Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Add in the spouses, and it’s a full plane, and I know it’s going to be a damn good time.
“Have you ever been skiing, London?” Vaughn asks as we begin our descent.
“Several times,” she replies with a nod. “I’m no master at it, but I can take on the bunny hill without killing myself. Probably. You?”
“Yes.” He grins at her and wraps his arm around his wife. “The faster the run, the better. But Liv might be on the bunny hill with you.”
“I don’t want to break my arm,” she reminds him. “I have to use this arm to make your costumes, remember? Also, isn’t there a clause in your contract that you can’t participate in any life-threatening activities?”
“Probably,” he says with a shrug.
The first thing we do once we land is climb into the four vans waiting for us and then set off to get settled into the resort.
“All of these condos are privately owned,” Stella informs us, “but they’re in what they call the rental pool.”
“It’s seriously beautiful up here,” Lucy says, her eyes wide as she gazes around at the snow-covered trees. “Erin, isn’t it amazing?”
But Erin isn’t speaking. She’s just watching, her pretty face stone-cold sober as she takes everything in.
“Hey, you okay, kiddo?” I ask her, concerned. Erin always has something to say.
“Yeah.” She swallows hard and then offers me a fake smile. “Guys, I’m going to bow out of skiing this afternoon. I want to walk around town and soak everything in.”
“I’ll go with you,” Lucy says, jumping at the chance. “This little town is just too cute. You don’t mind if I tag along, do you?”
“No, let’s do it,” Erin says.
We’re dropped off at the resort and then break off to find our condos. Mine and London’s is on the third floor, in the corner. I key in the code to the door, and we walk inside. London immediately takes off for the floor-to-ceiling windows that give us an incredible view of the mountains.
“Holy shit,” she murmurs as she wraps her arms around herself, looking out at a literal winter wonderland. The evergreen trees are heavy with fresh, white snow, and the mountains, including the ski resort we’re currently standing on, are all just… “Drew, this is spectacular.”
“This unit is for sale,” I say casually and wrap my arms around her from behind, kiss her neck, and breathe her in. “But it’s a bit more of a commute from Seattle.”
“Less than an hour,” she murmurs. “By plane.”
“True.”
I kiss her neck again and feel her melt against me. Every damn time I pull her against me, it’s as if she was made just for me. She fits perfectly in every way.
“I’m a little worried about Caleb,” she admits and turns in my arms to wrap herself around me in a fierce hug. “And maybe feeling guilty.”
“I’m no expert in these things, but that’s probably normal.” I tip her chin up so I can look down into her eyes. “Let’s call him.”
“Really?”
“Sure.” I pull my phone out of my back pocket and dial my mom’s number. She answers on the third ring. “Hey, Mom. We made it safe and sound. Everyone’s getting settled into their condos.”
“Oh, that’s great! Is London with you right now?”
“I’m here,” London replies, immediately worried. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing at all, honey. I’m just wondering if Caleb is allergic to anything. Can I give him peanut butter?”
My girl’s shoulders fall in relief. “No, he’s not allergic to anything that I’m aware of. He loves peanut butter and jelly.”
“Perfect, thanks.”
“Is Caleb there? Can I talk to him?”
“Sure, of course. He’s out back with Old Caleb”—she smirks at that—“helping to cut some wood for a fire pit. We’re going to make s’mores later.”
“Oh, don’t interrupt them. I just wanted to make sure he’s being good and that everything is okay.”
“London, I want you to listen to me very carefully, okay?”
“I’m listening.”
I lean in to kiss her forehead. If my mom doesn’t stop her jabbering in about two-point-seven seconds, I might toss the phone out the window.
“Your son is excited to be here with us. We have plenty of activities planned for him, and he’s happy and healthy. Don’t do the mom guilt thing, okay? I know it’s instinctual. I can’t even count the number of times I felt so guilty for leaving my kids behind, but he’s great. There’s been no attitude at all out of him, and I have your number if there are any problems. Now, go have fun.”
“Yes, ma’am,” London replies with a grin. “Thanks for that. I needed it. I’ll call before bedtime each day, but otherwise, I’ll restrain myself.”
“We’re here. Call anytime. Have fun, you two.”
“Thanks, Mom. Love you.”
I end the call, toss my phone onto the nearby couch, and then turn back to London. “See? Everything at home is just fine.”