Olivia’s eyebrows shot up.“No?”
Ella laughed and clapped her mittens together.“No.”
Charlie laughed from where he was zipping up his jacket.“Is she sayingNoorSnow?”
“No.”
Olivia laughed.“I think you’ve got it, Charlie.Snow.You want to play in the snow, Ella Mae.”
A high-pitched squeal of joy had them all laughing.“Snow it is.”
Outside, the clouds hung heavily in the air, predicting more snow.For the moment, it was clear, and there wasn’t much wind to make things uncomfortable.
Olivia had already called the sports store where Adam worked.The helpful person on the phone had told her Adam was scheduled for the afternoon shift every day that week, so they could relax and play.
Gray jogged up to the Inn to grab the sled while the rest headed to the rink, with Ella in Nash’s arms.She patted his cheeks with her mittens.“No.Na.No.”
He grinned.“I like the snow, too, Ella.Those S sounds are tough.You’re doing great.”
“No.”
Charlie ran ahead, Oggie at his side, ears flopping as he romped through the snow.
A perfect winter day.Playing in the snow for now.Baking cookies with her family later.She couldn’t wait to see how much fun Ella would have decorating them.It was going to be a messy disaster.
She couldn’t wait.
They’d created a path through the snow by moving back and forth to the rink area.Charlie and Oggie returned.“Can I try pulling the wagon?The snow’s flat here.”
Olivia put Ella Mae in the wagon.The girl clapped her hands.“Lee.No.Lee.”
Charlie grabbed the handle.“Don’t worry, Ella.We’ll go slow.”He walked backwards, tugging the wagon with him.
Gray grinned.“We didn’t have any ski wax, but we used candle wax on the runners.Should help a little bit, but it’s going to be tough going on the bumps.”
Charlie got the wagon moving, and both he and Ella laughed.As did Olivia.When Nash’s arm came around her shoulder, she leaned into him.“This is perfect.”
His eyes darkened.“It is.A perfect family activity for us.”
Her heart warmed again.Nash not only loved her but was also picturing them as a family—just as she was.
When they arrived at the large area in front of the barn that was going to support the rink, it was easier to pull the sled.During the cold nights, they’d used the hose to spread water over the snow, creating a base layer of ice.
The sled moved well on the thin ice, and Ella squealed as Charlie tugged her more quickly.Oggie flopped his ears as he jogged alongside, barking his joy.
“Boomer, easy guard.”Amber’s voice released the dog.Olivia knew the dog was highly trained.This command allowed him to play but told him that he still needed to pay attention to his surroundings.
The thought of what Amber had been through sent a shiver down Olivia’s spine.Thankfully, she was okay and now had Boomer and Gray.
Everyone took turns pulling Ella, and she also had fun clambering in and out of the wagon.When Charlie put Oggie into the wagon and tugged him into a ride, Ella’s laughter had everyone joining in.
It was a perfect day, and Olivia hoped Ella Mae would remember the fun for a long time.She doubted it would stick forever because she was so young, but she hoped the warmth and joy would fill her.Mary Mae and Liam would love seeing their girl so full of joy.
Nash and Gray had found what they called a lawn roller.The huge cylinder was heavy enough to help flatten the snow.The rink was about fifteen yards along each edge, but they had plans to make it bigger for actual skating.She’d never been on skates, but she’d order some one day.It would be fun to try.
Being a good role model for Ella Mae meant not avoiding things she’d never tried before.Even if she wasn’t very good, she’d try.
Having a romantic skate with Nash under the stars was all the incentive she needed.
