Winter in Snow Valley (Snow Valley Romance)

by Anderson, Cindy Roland

  “No.” He stared at the icicles hanging off the roof of the boutique for a long moment before pulling his gaze back to hers. “I meant what I said the other day. I want to be with you … if you’ll let me.”

  “I do,” she bit her lip. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize it sooner. I was so silly and scared.”

  “Scared of me?”

  “No.” She sighed deeply. “So scared of becoming my mother that I almost became my father. You’re … you didn’t deserve that. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  He brushed the backs of his fingers over her cheek. “You’re not your mother or your father,” he said softly. “You’re you. The girl I love.”

  “I love you too,” she whispered.

  Mariah went up on her tiptoes, and when their lips met, the kiss was full of all the tenderness and the promise she’d been seeking.

  Chapter 15

  Mariah woke the next morning to Amy’s happy cry.

  “It’s my wedding day!” She burst into Mariah’s room without knocking and landed on the bed with a flying leap. “It’s finally here!” she squealed, bouncing on the bed like a child on Christmas morning.

  “I know, I can’t believe it,” Mariah said, wincing as Amy’s knee hit her in the thigh. “What time is it?”

  “Just after six,” Amy said happily. “Don’t you think we’d better get started on my hair?”

  “The wedding isn’t until two,” Mariah pointed out. “If we do your hair now, it’ll be all messed up by the time you get to the church.”

  She rolled over, shoving Amy’s knees off. She’d like nothing better than to grab a few more hours of sleep, but that would be impossible now. Not with Amy pin-balling around like a hyper rabbit and thoughts of Lana Turner running through her mind. Sorrow tugged at her and she took a deep, steadying breath.

  “Are you okay?” Amy’s voice broke through her thoughts. She’d taken the news of Lana Turner’s death with a small sigh and a hug for Mariah. Of course, she was a little busy focusing on other things.

  “Yeah. I’m all right,” Mariah said. If anything good had come from yesterday, it was the time with Riker. He’d been so gentle, so caring. His concern for the dead cat had touched her deeply, showing his profound reverence for life and for death, but also his concern for her.

  “You should probably eat something; it’s going to be a long day,” Mariah said, turning her attention back to her cousin.

  Amy grinned. “Yeah, a long, absolutely fantastic day.” She jumped up from the bed. “Are you coming?”

  “In a minute.” Mariah reached for her phone on the bedside table, pulled up Riker’s number, and typed in her text.

  Hi. How did it go yesterday?

  He replied almost immediately.

  Hi you. It went well. I hope you approve of the spot. I made it pretty deep.

  Attached to the text was a picture, a small mound of freshly dug dirt under the sweeping boughs of an enormous pine where it was quiet and protected from the weather. Mariah zoomed in on the grave and tears sprang to her eyes. Fresh grief over the cat, but also of gratitude that Riker had been there to make it so much easier. The ground under the tree was probably not too frozen, but it still must been backbreaking work to dig even a small grave.

  She texted back.

  Perfect. Thank you.

  You’re welcome. You’re up early, is Amy bouncing off the walls?

  Mariah chuckled. Bouncing off the walls was an understatement.

  Totally. But I just have to survive until 2:00. Then she’s Jake’s problem.

  She sat up and ran her fingers through her hair as she waited for him to reply. It felt so intimate to be lying in bed texting him. She wondered where he was. Probably not still in bed. He could be in his living room in front of the roaring wood-burning stove, maybe wearing only that comfy pair of sweats that hung low on his hips. Or maybe he was making pancakes in the kitchen. Or, knowing Riker, he was probably out on a ten-mile hike through six-foot drifts … just a quick warmup before the wedding this afternoon.

  Ha! Somehow I don’t think Jake will mind. I can’t wait to see you.

  Mariah bit her lip, smiling as his words sent a thrill racing through her.

  I can’t wait to see you either. And you’ll be glad to know I’m toning down my look so I’ll match the rest of the bridesmaids.

  Awwww! I love my retro Barbie. But I’m sure I’ll love my bridesmaid Barbie just as much.

