The Reluctant Fiancee: A Heartwarming Sweet Romance (Holiday Engagement Book 2) by Liz Durano

Author:Liz Durano [Durano, Liz]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-03T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

Forrest

“Alright, everyone, let’s get those snowshoes on and get ready to hit the trail.” I clap my hands together for emphasis as the guests eagerly comply, the sound of buckles clicking and straps tightening filling the air. “If you need assistance, just holler. Besides myself, we’ve got Fred and Hannah here to help you.”

At the front of the group, Harry’s grandson who’s visiting for Christmas raises his hand. He’s majoring in computer science at UC Berkeley. A few feet away, Hannah Scott is already helping someone tighten the straps on their snowshoes. She’s a yoga instructor and often holds certification classes at the Soraya in the spring and summer. In the winter, she helps out with the hikes.

As I adjust my snowshoes, I’m glad they’re with me on this hike. With Summer joining us, I don’t know if I can focus on leading the group by myself.

I haven’t stopped thinking about her since Bodhi and I walked her back to her cabin last night. I shouldn’t be getting too attached to a guest who, by her own admission, is still trying to figure things out.

Like getting married.

Still, I feel a buzz of excitement at the thought of seeing Summer again, wondering if she’ll enjoy the hike as much as I hope she will.

As the excitement among the hikers builds, I see Summer approaching wearing the winter gear Harper lent her. Bless my sister for knowing the right colors that complement Summer’s dusky features, her brown hair peeking from under her knit cap.

“Good morning, Summer. Ready for your first snowshoe hike?”

She nods, her eyes sparkling. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” She bites her lower lip. “I have to admit, I’m a bit nervous. I ski but I’ve never snowshoed before.”

“Snowshoeing is a great way to experience the mountains in the winter,” I say. “Far different from the skiing you must be used to, though.”

She grins. “There’s a first time for everything.”

“Honored you’re doing it with me.”

Like the kiss last night.

She blushes at the double entendre but as much as I’d want to keep going—flirting like I’m back in high school trying to impress the head cheerleader—I’ve got work to do.

“Ready to go?” I ask as she and the rest of the group answer with a resounding yes.

As we begin the hike, I lead the group onto a well-trodden trail that winds through the snowy forest. The Sierra Nevadas are a wonderland this time of year, with each tree branch dusted in white and the air so fresh it almost sparkles.

Summer stays close, and as we walk, she asks about the different trees and animal tracks we come across. I point out a set of small, delicate tracks. “Those are from a snowshoe hare. They’re well adapted to the snow; their large feet act like natural snowshoes.”

“Just like us then,” she says, her gaze following the tracks until they disappear into the underbrush. “Our company creates virtual reality worlds like this and the end product can be so convincing. But nothing can ever replicate the real thing.

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