by Jenna Brandt
“I’m glad. Nothing makes me happier than seeing that smile on your face.”
Liam explained how the lodge was built fifty-five years prior by a family from Clear Mountain to entice tourists to the area. He showed them the building that housed the heated indoor pool, the first of its kind in the region. The main lodge comprised the restaurant, the grand ballroom, two conference rooms, and a wing of suites. Lindsay and Aiden were staying in a private cabin. The property had ten on the west side near the tennis courts, and lifts to the ski slopes.
“That concludes the tour of the property,” Liam explained. “Now I will take you along the path at the base of Clear Mountain.”
As the sleigh headed into the mountain pass, the trees grew thicker and the snow higher around them. The tinkling sound of the bells mixed with the cadence of the sleigh made Lindsay’s eyes drift shut. She could feel the warmth of the sun on her face and the familiar cedarwood scent of Aiden beside her. The moment was perfect and Lindsay sent up a silent prayer of gratitude.
Liam stopped after several minutes of traveling down the path. He helped them out of the sleigh, then headed back pulling out two folding chairs, a card table, and a picnic basket. Aiden helped set everything up with Liam.
The driver jumped back up in the sleigh and stated before taking off, “I will be back in an hour to pick you up.”
“I can’t believe you did all of this. You surprised me enough by the sleigh ride; I had no idea you had a lunch planned for us.”
“Like I said, I love seeing that smile on your face. I want to spend the rest of my life doing things to keep it there.”
“Well, you’re doing an amazing job so far.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Lindsay opened the picnic basket and pulled out the contents. There were plates, bowls, and utensils along with two sandwiches, a container of soup, two cans of soda and an apple tart for dessert. She placed a plate and bowl in front of Aiden, then set the food on them.
“You didn’t have to serve me,” Aiden pointed out.
“It’s the least I can do for all you have done. Besides, I wanted to,” she added as she handed him a napkin.
They ate their meal while talking about the sleigh tour and how animated Liam was when he was telling a story. He enjoyed using his hands when he got to an exciting point, and his voice would raise half an octave.
Once they were finished, Aiden stood and walked over to Lindsay’s side. He held out his hand and inquired, “You want to go for a short walk while we wait for Liam to get back?”
Lindsay put her hand in Aiden’s. “I think it would be nice.”
There was a smaller path that climbed up from where they were located. Aiden guided Lindsay along the trail as they held hands.
“I’m sad we have to go home tomorrow. It’s been so wonderful spending this time with you away from everything, Aiden.”
He nodded. “I’ve enjoyed it too, but remember, the sooner we get home, the sooner you get to move in with me so we can start our lives together. Plus, Alex will get to move in with both of us soon.”
“That’s true. Even though this was nice, living our lives together will be just as great.”
Aiden stopped moving and turned to face Lindsay. “I couldn’t ask anyone better to share my life with than you. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted in a wife and partner.”
Lindsay looked deep into Aiden’s eyes and smiled. “I feel the same way about you. I love you so much, Aiden.”
“And I love you, Lindsay,” he stated as he leaned down and took her lips with his own. The kiss was passionate and filled with promise.
Lindsay went weak in the knees and was grateful Aiden was holding her tight. Her heart pounded out of her chest as the kiss deepened.
The familiar sound of the jingling bells disrupted the kiss. Aiden pulled back and whispered in a ragged breath, “We shouldn’t keep Liam waiting.”
They headed back down the path to the waiting sleigh.
Aiden was excited to share his final surprise for their honeymoon. While they were away, he had the staff of the lodge set the table in their cabin with fine dinnerware for two along with a vase filled with red roses. There was a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries in the center with a bottle of sparkling cider chilling in a bucket plus two pots with small candles lit under them. There were silver trays with covers.
Lindsay inhaled as her eyes grew round. “You just keep surprising me. I can’t believe how much you planned for us.”
He chuckled. “I know. I think I kind of got carried away,” he admitted as he pulled out her chair. Aiden poured them both a glass of cider before taking a seat across from her.
“What’s in the pots and dishes?” Lindsay inquired.
“Open them and find out,” Aiden instructed.
She did as he suggested and inside one pot was a melted cheese mixture and in the other was a broth. One tray had breads, apples, and crackers on it while the other had raw beef, chicken and shrimp.
“You had them make fondue for us?” Lindsay exclaimed in shock as she clasped her hands together. “My favorite meal in the world was when my parents took me to a fondue restaurant in Denver for summer vacation.”
“I remember you telling me that,” Aiden confessed, “and I brought all of this up a few days ago to surprise you.”
Tears filled her eyes, but she brushed them away. “I don’t want to cry, but you make my heart swell with love, Aiden O’Connell.”
“I don’t want you to cry either, but I’m glad you like it.”
“Like it? I love it—just like I love you.”
“Well, what do you want to try first?” Aiden asked.
“How about the bread and cheese,” she said, picking up a piece and dipping it into the pot. “I’m a sucker for that combo.”
“I agree. They go perfect together.”
“Just like us,” she stated with a smile that made Aiden’s heart skip a beat.
“Don’t smile at me like that, or we won’t get to eat very much,” Aiden warned.