  Mariah floated right alongside Amy through the rest of the morning. She barely tasted the bacon and eggs her aunt insisted she eat. Then, after Amy showered, Mariah patiently worked her hair into an elaborate arrangement of curls. She was only half listening to Amy’s endless chatter, the larger part of her mind was occupied by daydreams of Riker.

  When the curls were in place, she added bobby pins topped with rhinestones and the gauzy veil, then handed Amy the mirror. “You look gorgeous.”

  Her cousin turned this way and that, evaluating Mariah’s work. “It’s perfect!” She beamed. “You’re a genius.”

  “Are you two about done? We’ve got to …” Aunt Janice came rushing into the room, then stopped. “Oh!” She gasped, and her eyes filled with tears. “I told myself I wouldn’t cry,” she said, taking a deep breath. “You look so beautiful, sweetheart.”

  Stacie poked her head around the door. “Yes, you do look beautiful,” she told Amy before fixing Aunt Janice with an exasperated look. “Come on, you need to get ready too. And try to stop crying, at this rate you’ll be dehydrated by the time we reach the church!” Her teasing smile took the bite out of her words and for once, Mariah felt no bitterness for her mother’s sarcasm. Weddings really were magical.

  Or maybe being in love was magical. Every time she thought of Riker, a thrill shot through her, sending her heart soaring.

  Pastor John waited for them at the church, looking very official in his black robes. He showed them to the bride’s room and gave Amy a fatherly smile. “You look stunning.”

  Amy’s cheeks grew pink with pleasure at the compliment, and she beamed at the pastor.

  They changed into their dresses—Amy’s a loose mermaid gown of white silk and guipure lace and Mariah’s a flowing gown of cornflower blue with a rounded neck and capped sleeves. The other bridesmaids arrived as they were getting ready, filling the room with laughter and excitement.

  They could hear the guests arriving and at ten to two, Mariah squeezed Amy’s hands. “I’ll go see where we’re at.”

  She stepped out of the bride’s room with a sigh of relief. The hairspray fumes were getting a bit much.

  “That bad, huh?”

  Her heart jumped. Riker leaned against the wall opposite the door. He wore a gray tuxedo with an icy blue vest and a blue tie of the same cornflower fabric as Mariah’s dress. His dark hair was still slightly damp and curled over the collar of his white dress shirt. He was freshly shaven, the lack of whiskers highlighting the square set of his jaw.

  Mariah waved her hand at the closed door of the bride’s room. “It’s like a coop of chickens in there.” She eyed his tie. “That’s not an Eldredge knot.”

  “I know,” his eyes twinkled conspiratorially. “I watched five different YouTube videos and I still couldn’t get the stupid thing right. But I’m betting Amy doesn’t notice.” He shoved off the wall and stepped closer, his arms snaking around her waist. “You’re not going to snitch on me, are you?”

  Mariah shook her head. “It’ll be our secret.”

  “Good,” he leaned down to nuzzle her neck, sending goosebumps dancing down her arms. “You look fantastic, by the way.”

  “You’re not looking too bad yourself.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers twining in the damp hair at his collar, and breathed in the scent of him.

  “Are you doing anything after this?” he whispered huskily.

  Mariah’s knees trembled. “I hadn’t made any plans.”

  “Good,” Riker said. “You go take
care of the bride and I’ll corral the groom for a few more hours, then you’re mine.”

  “This is going to be the longest wedding ever,” Mariah replied as a shiver went through her.

  As if on cue, the door to the bride’s room whipped open and April Hadley, wearing a dress a shade lighter than Mariah’s, stuck her head out. “Oh good, there you are,” she said to Mariah. “Amy’s asking for you.”

  “I’ll be right there,” Mariah replied, and April stepped back inside.

  Riker leaned down and planted a quick kiss on her nose. “See you later,” he whispered before slipping away.

  Mariah rubbed the goosebumps from her arms. No offense to Amy and Jake, but this really was going to be the longest wedding ever.

