Despite the sun being swallowed by heavy-laden clouds, Carol thought this had been the happiest afternoon ever. And not just because of the amazing kisses either. Trekking across snowfields, pausing by sparkling streams fringed with snow and ice, taking a lunch break on a brushed-off bench next to a shimmering frozen lake, she knew these were memories that would be fixed in her head—and her heart—until she was a very old lady. As they unloaded their gear into the back of the pickup, they were both flushed and winded and immensely happy.
“You did great,” he told her after they got inside the cab. “What a trouper.”
“I loved it. Absolutely amazing,” Carol said as Victor started driving home. “I totally love snowshoeing. It’s even better than skiing. You go so fast on skis that you miss a lot of the beauty all around you. And I never realized a snowscape could be so beautiful.”
“You get much snow near Seattle?”
“Mostly rain,” she admitted.
“For a girl who seems to enjoy snow and winter activities, you might want to think about relocating,” he said, giving her a quick wink.
She knew it wouldn’t take much to budge her out of Seattle right now. Like the perfect man, for instance ... but she had no intention of revealing that kind of vulnerability to him just yet. Good grief, the poor guy already had one woman chasing after him with marriage on the mind. He’d probably head for the hills if he thought there were two. Even if he wasn’t interested in Victoria, her pursuits had definitely put him off. And for all Carol knew, Victoria’s pursuits were not over.
As if to confirm her theory, Carol noticed a shiny red SUV parked in front of the Clarkson house, with Victoria standing next to it, smiling and waving. Unlike Carol’s odd ensemble of borrowed clothing, Victoria’s outfit looked like it belonged on the cover of a trendy winter sportswear catalogue.
“Looks like you have a visitor,” she said quietly.
His response was a low groan. “This should be interesting.”
“Yeah. I bet. I think I’ll scoot on into the house. It’s already starting to snow and I’m, uh, kinda cold.”
“Good idea. Avoid some of the screaming.”
Studying Victoria’s face as she climbed out of the pickup, Carol suspected he could be right. Victoria’s happy countenance evaporated. Clearly the queen was angry. Probably more so at Carol than Victor. Just the same, Carol forced a smile and threw out a cheerful greeting, then she excused herself and hurried toward the house.
She risked looking back and noticed Victoria’s greeting was icier than the wind that was starting to blow, and on her face was a frozen smile, with eyes fixed on Victor. “Oh, Vic,” she exclaimed. “I’m so glad to find you here. I have to tell you how sorry I am about the cotillion. I was so horrid to you. Truly awful! It’s been eating me alive for two days now. I hope you can forgive me. Give me a second chance.” Her voice literally quivered with emotion. Was this real? Or manufactured?
Eager to escape what promised to be a heartbreaking melodrama, at least for Victoria, Carol opened the front door. What was Victoria trying to pull off here? Did she think she could turn Victor’s head with tears? But one last glance at Victor made Carol wonder if perhaps that’s exactly what was happening. The poor man looked totally blindsided by the beautiful blond in his driveway. Was it because Victoria didn’t normally apologize? Or because he thought she truly deserved a second chance? Or was it that they had a history ... because Victoria was the hometown, homegrown girl and reigning queen of Miller’s Creek?
Carol went inside and spotted Antonia and Maria spying out the front window, taking in the spectacle unfolding outside. Carol stood behind the two women, watching as well. Carol noticed that Victoria had what looked like real tears streaming down her cheeks. With her arms spread, she ran to Victor, throwing herself against his chest. He looked shocked and speechless and finally pointed to her vehicle. She nodded and hurried over but got in the passenger’s seat. Victor looked flustered, but finally he ran around and jumped into the driver’s side. With the tinted windows, the show was over.
“Well, what do you make of that?” Antonia said to no one in particular.
“I’m guessing that’s a first,” Maria admitted. “For Victoria, anyway.”
Antonia frowned. “What do you think she’s up to?”
“Obviously, she’s trying to hold on to him. And why not?” Maria shook her head. “That boy is a great catch. For the right woman.”
“I don’t think Victoria’s the right woman.” Antonia peeked out again, then sighed deeply. “Although her money is probably tempting. I heard she’s got a couple million stashed away from her first two marriages. And I know Victor wants to start another restaurant.”
“Oh, Antonia.” Maria tsked. “You know your son better than that.”
“What do you make of it?” Antonia asked Carol.
She just shrugged. Quite honestly, she had no words. She looked out the window just in time to see the SUV driving away.
“Well, never mind that,” Maria said. “He’s probably just trying to get that hysterical girl out of here. More power to him.”
Antonia turned to Carol. “Anyway, you’re back just in time. We’re all done, and I’ve loaded some things for tomorrow in the back of Maria’s car. But I’m sure she’s all tuckered out. Time to get home and rest up for tomorrow’s festivities.”
Carol nodded mutely. Soon she was helping Maria down the slippery porch stairs, through the blowing snow, and into the car, and without saying a word, she drove them both home.
By the time Carol got Maria to bed, she realized her cell phone was dead again. Being out here in the country had lessened the need to be hyperconnected. Instead of charging it, she took a relaxing bath. She didn’t want Mom to call and doubted that Victor would bother this late. She could sort this all out tomorrow. Tonight she was tired. And really, she told herself, Victor cared more for her than Victoria. Didn’t he? She wondered about his restaurant dream and how much money that would take ... She knew Victoria was wealthy. What if she offered to fund it? But she didn’t think Victor was the kind of guy who could be bought! Right?
16
Carol and Maria had plenty to keep them busy on Christmas Eve day. And even though Carol’s phone was charged now, Victor hadn’t called. Her mom did though. She was surprisingly civil, only calling to wish Carol a merry Christmas. Carol was careful to keep their conversation light and upbeat. But to her surprise, Mom told her to wish Maria a merry Christmas too.