She giggled. “Not that your warning doesn’t tempt me, but I have to admit, I don’t want this to go to waste.”
She picked up one skewer and poked a piece of cubed beef, then placed it in the pot, allowing the meat to cook in the hot broth.
“This is so much fun. I love eating with my hands like this.”
“Have you ever tried Moroccan food?” Aiden inquired.
“No. I don’t think there is one in Clear Mountain is there?”
Aiden shook his head. “I have a favorite one in Boulder. You eat with your hands while sitting on pillows on the ground. We should take a trip in and eat there sometime. I think you would like it.”
“It sounds like something I’d like. We should take Alex too.”
They spent the next hour nibbling on the food and talking before both were full. Once done, Aiden inquired, “Do you want to go sit by the fire before bed?”
Lindsay nodded. Aiden stood and took her hand, then guided her over to the rug in front of the fire. Aiden sat down and leaned against the nearby couch. Lindsay joined him, placing her back against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
They watched the flickering fire and basked in its comforting heat.
“I could stay like this with you forever,” Aiden confessed. “You fit perfectly in my arms.”
Lindsay shifted her position so she could turn her head to face him. “That’s because we’re made for each other.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” He leaned over and kissed her on the lips, allowing her closeness to mesmerize him.
Nineteen
Lindsay and Aiden had been home from their honeymoon for a week. She unpacked her last box two days prior, and just in time. They received a call yesterday; CPS approved them to be foster parents.
“We have your room ready for you,” Lindsay stated as she and Aiden guided Alex down the hall to the first door on the right. “We painted it blue and green a
nd decorated it in the same colors based of the colors you said you liked.”
Aiden gestured to the comforter and pictures on the wall. “I picked out football themed items since you said you liked the sport. I used to play when I was a kid, so I was excited when you told me it’s your favorite.”
“This is great guys. Thanks.” He turned to face them. “Can I put my stuff away?”
Both nodded. “We’ll give you some time to get settled,” Lindsay offered. “When you’re ready, we’ll be in the kitchen preparing for dinner.”
They slipped out of the room and Aiden closed the door behind them.
“Do you think he’s happy about being here?” Lindsay questioned. “When we first told him we planned to foster and then adopt him, he seemed so happy about the idea. But now it’s happening; he could have changed his mind.”
“No, I don’t believe that’s it at all. He’s just scared it won’t work out. I’m scared too. We need to reassure him we love him and we’re here for him no matter what.”
“You always know the right thing to do,” Lindsay said with gratitude. “Let’s go order pizza for dinner.”
After placing the phone call to the pizza parlor, Lindsay and Aiden sat down at the kitchen table to wait. Cooper took his place at Aiden’s feet as Aiden took Lindsay’s hands in his own and prayed. “Dear God, we come to You right now and ask you to help us in this situation. You put it on both our hearts to adopt Alex and make him the beginning of our family. Guide us and show us what to say and do. Let us be Your vessel. In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen.”
“What’re you guys doing?”
Lindsay’s eyes flew open to find Alex standing over them with a perplexed expression.
“We’re praying, Alex,” Lindsay explained.
“What does that mean? I’ve never seen anyone do that.”
Lindsay sucked in a breath. She wasn’t sure what Alex knew about Christianity, but she figured she would have more time to ease into the conversation about it. Apparently, it wasn’t the case. “Well, what it means is we talk to God about our lives. We tell Him what we are thinking and feeling, and ask Him to help us.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you could do that,” Alex stated matter-of-factly.
“Would you like me to teach you how?” Aiden offered.
Alex’s brows came together in a furrow. “I don’t know.”
Lindsay reached out and placed her hand on Alex’s arm. “It’s okay if you don’t want to right now, Alex.”
The little boy shook his head. “It’s not that. I'm not sure God would want to listen to me.”
“Oh, Alex, God loves you so much,” Lindsay affirmed. “He wants to hear everything you have to say. He’s just waiting for you to talk to Him.”
“Then I guess that would be cool,” Alex stated as he joined them at the table.
“How about we pray with you tonight before bed?” Aiden suggested.
“Okay.”
Lindsay smiled over at Aiden with a look of appreciation. She flipped open the box of Monopoly that sat on the table. “We should play a game while we wait for the pizza to get here.”
“Sounds like a great idea,” Aiden agreed. “Do you like Monopoly, Alex?”
He shrugged. “The kids at the group home never played games like that.”
“What about the foster homes?” Lindsay inquired.
“The parents were busy with their own stuff. They didn’t have time to play games with me.”
“You mean you’ve never played a board game?” Aiden clarified.
“Nope, but it looks fun.”
“Well, I happen to be good at this game,” Lindsay stated with a smirk. “But don’t worry Alex; my target is Aiden.”
“You think you will beat me?” Aiden inquired with incredulousness.
She laughed. “Oh, I don’t think so. I know so.”
Aiden leaned over and whispered to Alex. “I think we should team up and take her down. Guys against girl.”
“What are you two conspiring about over there?” Lindsay probed.
“Never you mind,” Aiden said as he winked at Alex. “It was guy talk.”
