Dear Diary,

My life has been filled with one adventure after another. Connor has surprised me with trips, dates and little things here and there that have checked off almost every box on my list. How did I get so lucky to have him in my life?

Mackenzie

Connor

“Here, I bought you something for our trip tomorrow.” I hand Mackenzie a bag containing a snow jacket and pants along with other snow gear.

I’ve tried to check off things on Mackenzie’s list but what I have planned tomorrow was an idea of my own. It’s something that means a lot to me, and I want to share it with the woman I love.

She takes the matching set out of the bag and eyes me suspiciously. “You’re taking me to the snow?”

“Yup. We’re going to Tahoe to go skiing.” I smile.

Her face is anything but a smile. “Um, that's not on my list. I don’t know how and, honestly, I’m terrified to even try.”

“Well, it’s on my list and I think you’ll love it. Come on. Let’s get packed and we can head up tonight. I booked us a room so we don’t have to get up early tomorrow.”

“But Connor. I don’t—”

“Do you trust me?” I wrap my arms around her waist.

“Of course I do but—”

“Then no buts. Let’s get ready to leave.” I kiss her lips briefly and walk away, leaving no room for discussion.

The entire way up I catch her biting her inner lip or nervously shaking her leg. I place my hand on hers. “Why are you so anxious?”

She lets out a small laugh. “It’s scary. What if I get out of control? What if I crash into a tree?”

“I promise I won’t let that happen. I’ll be right be your side the entire way.”

“But.” She looks out the door, wrapping her arms around her waist. “It’s cold.”

I chuckle under my breath. “Yes, it’s snow. It has to be cold but don’t worry. I bought you the best gear and even snuck in some hand and toe warmers to keep you more comfortable.”

“I’m sorry. I’m being a wimp,” she huffs.

I run my fingers over hers. “Yes, you are but it’s okay. I get it. Please just tell me you’ll try. Skiing is my favorite thing to do and I want to share it with you.”

Her shoulders drop. “You’re right. I’ll try my best.”

* * *

“Nope, I changed my mind. I don’t want to do it. Can I ride that thing back down?” Mackenzie states falling to her side with her skis still connected to her legs and pointing at the chair lift.

I click my skis off and sit down next to her. “This list is about getting you to try new things, right?”

“Yes, but I very purposely left flying down a freezing mountain off.”

I laugh out loud, loving her pouty lips and protesting spirit. “Okay, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll let you quit if you let me put you between my legs and ride slowly down the mountain with me. Then you can go inside to enjoy an Irish Coffee and warm up.”

She glances in the direction of the down slope then back at me and bites her lip. The way her nose is bright red along with her cheeks make me smile. She’s been a trooper so far, getting dressed and checking out her gear, so I only have this one last hurtle.

She slumps slightly. “Fine. But please go slow.”

I kiss her cold lips. “Deal. Let me help you up.”

Once she’s standing, I position my skis around the back of her and straddle them on either side of hers. I take her poles in my hands and hold them in front of us so she has a straight line to hold on to.

“I’m going to turn ever so slightly toward the bottom of the hill and our skis will slowly start to take us. I will move us in big sweeping turns so we go as slow as possible. Are you ready?”

She doesn’t respond but shakes her head and tightens her grip on the poles. I’m saddened by her fear but also overjoyed that she’s putting so much trust in me.

Mackenzie is almost a foot shorter than me so I’m able to see over her while I maneuver our first turn. Her hold on me loosens once we get going so I pick up our pace just a little, increasing it with every turn until we’re going at a good speed.

“Oh my god!” Mackenzie yells and I can tell it’s more out of fun rather than fear. “We’re really skiing.”

I laugh. “You are baby. Now watch this.”

I pick up our pace more and do tighter turns. Her squeal of joy is my perfect reward and pride fills my heart. Skiing is my escape, my favorite sport and being able to share this with her checks off every box on my list.

We make it to the bottom of the hill and I release the poles so I can ski to the front of her.

“That was amazing!” she yells, slightly jumping in excitement and I have to reach out to steady her before she falls. Her arms wrap around my neck. “Thank you so much for making me do that.”

“I told you you’d love it. Want to go again?”

“You’ll ski with me just like that?”

“You know I’d do anything you want me to do. Let’s go.” I hand her the poles so she can push her way back to the lift, making this the best ski day I’ve ever had.