“No, I’m the same person—just colder than usual. I’m not used to taking lessons on something from a five-year-old.”
“She’s so funny and adorable.” Anna glanced up the slope toward Delphi, who was getting into position for another run. “And you’re great with her.”
“You mean she’s enjoying my humiliation?”
“No. I mean the fact that you were prepared to join in even though this was the last thing you wanted to do says a lot.”
“And the fact that I’m having a good time says a lot, too. It tells me I need to do more of this.” Erica stamped the snow from her boots and Anna looked at her curiously.
“More winter sports?”
“More things that make me laugh.” Erica removed her gloves and shook out snow that had managed to wedge itself inside. “I need to do more things that bring me joy.”
Anna checked on Delphi, gave her a wave and then turned back to Erica. “You mean like spending more time in bed with sexy Jack?”
Despite the snow, Erica felt warmth spread through her. “Maybe. And maybe also time out of bed.”
Anna’s eyes widened and she pressed her hand to her chest in an exaggerated gesture of shock. “You don’t mean—a relationship?”
Erica accepted the teasing. “I enjoy his company, which is the very reason I’ve been reluctant to see more of him.”
“That only makes sense to me because it’s coming from you.” Anna slid her arm through Erica’s. “You’re scared that you might end up needing him.”
“Relationships are scary.” Erica turned to her and shrugged. “I don’t expect you to understand. You make romance look easy.”
Anna’s smile faltered. “I do understand. There are so many things that can go wrong, and when you love someone the stakes are so much higher. And romance—love—is never easy.”
It wasn’t the response she’d expected.
Erica stared at her friend. “Is everything all right?”
“Fine.” She waved at Delphi again, who was positioning herself to attack the slope again. “You struck the jackpot with this place. The views are incredible.”
Romance—love—is never easy.
In all the years she’d known Anna, she’d never heard her say anything like that before.
When it came to relationships, Anna was everyone’s role model.
Erica peered closer and noticed how tired Anna looked. Why hadn’t she noticed it before?
“Are you sleeping okay?”
“Me?” Anna turned. “Fine. You?”
Erica floundered. Anna was usually so open. “Great. Comfy bed.” She knew something was wrong but didn’t know how to encourage Anna to talk about it. Was this how her friends felt about her? She made an instant promise to herself to try to be more forthcoming. But as for Anna, she’d just have to wait and hope that eventually she’d tell them. “It’s a pretty place, although I might need to rethink my clothing if these outdoor activities are going to be the norm. How long does it take for frostbite to form?”
“What you need is a hot bath, and fortunately, you have time for one before dinner.”
Erica liberated another chunk of snow from the neck of her jacket. “A hot bath sounds good. Claudia won’t be joining us for dinner because she’s cooking, but we could meet in the library for a drink before we eat? I know you’ll want to call Pete first.”
Anna said nothing and when Erica glanced at her she saw she had tears in her eyes.
“Anna?” Concerned, she took Anna’s arm. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
“With me?” Anna rummaged in her pocket for a tissue. “I’m not the one that managed to fall off a sled on a baby slope.” She pulled her hand out and her shoulders sagged. “I don’t have a tissue.”
Erica dug into her own pocket and pulled out a packet. “Here. Take the lot.”
Anna sniffed and pulled one out. “You never carry tissues.”
“I thought I might need them as I’m looking after a five-year-old. I’m following your example of being prepared for all things. Tell me what’s going on. You were quiet at dinner last night, and again at breakfast this morning. And you went for a long walk on your own this morning.”
“Well, you had to make work calls, and Claudia was in the kitchen so I thought I might as well get some fresh air.” Anna blew her nose hard.
“Aunt Erica! Anna!” Delphi’s voice carried through the cold air. “Watch me!”
Anna immediately beamed and waved her arms. “We’re watching!” She brushed away the tears and whooped as Delphi shot down the slope toward them.
Erica marveled at her ability to always set aside her own feelings and put on a bright smile for the child.
“Are you missing home? Thinking of Christmas?” She started in the obvious place, a wild stab in the dark, but Anna shook her head.
“No, not at all.” She kept her eyes on Delphi. “This place is so festive and being with you two, my best friends—” she cleared her throat “—it’s perfect.”
Now she was sure something was wrong.
Erica wished she were more intuitive. She needed Anna’s skills. “Is this about the kids leaving home? All that talk about change with Hattie has upset you?”
“No.” But this time Anna’s smile was a pathetic imitation of the real thing. Seeing raw misery, Erica put her hand on her arm.
“Anna—”
“Ignore me. It’s just something Pete said a few days ago. Oh, look at her go! She has no fear. Meg was exactly like that. Nightmare.” Anna clapped her hands as Delphi careered toward them.
Erica wanted to ask what Pete had said, but Anna was running to meet Delphi, all smiles and encouragement, and Erica followed, accepting the fact that Anna clearly didn’t want to talk about it.
She watched her friend with Delphi, seeing the warmth and the interest. Anna was so natural with children. So completely happy and absorbed by them. It wasn’t hard to understand why she’d be sad at the prospect of her own children leaving home.
She frowned. Was Pete annoyed that Anna had come away with them so close to Christmas? No. Pete was the most laid-back person ever, and he’d never tried to control Anna. So what had happened?
She wanted to ask but at that moment Delphi came barreling toward her.
“Aunt Erica! Did you see me?” She wrapped her arms around Erica’s legs and hugged her tightly.
Erica felt a rush of warmth. It was impossible not to respond to Delphi’s affection. “I saw you. You were brilliant.”
“I love going fast. Shall we go again?” Delphi’s pleading look was hard to resist.
Erica glanced at Anna, who gave an overly bright smile.
“Why not? It will be dark soon. Let’s do it.”
They hauled themselves back to the top of the slope for a final run, and this time Hattie met them at the bottom with Rufus and deftly persuaded Delphi that it was time to come indoors.
Delphi insisted on holding Erica’s hand. Erica had no idea what she’d done to deserve such unreserved acceptance and was surprised by how good it felt.