Chapter One

Bear

Heavy snow is blanketing my driveway tonight, and the wind is just beginning to pick up and whip all the white stuff into a frenzy.

Pretty soon, the drifts will swoop halfway up my front steps and the street will be invisible.

But it’s all child’s play to the monstrosity parked out front. The only tires bigger than those on my tow truck belong on a tractor. Not to mention the enormous snowplow I added on the front end. There’s nothing my sweet Snow Angel can’t plow through. Yeah, it’s a sissy nickname for a tow truck, but I dare you to say that to my face.

The small city I live in may appear like a winter wonderland on Christmas Eve. It certainly is that way for everyone who may be tucked snugly into the warm living rooms, next to their Christmas trees and lit fireplaces. But for anyone out there on the roads, it’s a nightmare.

I’m watching the news, and it doesn’t look good.

The local weather girl is telling me the overnight blizzard is going to create white-out conditions on all major roads tonight. Slick surfaces out on the country roads.

After a while, I’m barely registering what she’s saying. So why am I watching this?

The weather she’s describing may be ugly, but she is anything but. Sweet gingerbread, is she adorable.

I’ve admired her on the television from the comfort of my living room for the longest time.

Our local news station is relatively low key in this small city of about 50,000 people, so they aren’t really uptight about the dress code on Christmas Eve night. Tonight she’s wearing a fitted red sweater with elves all over it, and dangly wreath earrings. And I notice she’s wearing her snowflake scarf. She rotates between that one, a red one with candy canes and a white one with holly berries every winter season. I don't know shit about fashion, but I take notice of everything when it comes to her.

She’s also wearing black jeans that are nice and tight. The whole ensemble shows off some sweet curves and she’s jutting one hip out as she talks. Her voice feels like my favorite Christmas carol.

“I’m standing outside the Weather Center right now, and as you can see," the adorable Mary Reed says as she gestures around, "the snow is already falling pretty heavily and the wind gusts are getting stronger by the minute. I advise everyone to stay off the roads if you can. If you’re not already at your Christmas Eve destinations for the night, I strongly suggest you stay where you are. It’s better to stay safe than to get to that party tonight, folks."

She really ought to take her own advice and wear a coat and a hat outside, I think. But I’m not going to complain about seeing her sassy little hip do that thing while she’s smiling for the camera. Sometimes I think she should have been a model. But then she wouldn’t live in this city and I’d lose my weather girl. And that would not be acceptable.

Mary Reed’s sleek, shoulder-length brown hair has been hairsprayed within an inch of its life. I’d love to see it wild and soft and sexy, falling across my pillow. Woven between my fingers. Feathering across my abs while her soft, thick lips tease their way down…

But that’s a Christmas fantasy that's too much to ask for. Plenty of eligible bachelors in this city are probably lined up if she’s not already taken. Guys with way more money and more interesting jobs than me.

I turn off the TV and lace up my boots. Pull on my stocking cap and gloves and grab my keys.

As soon as Martha, light of my life, hears the jingle of keys, she comes running.

I open the door and she bounds outside. I have to hustle to open the tow truck door for her, and as soon as I do, she launches herself into the cab.

I drive the few blocks to my mom’s house, and even in that span of five minutes, the wind is really started to blow. Snow is starting to drift up the sides of houses and buildings. Sidewalks are already covered over with sleek white sheets.

And it’s just getting started. Tonight is gonna be a bitch.

Mom opens the door as soon as I start heading up the walk. Martha runs to her. She gives Martha a hug even before she puts her arm around her own son’s neck. It’s OK though, that's the effect Martha has on people.

“I’m not coming inside, Ma, I don't wanna get snow everywhere. Besides Mary Reed says we’re gonna get pounded tonight, so I’m headed out right away.”

Mom knows me too well and smirks at me. “She’s a cute one, that Mary Reed. You should write her a letter!”

“Ma, come on. I’m not a creep.”

“It’s not creepy! She’d love you.” She pops over to kiss me and I have to bend down so she can reach my forehead. Then she taps me on the cheek.

“Who wouldn’t love this face?”

“Any woman in her right mind?”

“Don’t talk smack about my son. You be careful tonight.”

“Always am, Ma. Thanks for taking Martha.”

I say goodbye to my mom, telling her I’ll be back tomorrow to spend Christmas with her.

I know my mom is just looking out for me and wants me to be happy.

But tonight, I’ve got other things on my mind than women. Tonight is all about giving back by helping people stranded in the snowstorm. And there’s no way I can see a smart cookie like Mary Reed needing my help.

Coming Christmas 2018!