He wasn’t much of a believer in the power of prayer—he’d seen too much and done too much—to ever think there could be a higher purpose to life. But right at this moment he needed to believe in something. So he closed his eyes and prayed, hoping that, wherever she was, Sonia heard his words.
The sound of an engine cut through the heavy silence.
He wiped his eyes as a red helicopter flew toward them.
Rick stood beside him and wrapped his arm around his shoulders. “It won’t be long, now.”
Grant took a deep, shuddering breath. Her parents would meet the helicopter in Bozeman. It was almost over for him, but for Sonia’s family, this was only the beginning.
***
Mallory tightened the laces on her boots and smiled at the group of nine- and ten-year-old girls she was teaching to figure skate. “Don’t go too far away. I’ll be ready soon.”
A chorus of giggles bounced off the frozen lake.
“Miss Fraser...” a little girl skated toward Mallory. “Do you think we could start with Somewhere Over the Rainbow?”
“Not today, Bella. It might get too confusing when we’re at the Winter Festival. We’ll start with the first song on our program, Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah, and then dance to Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
“My dad said you deserve a medal for teaching us to skate.”
Bella’s words stirred memories Mallory would rather forget. She took a deep breath and smiled. “I like helping you.”
Natasha, a friend of Bella’s, stopped beside them. “Come on, Bella. I’ll race you to the rock over there.”
By the time Bella saw where her friend was pointing, Natasha had already left.
“Wait for me!” Bella dug her blades into the ice and skated as fast as her arms and legs could go.
Mallory pushed away the sad memories. She had so much to be thankful for and today was one of those times.
“Miss Fraser! Look at me.” Aimee Rogan skated past Mallory holding a beautiful spiral position.
“Well done.”
With her left leg straight and her right leg extended behind her, it was an incredible achievement for someone who had been skating for only a few months.
Aimee slowly lowered her leg and chasséd back to Mallory. “I’ve been practicing what you showed us. Mom said I’m her ice princess.”
“I’m so proud of you. That was wonderful.”
“Thank you. Do you think you could show me some more chassés after class?”
“Of course I can.” Mallory turned on the sound system. “Are you ready to practice our program for the Winter Festival?”
“I can’t wait.” Aimee skated toward her friends. She stood beside Zoe, giggling at something she said.
As the music drifted across the ice, Mallory’s gaze wandered over the snow-covered mountains surrounding Emerald Lake. Practicing outside was so much better than being inside Haynes Pavilion.
The rest of her students took their places. Mallory was glad she’d suggested they perform in Bozeman’s Winter Festival. Everyone had improved so much. It would give them a chance to shine—although she wasn’t sure whether it was the ice skating or their costumes that they were more excited about.
“It’s time to warm up. Everyone stand in a line behind Zoe. I want you to make big circles with your arms as you skate around the ice.”
Within minutes, the girls were following Zoe, moving their arms like windmills.
Mallory turned up the music and skated toward the back of the line. “Now let’s try sculling. Remember…toes in, toes out, knees bent, knees straight.”
The girls followed Zoe across the ice. They knew these exercises were important. No one was willing to risk an injury—especially this close to their performance. They went through another six moves, twisting and turning until everyone had pink cheeks.
When they raced toward the area they were using for their practice, Mallory followed at a slower pace. “Take your positions for the first dance. Remember, chin up, arms outstretched, and a big smile.”
Mallory cued the music, made sure everyone was where they should be, then pressed play. With toes pointed, they began a routine she hoped their audience would enjoy.
The girls glided across the ice, keeping in perfect formation. They were nimble on their skates and had a great sense of timing. But most importantly, they were motivated. More than anything, they wanted to show their families and friends how much they’d learned.
As they split into pairs and began the next sequence of steps, Mallory thought about how important it was to be motivated. For her, it had meant the difference between winning a gold or silver medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships—and learning how to live without the two most important things in her life.
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Other Contemporary Romances by Leeanna Morgan:
Montana Brides:
Book 1: Forever Dreams (Gracie and Trent)
Book 2: Forever in Love (Amy and Nathan)
Book 3: Forever After (Nicky and Sam)
Book 4: Forever Wishes (Erin and Jake)
Book 5: Forever Santa (A Montana Brides Christmas Novella)
Book 6: Forever Cowboy (Emily and Alex)
Book 7: Forever Together (Kate and Dan)
Book 8: Forever and a Day (Sarah and Jordan)
The Bridesmaids Club:
Book 1: All of Me (Tess and Logan)
Book 2: Loving You (Annie and Dylan)
Book 3: Head Over Heels (Sally and Todd)
Book 4: Sweet on You (Molly and Jacob)
Emerald Lake Billionaires:
Book 1: Sealed with a Kiss (Rachel and John)
Book 2: Playing for Keeps (Sophie and Ryan)
Book 3: Crazy Love (Holly and Daniel)
The Protectors:
Book 1: Safe Haven (Hayley and Tank)
Book 2: Just Breathe (Kelly and Tanner)
Book 3: Always (Mallory and Grant)
Book 4: The Promise (Ashley and Matthew)
Book 5: Coming Home (Mia and Stan)
Book 6: The Gift (Hannah and Brett)
Book 7: The Wish (Claire and Jason)
Just Breathe (The Protectors Book 2) Page 24