Alex snickered as he arranged the money Lindsay handed him. “Someone will need to tell me how to play,” Alex pointed out.
“I should be the one since Aiden already seems to plan to play a little dirty,” Lindsay accused.
“Hey now, you’re the one who said you would take me down. I’m just defending myself.”
“Are you two all right?” Alex probed with a worried expression.
They both turned their attention to him as embarrassment crossed their faces.
“I guess our competitive natures got the best of us before we even started,” Aiden explained.
“But don’t worry; we weren’t fighting,” Lindsay assured Alex. “We want you to feel safe and comfortable with us. This is your home, Alex.”
He nodded as he picked up the race car piece. “What’s this for?”
“Each person gets to pick a piece to represent them on the board,” Aiden explained.
“Can I be the car?”
“You sure can, Champ. Put it on the ‘Go’ spot.”
Aiden picked the shoe and Lindsay picked the thimble, both placing their pieces on the board.
They made it through three rounds before the doorbell rang. Cooper sat up and his head turned towards the door as Aiden jumped up and walked over. He came back with two boxes of pizza along with a bag of breadsticks. He placed them on the kitchen counter next to the stack of plates.
“We know you like pepperoni pizza, so we made sure to get one. We also ordered a mushroom and sausage because it’s my favorite,” Aiden explained. “You want to try a piece?”
“I’ll take a piece of pepperoni for now,” Alex answered.
“All right, a boy after my own heart,” Lindsay stated with a smile. “That’s my favorite too.”
“I guess I’ll have to eat all the sausage and mushroom myself then,” Aiden stated as he took a bite.
“I’ve never tried that kind before, but maybe I’ll try it next,” Alex pondered.
“Do you want the lemonade or tea?” Lindsay asked as she opened the refrigerator.
“I’ll take lemonade,” Alex stated as Aiden brought over two plates of pizza.
Lindsay poured him a glass and then herself. “It seems we have similar tastes, Alex.” She came back with both glasses and placed them on the table.
Cooper barked and came over to Aiden, pushing Aiden's leg with his nose.
“Okay, boy, I can see you want your treat.” Aiden stood and went to the top of the fridge. He pulled down a plastic container and pulled out a dog biscuit.
“Can I give it to Cooper?” Alex inquired.
“Sure, here you go.” Aiden handed over the treat.
Alex held out the biscuit to Cooper who gobbled it up. “Can he have another one?”
“I guess one more, but that’s it. He has a strict diet to keep him in shape for work,” Aiden explained.
“Thanks, Aiden,” Alex exclaimed with a big grin. After giving him the final treat, Alex washed his hands and then returned to his seat at the table.
“Let’s continue this game.” Lindsay rolled the dice and moved her thimble. She looked around the table at her family, and realized, she was exactly where she was meant to be.
Twenty
“How is Alex settling into living with you guys?” Zach inquired as they sat in their SUV while eating their burger and fries.
“He’s doing well. Even better than we’d hoped.”
“I’m glad to hear that. And you and Lindsay? How’s married life treating you?”
Aiden took a sip of his iced tea before answering. “Terrific. We get along great and we’ve adjusted to living together.”
“Man, I don’t know how you do it. I like my space, and you went from being on your own to having two people living with you.”
“But you’re not alone, Zach, not really. Harley lives
with you.”
A bark sounded from the back, assuring them that Harley heard her name. Zach glanced backwards and chuckled. “That’s true, but she’s enough. I can’t imagine having two people telling me what to do on top of Harley.”
“When you find the right woman, all that will change, Zach. You haven’t found her yet.”
“Not for lack of trying,” Zach pointed out.
“True, but you keep looking in the wrong places. If you want to find a good woman, you need to come with me to church. This Sunday—”
Deanna’s voice came over the radio. “K-9 1 & 2, this is Dispatch. We have a call that there was an avalanche on the east side of Clear Mountain. Three skiers were headed up the trails and are presumed to be caught in the aftermath. We need you to head up there and oversee the search and rescue operation.”
“Copy that, Dispatch. We’re running code there now,” Aiden stated as he flipped on the lights and sirens as he pressed his foot on the gas, causing the car to lurch forward.
Ten minutes later, Aiden and Zach arrived at the bottom of Clear Mountain. They parked their SUV at the end of the road, then jumped out and headed around to the back. Both Cooper and Harley were standing up and looking at the officers, waiting for them to let them out.
Once the dogs were on the ground, they met with the other cops who had snowmobiles ready for them. Aiden and Zach climbed up on the vehicles, then gave the dogs the cue to jump up in front for the ride to the avalanche location.
Time was of the essence. Ninety percent of avalanche victims survived when recovered in the first fifteen minutes after burial. It dropped to thirty percent after a half-hour and just ten percent after two hours.
About five minutes later, they arrived. They gave the K-9s the signal to find the missing skiers. Luckily, Cooper and Harley were both trail and air trained dogs having had additional specific avalanche search and rescue training. When they applied their air and avalanche training together, they knew to search for pools of human scent. The key was to focus on the ground in that area. A well-trained avalanche dog could locate a scent up to fifteen feet under the snow as a buried victim would give off an especially strong scent due to panic.