  * * *

  Riker looked around the corner into the chapel. The pews were full and the organist was rolling through the usual wedding songs. In the vestibule, the wedding party busily made last-minute adjustments. He glanced around, but there was no sign of Mariah yet.

  When she’d come into the hallway from the bride’s room, she’d taken his breath away. The blue of her gown matched her eyes and made her creamy skin glow. Her hair was up in a loose arrangement of curls, but she’d left a few tendrils to brush against her graceful neck. He couldn’t wait to get her back in his arms.

  “Okay, we’re ready, let’s line up.” Amy’s mother fluttered around like a nervous moth.

  Riker took his spot toward the back of the group and found that his stomach felt tight. He looked around again, waiting for Mariah. It was almost like he couldn’t settle down until she was here, her arm through his, the way it should be.

  Finally, she slid into view, her neck craning toward the chapel. She was obviously checking to be sure Jake had already taken his place before Amy appeared. Riker bit back a smile. Women made such a big deal out of the groom not seeing the bride before she came down the aisle, like a big reveal. But if that was what made them happy, he could live with it.

  Mariah caught his eye and winked, making him wish his tie wasn’t quite so tight so he could get more air into his lungs. How was he going to spend the next few hours with her and not cover her in kisses? PDA at a wedding was strictly for the bride and groom, right?

  Chapter 16

  The wedding went off without a hitch. No one tripped on the walk down the aisle, Mariah remembered to take Amy’s bouquet, and almost everyone got choked up when Jake and Amy said their vows. Pastor John pronounced them husband and wife and the happy couple shared a long kiss at the altar before making their way back down the aisle amid a chorus of cheers and applause.

  The reception at the Snow Mansion was beautiful with tables set with fine china and the three-tier cake topped with blue thistle to match the bridal bouquet. Aspen branches draped in white lights and hung with spangled ornaments were arranged in large decorative pots about the room.

  Mariah sat at the head table next to Uncle Brad, conspicuously aware of Riker, seated at the other end next to Jake’s parents. She picked at her spinach salad and chicken cordon bleu while Amy and Jake kissed and cuddled. Their fathers gave speeches and Riker’s toast was perfect. After dinner there was dancing, where she spent many heavenly moments in Riker’s arms while at the same time wishing it were over so they could be alone. Finally, the newlyweds cut the cake and fed each other a slice and Amy tossed her bouquet amidst cheers and applause.

  It was a magical day.

  Why couldn’t it end already?

  Every time Mariah’s eyes sought Riker’s, a thrill shot through her. It didn’t matter if they ended up washing the mountain of dishes stacking up in the kitchen. Just being with him was all she wanted.

  After Jake and Amy departed amid a shower of birdseed and sparklers, Mariah went back into the reception hall and sank into a chair. She slipped off her heels with a sigh and looked around. The reception center staff was already at work cleaning up, but the pile of presents would need to be hauled to the cars and delivered to Aunt Janice’s house. The cake would need to be taken apart and wrapped up and the flower topper packed in silica gel to dry. The clothes Amy had worn to the church would need to be packed up and taken home.

  Though, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Mariah was surprised to find that many of the guests stayed to help clean up without being asked. Luke and Annie Wilson were supervising the loading of gifts, helped by a small army of kids, while Janet Hamilton and Cynthia Eddington sped things up in the kitchen. Aiden Bauer and Annalisa Drake pushed Ben Winston around the room in his wheelchair while their families helped take the lights off the aspen branches and pack them out to the cars. The cheerful willingness of these people to help was new to Mariah and she felt a rush of love for Snow Valley and its residents. Eight weeks ago, she’d been a stranger, but they’d welcomed her with open arms. Now she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

  “How are you doing?” Riker pulled a chair to her side. He’d already changed from his tuxedo into jeans and a button-down flannel shirt. As handsome as he’d been in the tux, she had to admit this look suited him better. Her pulse pounded as he reached down and grabbed her ankles, swinging her feet onto his lap, twitching her long skirt to preserve her modesty.

  “So done,” Mariah said with a small laugh. “But there’s still so much more to do here. Amy and Jake are so lucky, they get to skip out on all the dirty work.”

