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.