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.”
“I’m not sure when I’ll be home. I know for a fact that I’ll be staying here long enough to celebrate my birthday.”
“Okay, there is something you’re not telling me. Spit it out.”
“What makes you think that?” Hannah asked, her voice radiating the joy that suffused her entire being.
“Come on, Hannah. How long have we known each other?”
“I can’t remember. Long enough.”
“Well, if you really want to know, it’s been seven years, three months, and two days. That is how long we’ve known one another. Long enough for me to know you’re keeping something from me. Now spit it out.”
Hannah took a deep breath, wrapped her free arm around Liam’s waist, and whispered into the phone, “I think I’ve met the man of my dreams.”
She looked up at Liam. He whispered in her ear, “And I know I’ve met the woman of my dreams.”
“I can’t hear you, speak a little louder,” Camden said.
“I am only going to say this once more, then I am going to hang up because I have been invited for a midnight stroll through the snow with the man of my dreams!”
“You’re kidding me, right?”
“No, Camden. I have never been this serious in my life. One more time. Liam McConnell, the security dude I told you about, the one with the Learjet. He is the man of my dreams, and I am going to hang up now so I can go on that stroll. Good night, Camden.”
“ ’Night, Hannah. And hey, congratulations.”
Hannah pushed the END button on her phone, then turned to the man of her dreams.
“Are you ready to take that stroll now? I think I’ve got everything that needs to be under control controlled.”
“Let’s go, Hannah Ray. I’ve waited for this moment for a lifetime,” Liam said, his voice filled with love.
“Ditto, Liam. Ditto.”
Together, hand in hand, they strolled down the snowy path, knowing that this was just the beginning.
FERN MICHAELS is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Sisterhood, Men of the Sisterhood, and Godmothers series, and dozens of other novels and novellas. There are more than 75 million copies of her books in print. Fern Michaels has built and funded several large daycare centers in her hometown, and is a passionate animal lover who has outfitted police dogs across the country with special bulletproof vests. She shares her home in South Carolina with her four dogs and a resident ghost named Mary Margaret.
Visit her website at fernmichaels.com.
HOLLY AND IVY
In a heartwarming novel of secret wishes and family lost and found, acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels creates a timeless Christmas story to cherish . . .
The flames of memory always seem to glow a little brighter during the holidays. Perhaps that’s why this time of year is so difficult for airline heiress Ivy Macintosh as she faces thoughts of yet another festive season alone. Since the plane crash that claimed the lives of her husband and two children eight years ago, she’s been submerged in grief.
When eleven-year-old Holly Greenwood knocks on her door, lost and frightened after a forbidden visit to her singing teacher, Ivy’s self-imposed exile is shattered. Holly has an extraordinary voice, and wants nothing more than to perform in an upcoming Christmas musical. Holly’s father, Daniel, doesn’t allow music in their home, refusing to give a good reason why—just as he refuses to talk about Holly’s mother. Ivy has no idea how closely she and Daniel are linked by their tragic pasts, yet she’s drawn to the warmth she senses beneath his gruff exterior. And as Christmas nears, their shared concern for Holly begins to draw Ivy back into the world again . . . and toward a family who may need her just as much as she needs them...
WINTER WISHES
This winter, let four tales of mistletoe magic and the spirit of the season cast a special glow as some o f your favorite authors introduce stories of hope, happiness, and holiday hearts.
CHRISTMAS KISSES
Fern Michaels
Starting over in a new town with a new job, Meredith thinks buying Noah’s grandmother’s house will be a simple business deal. But neighborly Noah is determined to make Meredith feel at home—and as the holiday season works its magic, he’s suddenly hoping that she’ll find a place for him in her heart.
BLUE MOON HARBOR CHRISTMAS
Susan Fox
Jillian and Michael have nothing in common—except the child two reckless college students created eight years ago. When Michael unexpectedly asks to meet his son, they have the twelve days of Christmas to get to know the adults they’ve become—adults who just might be ready to fall in love for real.
SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS
Jules Bennett
A blind date turns out to be anything but when Ruby finds Knox on her doorstep. A few years ago, she nursed his dying wife. Can two lonely people defeat the shadow of the past and let the spirit of Christmas offer them the most special gift of all?
FINDING COLIN
Leah Marie Brown
When Grace is suspended from work over the Christmas holidays, she does the only sensible thing—she travels to Ireland to find her favorite actor! But while the Colin she finds may not be a star, he’s ready to show her that gifts come in all shapes and sizes—and love is the miracle that truly counts.
PERFECT MATCH
THE HEART OF A WINNER
Confined to a wheelchair after a devastating injury, former NFL star Jake Masters has exiled himself behind the imposing gates of his lavish home. But his twin sister, Beth, has no intention of letting him languish there forever. After years of failing one business after another, all bankrolled by Jake’s generosity, she now owns a highly lucrative matchmaking service. And she’s gifting the business to Jake—whether he likes it or not—while she follows her dream of becoming a singer in Nashville. But Jake knows next to nothing about matchmaking, and it’s soon clear that he needs an assistant. Enter Gracie Sweet, whose slender frame belies a take-no-charge toughness that would put any linebacker to shame. Gracie begins by revamping the business and soon she’s overhauling Jake’s entire life. But when their clients become victims of theft, Gracie and Jake must reconcile their very different outlooks if they’re to have any chance of saving the business....
“Michaels knows what readers expect from her and she delivers each and every time.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars, on Perfect Match
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