  Riker brushed his index finger along the top of her bare foot, sending chills shooting up her legs. “Are you too tired to go out after we get this cleaned up?”

  Immediately she perked up. “No. Where?”

  He grinned. “Nope, not gonna tell you until we’re done.” He gave her foot a quick squeeze and leaned in to kiss her forehead. “Go change and let’s get this done.”

  Heart racing with anticipation, she hurried to change her clothes. Nothing retro tonight, just jeans and a sweater. Her face in the mirror was flushed with anticipation, her eyes sparkling. Funny how she’d been so tired just a few minutes earlier.

  “You can take my car, I’m going with Riker,” she told her mother when the work was done.

  Stacie cast a suspicious look to where Riker stood, talking with Wade Hadley and Colby Schroder. “Don’t let him break your heart,” she warned.

  “He won’t,” Mariah insisted, and the warmth that filled her spoke to the truth of those words. “And I won’t break his either.”

  Her breath mingled with his as they walked across the parking lot, hand in hand.

  “So where are we going?” she asked when they were in the truck.

  “Nuh-uh. It’s a surprise.”

  Mariah drifted into a sleepy fog while he drove, the headlights reflecting off the snow. Finally, Riker pulled off the main road and onto a smaller gravel road that ran between two snow covered pastures.

  “Where are we?” she asked, raising her head and looking around.

  “This is the Winston farm,” Riker said. He pointed to a dark shape off to the right. “Their house is farther down the road, but that’s the goat barn.”

  “We’re going to visit some goats?” Mariah asked skeptically.

  “Nope.” He chuckled. “Just passing through.”

  She sat up straighter and watched as they worked their way farther down the road. The snow got deeper as they drove. “We’re not going to get stuck, are we?”

  “Pffft. Not in my truck,” Riker scoffed.

  A few minutes later, he pulled off to the side of the road and killed the engine. “Wait here for a minute, okay?”

  He got out and climbed into the bed of the truck where he was very busy and made a lot of bumping noises. Mariah twisted to look through the window in the cab, but it was too dark to see much, just his shape moving around. Finally, he jumped down and came to open her door. “C’mon.”

  Two reclining lawn chairs sat in the back of the truck, covered with pillows and a pile of blankets. “There’s supposed to be a meteor shower tonight and I thought we’d get front row seats,” Riker said.<
br />
  “Watch the stars,” she said softly.

  “Yes, watch the stars,” he nodded.

  Mariah smiled. “Sounds perfect.”

  She let Riker boost her into the bed of the truck and felt it dip under his weight as he climbed up behind her. They settled into the lawn chairs and pulled the thick, heavy blankets up to their chins, snuggling as tightly together as two people sitting in separate lawn chairs can.

  “Warm enough?” he asked.

  “Yup.”

  They stared at the sky. The night was clear, crisp, and cold without even a hint of a breeze, and except for their own quiet breathing, it was completely silent. The stars were strewn across the dark background, glittering like sequins, and the Milky Way was a gauzy white stripe from horizon to horizon. Every once in a while a shooting star streaked by.

  “Did you ever wish on the stars when you were a kid?” Riker asked softly.

  “Sure, doesn’t everybody?”

  He turned his head against the back of the chair and even in the dim light, she could make out the sharp outlines of his face. “What did you wish for?”

  “I used to wish my dad would come back, or that my mom wouldn’t be so bitter. But …” Mariah sighed. “I can’t change them; I think I’m finally starting to accept that.”

  His arm tightened around her shoulders. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” she said, and for the first time, it really was. “What did you wish for?” she asked him.

  He shifted his position so he could put both arms around her and she let her head fall back against the firmness of his chest. “I wished for you,” he said softly, his jaw grazing her temple as he spoke. “I didn’t know you specifically at the time, but I’ve been wishing for you my whole life.”

  She turned her head and saw the starlight reflected in his gray eyes for a moment before their lips came together and her eyes slid shut. Her heart swelled and she knew at once that this was where she wanted to stay forever—kissing Riker under the starlight.