shoulder. “It snowed yesterday. It’s so pretty. I can’t wait to show you, although it will be dark when we arrive of course, so you won’t see it properly until tomorrow.”
Dan adjusted the heating. “So far we’ve had above-average snowfall for the season. And Rosie is right—the place is a winter wonderland. Snowfall Lodge is busy. We’re booked right through until March. I’m pleased for my mother. She’s put all her energy into this since my father died.”
“So the lodge is a hotel?”
“Of sorts, but not one of those sterile impersonal places where no one knows or cares who you are. Our guests tend to be on the fussier end of the spectrum, and we pride ourselves on personal service. My mother used to handle it all herself, but as she became more involved in the wedding side of things, she hired a manager. Every guest has a file. If you’re allergic to feathers and you don’t eat meat—it will be right there in your file so that next time you stay everything will be exactly as you like it. And for those guests who need extra privacy, we have our tree houses. They’re built high up in the tree canopy and offer a unique opportunity to stay deep in the forest. The views are incredible. You’ll be staying in one of those. My mother insisted.”
“A tree house?” M
aggie frowned. “They’re actually built into the trees?”
“On stilts,” Dan said. “Don’t panic. They’re more ritzy than rustic. They’ve won several architectural and environmental awards. You’re going to love staying there. The tree houses are made of wood, so they blend into the forest and the local wildlife sometimes visit. They’re always popular with honeymooners. Where else can you sip champagne in the hot tub under a midnight sky? It should be perfect for you.”
Rosie shrank in her seat. She didn’t want to think of her parents as honeymooners.
Worried that her mother might be tempted to make some quip about being naked again, Rosie dived into the conversation. “How is Katie? I’ve barely heard from her the last couple of weeks.” After that phone call, all they’d exchanged were a few emails covering practical issues like her dress and flight arrangements. Unsettled by their previous conversation, Rosie had been nervous of calling her sister again and Katie hadn’t called her, either.
“You know your sister,” her father said. “She’s busy saving lives.”
“Let’s hope that’s all it is.” Maggie leaned her head on his shoulder. “If you ask me, there’s something going on. Every time I suggest lunch, she makes excuses. That’s not like her. Normally she snatches every opportunity to be fed. She’s avoiding me.”
Rosie felt a shimmer of unease. She’d had the same feeling about her sister, but had assumed it was because she’d upset her. She and Katie had their disagreements of course, as sisters did, but never anything serious and nothing long lasting. Their clashes were no more than sisterly sniping over small everyday things.
It’s your turn to clear the kitchen.
Did you borrow my shoes?
This time felt different. As if Katie was keeping her at a distance.
“She’s probably busy.” That’s what she’d been telling herself. She hoped she was right.
“It’s a shame you guys couldn’t fly out together, but those Christmas flights are always a nightmare. As well as the tourists, everyone wants to be home for the holidays.”