Christmas at Timberwoods - Fern Michaels [108]
“It is the best, Mel. Have you seen the bathroom since I painted it? Patrick installed granite counters, and it’s just absolutely to die for, not that it wasn’t in the first place, but this just feels so . . . elegant. Come on and have a look-see.”
“As much as I would love to, Odie and Clovis are waiting in the Jeep. They’re staying with Candy Lee while the girls and I ski. I hope that’s not a problem.”
“Of course not. Candy Lee says Odie directs the customers to the ski equipment. Tell Candy Lee if Odie keeps this up, her job might be in danger.”
“Mom!” Ashley shouted. “She needs this job. She’s saving up for college.”
Stephanie took her older daughter in her arms. “Oh, sweetie, we’re teasing. Candy Lee has a job forever if she wants.”
Melanie knew the girls were a bit on the sensitive side. They’d seen so much violence from their father that oftentimes, when the girls thought someone was being wrongly disciplined or spoken to in a harsh manner, they spoke up for themselves and others. Melanie knew Stephanie was pleased with this but didn’t want them to take every word she said quite so literally.
“I would bet my last nickel Candy Lee gets that soccer scholarship she’s applying for. She’s a straight-A student and a killer soccer player,” Melanie stated.
“How come you know all this, Auntie M?”
Melanie observed Stephanie as she lowered herself by her daughters and placed a hand on each of their pink-and-purple padded ski jackets. “It’s not always polite to ask questions about situations that don’t concern us. I’m sure Candy Lee will manage to get to college, so let’s leave it at that. Now, Clovis and Odie are probably freezing their fur off in the Jeep. You two grab your bags, and I’ll take care of your skis and poles.” Stephanie looked at Melanie. “Keeping up with them wears me out sometimes, but it’s the best worn-out you’ll ever experience.”
Melanie squinted her eyes and scrunched up her nose. “As Mom keeps reminding me, I don’t have a man in my life, no children, and I just don’t see either one happening any time in the near future. At the rate I’m going, I’ll be lucky to adopt another animal from the shelter, so I’ll just take your word even though the time I spend with the girls is the best ever.” She teared up at the thought of not having the two little sprites in her life. She was content to remain Auntie M.
For now.
With Odie and Clovis relegated to the hatchback and both girls safely ensconced in their seat belts, Melanie glanced in her rearview mirror one last time, making sure they all were where they should be. She recalled the last time she’d taken the girls skiing. They’d wound up lost in a snowstorm and had delivered a litter of pups. Now she could smile at the memory. Grateful that Stephanie still allowed her within pitching distance of the girls, she shrugged her thoughts aside, focusing on their plans for the day.
Black Friday was usually one of Maximum Glide’s busiest days. Melanie dreaded the crowds, the long lines at the chairlifts, but spending the day with the girls was worth the hassle. Both girls were excellent skiers. Max, Grace’s husband, had taught the girls how to ski properly. Black diamond runs were easy for both, but Melanie wasn’t that comfortable with them, so they’d tackle the blue runs.
She steered the Jeep carefully down the narrow road, mindful of the wet, slushy conditions. Growing up in Colorado had its advantages. She’d learned to drive in foul weather at an early age, and while she wasn’t excited at the prospect of driving up the mountain in such bad conditions, she was quite confident in her ability to do so safely. Snow chains and four-wheel-drive vehicles had nothing on her.
“Auntie M,” Ashley called from the backseat. “Do you think you’ll ever get married?”
Melanie almost lost control of the Jeep. She cleared her throat, needing the extra seconds to come up with an answer appropriate for an eleven-year-old. “I’m sure that someday I will.” Lame, Melanie, lame, she thought as she