Noah

We touched down in Aspen. The dogs were fine, but anxious to get out of the flying tin box. Callie had mellowed. The champagne helped. It always did, but she only drank it when we traveled.

Little doses of jealousy where good for a relationship. It got her to admit to a stranger we were engaged.

Callie’s behavior was out of character, but it was fun to watch.

“When do Preston and Kate arrive?” Callie asked as we exited the plane.

“They’re already here. We’ll meet them at the house.” I answered. I put Nip on his leash and Valentine in the travel pack. We exited the plane. The ground crew already loaded our luggage in the waiting car.

“Good afternoon Mr. Patrick, Miss. Blake.” A tall gentleman in a black Fox Creek polo and black slacks greeted us. “My name is Jerry. I’m the house manager and one of your drivers for the week. I’ll be taking you to the house when you’re ready.”

“Hi Jerry.” Callie said and smiled.

Jerry opened the back door of the black SUV.

“Mr. And Mrs. Carter have about a twenty minute head start on you.” Jerry said and motioned us in the car.

“How long is the drive to the house?” Callie asked.

“About thirty minutes.”

Callie looked down at the dogs.

“There’s a dog park near the airport exit.”

“Oh perfect.” Callie said.

Jerry looked at his watch. I guess we were messing up his schedule. Our annual Aspen trip was packed with activities. We played golf, hiked, ate, drank, slept, and pontificated on the meaning of life. Last year we cancelled the trip.

Callie and I were just getting started and he and Kate where in a fragile place. I thought the trip would be gone forever. That’s what happened when life got in the way.

Christmas morning, I opened a gift addressed to both Callie and I. It was a little model of a house in the mountains similar to the one we stayed in on our first trip to Aspen.

When I showed it to Callie, she blinked back tears. Our trip was usually held in May, she was touched that he moved it to correspond with her Spring Break. Preston was considerate like that.

We pulled up to the dog park. Both Callie and I got out.

It was a small caged in grass area, ten foot by ten foot. We let the dogs out. Nip got right down business. Valentine had to explore a bit.

I turned to Callie.

Her face turned up, absorbing the sun.

I pulled her into my side.

“It’s beautiful,” she hugged me back, “but quiet here.”

“Yeah. You get used to it.”

“How long have you two been coming here?” She tilted her head.

“Since our rookie year.”

“I’m sure those trips were eventful.” She smirked.

“That first year, yeah. It’s calmed down considerably since then.”

“What changed?” She stepped back.

“Preston meet Kate his rookie year, they were off and on those first two years.” We walked to the edge of the park. “The first trip was during a really bad off time for them. He was going to make up for it by living like a big time NFL baller. Worked for me. But on the last day, we do this hike and that’s when he told me, he was in love.” I shook my head and laughed.

“You must have been so disappointed.” Callie said.

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

“You never had such an epiphany on the mountain top?” Callie asked.

“I guess I didn’t need to. I found my heart in the city.”

Callie giggled and wrapped her arms around my neck.

I hugged her tight and nuzzled her neck.

She looked relaxed.

“This is going to be an amazing trip,” Callie said.

I leaned back and held her face. She looked happy.

I kissed her and said a silent prayer, for a relaxing and drama free vacation.

As we pulled up to the house, a staff of four people wearing the same polo and black slacks greeted us.

“Noah, Callie.” Jerry pointed to us. “This is your staff for the week. Amy and Jen are housekeeping. Steve is in charge of activities. Malcolm will be your chef and Randa is the assistant manager. If you have any questions or requests you can ask either one of us. I believe Mr. And Mrs. Carter are waiting for you inside. We have snacks and refreshments set up in the kitchen.”

After Jerry finished his speech in one breath. We all stood and looked at each other.

“Nice meeting you all.” I said. It put everyone in motion. We all shook hands and Randa showed us inside while the rest of the staff got our bags.

We walked into the house and past the stairs on the left, the house opened up into a massive living area with the view of the mountains in the back. The dinning room and kitchen were on the left. Preston and Kate stood next to the huge island covered in food.

“PC.” I yelled with my arms raised.

“NP,” Preston yelled and we ran and met in the center of the living room. We collided with a grunt. Preston got leverage on me and lifted me up. I regained my balance and pushed him back while giving him a bear hug.

Kate stood off to the side witnessing our male greeting ritual.

“Wait.” I stopped and leaned back. “No cameras right.”

Preston pushed me away.

“Dude. No. One time thing. I promise.” We hugged again.

“Cal.” Kate yelled and ran over to Callie.

“Kat.” Callie yelled back and the girls hugged and attempted our ritual and failed miserably.

“You two look ridiculous,” Preston said and shook his head.

“Our point exactly, ” Kate said.

We all laughed.

“Let me see. Let me see.” Kate grabbed Callie’s hand. “Oh my God, it’s gorgeous. Nice job Noah.”

“Thank you.” I grinned.

Callie held it up for Kate to study. The smirk on her face made me proud. Kate made a big deal about it. Callie grinned from ear to ear.

“Callie Cal.” Preston said and took her hand. “Welcome to the family.”

“We’re not married, yet,” Callie said as she hugged Preston.

“That’s just a formality.” He kissed her cheek.

I put my arm on Kate’s shoulders and kissed her cheek.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I have been looking forward to this trip,” Kate said.

“Need a break from marriage already, babe,” Preston said.

“No, I’m looking forward to enjoying just being Mrs. Kate Carter for a minute.” Kate stepped back. “Listen everyone. For the next five days, Kate Stone does not exist.”

“Okay, but I hope Kate Carter can sing because we have a serious karaoke contest going down on Wednesday at the brewery,” I said.

“Yeah, babe. The winner gets free t-shirts.” Preston jumped up and down like a little kid.

“You’re our secret weapon.” Noah squeezed her shoulder.

“Y’all are so silly,” Kate moved into the kitchen. “We have to start the weekend off with a toast.”

Kate handed Callie and I a glass of champagne, then one to Preston.

I nodded to Preston.

“To the first of many family vacations.” He looked at each of us. “May it continue to be the most anticipated trip of the year … besides the Super Bowl.”

“Oh my God.” Kate and Callie said in unison.

Preston giggled and took a sip.

“Yo. To be honest. I’m tired of attending my own Super Bowls.” Preston nodded.

We all groaned in unison.

“No you’re not,” Kate said.

“You’re right, I’m not. But,” He held up his hand. “I’d be cool attending your Super Bowl someday, too.” He pointed his glass at me.

“Well if you'd stop kicking my ass in the playoffs, I might have a chance.”

“Okay, I’ll take it easy on you next year.” Preston said.

“No you won’t.” Callie hit Preston in the chest.

“Yeah, no I won’t.” Preston and I said in unison and laughed.

This trip was going to be a good one.