“I can’t do that, Ford. But you are such a great guy,” he said weeping.
“Yes, you can, Chase. And you will. I mean it. I’ll sign the whole thing over to you. I want you to be here in Sage Mountain where your family belongs,” I said, and he nodded. I was blessed. I didn’t need the money. My brand deals alone were what paid my bills. I bought a swatch of land here a few years ago before things really blew up, and then I had the chalets built on them. The rental income would be more than enough for me.
“I’ll never be able to repay you, Ford.” Chase looked at me with more joy than I’d ever seen in another person's eyes.
“You don’t have to. It’s my gift. Anyway, we better go,” I said, looking to the grandstands. I told Presley to meet me at the chalet around six, but I had this interview to do. I would ask Jack to pass the message along but suddenly, he was nowhereto be found. I wished I had gotten Presley’s phone number; I only had several days to do it. “I signed us up for an interview afterwards.” Chase shook his head.
“They don’t want me, Ford. They wantyou.Thank you for including me, but I have a house to buy.” Chase smiled and left.
“Theo McCain,” I said, walking up to the interview tent. He was all set up with a chair waiting for me.
“Ford Prescott, part of the winning team for skijoring at the Winter Games. . . How many years in a row, now?”
“I’ve been blessed, though I don’t deserve it,” I said. Theo’s eyes squinted. That wasn’t exactly the victory speech that a guy with a pretty big ego himself was waiting for. I took a seat, ready to bare it all.
Chapter 11: Presley
Hot Cocoa & Hot Takes
Jack, Ford’s manager, was sweet enough to bring me a warm blanket. And a hot chocolate from the athlete tent. And a dozen roses that were for sale at the florist that he walked past to buy said blanket at the luxury home store. I was completely blown away.
“These are technically from me, but Ford asked that I take care of you,” he winked. He was a charming man with kindness in his eyes. “But don’t go fallin’ in love with me, honey. Ford said you are his.” My cheeks reddened at his words.
“Ford said that?”It was everything I could do to keep my composure. Jack tilted his head back and forth.
“In a roundabout way, yes,” he smiled, revealing his gap-tooth grin. I was blown away by his statement.
“But I heard him on the phone. Actually, he was talking to you!” I stood, needing to work this situation out in my head. “He told you I was just ‘a lot’. . . And that’s it. I didn’t hear anything else.” My use of air quotes while wearing mittens was wildly ineffective. Jack shook his head.
“I don’t really remember that, but what I do remember is he just said a few minutes ago that he wanted me to take care of you out here. And he made it clear I wasn’t to go make you fallin’ in love with me instead. I’d say he likes you, sweetheart.” Jack smiled one last time and walked away. I was holding everything in my arms and carefully sat my drink down to handle the rest. I decided to wait until Ford raced before I would start overanalyzing the rest of the situation so I could focus all of my energy on praying for his victory.
*****
Watching Ford expertly traverse the skijoring track was inspiring; now, I knew what the big deal about it all was for. Aside from his incredible looks, he was truly the most talented skier that took the track. Once I started watching, I became fully immersed in the sport and had let everything else go.
Ford was by far the fastest racer until the last pair went. That team was almost just as fast, but not nearly as skilled in the game. Still, it seemed like the other racers didn’t evencompare to Ford’s team in ability. I was feeling very proud by the end of it.
Since I was meeting Ford in a short while back at the chalet, I decided to go back to mine to change my clothes and warm up. Feed Priscilla and eat a good meal myself. I was very much craving something warm, cheesy, and carb-filled, but with this blanket and roses—the hot chocolate fully consumed—I couldn’t really carry a pizza back with me, too.
As I started my walk back to my rental, the TV screen flashed a notification that Ford would be interviewed in the next few minutes by Theo McCain. I stood still; not sure if I had time to make it back to tune in on the television, or if I should just stay. Ultimately, I waited. I was already standing outside of the grandstands, so I wrapped the faux fur blanket around my body and bore my eyes up at the screen.
It showed Theo McCain ready to interview as another commentator spoke about racing facts and highlighted a few clips from the best moments of today’s skijoring event. Then, it was cut as Ford appeared on the edge of the screen. He said a few words which were a bit mumbled, and a woman came on and clipped a mic to his coat. He had his helmet on still, but his goggles were up. He looked tired, like he was up all night. I foundmyself wondering how things went after I stormed out last night. Clearly, for us to go from there to him sending me a blanket and Jack improvising with flowers, something happened.
Ford took a seat, and the conversation went back to Theo.
“So, Ford, you were saying that you had something to say?” Theo looked uncertain. He seemed the type that liked to remain in control, but Ford was an athleteanda Wyoming heart throb, so he gave Ford the reins.
“Yes, I do. I was saying that I don’t deserve to win.” An audible gasp was heard around me. I wasn’t the only one hanging by a thread.
“Woah, Ford. Does this have something to do with the cheating scandal? Are you admitting to the use of. . . bribery?” Theo frantically looked around to make sure the camera was rolling, and he gave someone a thumbs up. Ford shook his head.
“No. Never. I’ve never needed to use those tactics to win.” Theo almost looked disappointed that he wasn’t getting a live confessional. “And we have taken the steps to ensure there are drug tests before races, from now on. So, that ‘scandal’ is over.” People clapped. All of that worrying and stress over the last few months was just cleared up. “What I’m saying is, I havefallen so far from God and yet, I won anyway. Today’s win was all for His glory. All of my career was all for His glory!” People started clapping again, and Ford kept his eyes on Theo.
“What do you mean, ‘was’?” Theo quizzed him.
“Good catch. That’s the second point I’d like to make— something I’ve been considering a long time now. I’ve finally realized now is the time. I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional skijoring competitions.” Another gasp in the crowd. My jaw dropped. This handsome cowboy, the face of the sport, was leaving?
“Well, that certainly is a surprise, Ford. What’s next for you?” Theo looked like all of his hopes for this interview had just been washed down the drain.
