A Father For Bella. Jill Weatherholt

wall, he knew why this had been his mother’s favorite place. The panoramic views of the slopes were incredible. Bringing the outside in was a very nice touch...this was something he’d have to keep in mind during the renovations.

      Moments later, a petite woman with hair as white as cotton approached him. With a stubby orange pencil tucked behind her ear, she carried a pot of coffee—just what he needed.

      “Well, good morning. Joshua, isn’t it? I’m Mrs. Watson. I’m sorry I missed you at dinner last night.” She wiped her hands down the front of her red-and-white-checked apron and extended her right hand.

      After learning Faith lived on the property and thoughts of Jessica, he’d lost his appetite. “I decided to turn in early.”

      “Bella told me Faith got you settled into your room.” She flashed a toothy grin. “You certainly impressed our little girl. She went on and on about how you rescued her in the woods as though you were a superhero.”

      She sure could talk. Taking advantage of her pause, he stood and shook her hand. “Yes, I’m Joshua. I’m not so sure about the superhero bit, but I’m glad I arrived when I did.”

      Mrs. Watson released a heavy sigh. “Amen!”

      “I’m anxious to get out on the slopes this morning.”

      Mrs. Watson filled his cup to the brim with a piping hot dark-roast blend. “Conditions are excellent this morning. We picked up several inches of snow overnight.”

      “I noticed it coming down at a pretty good clip before I went to bed last night.” He glanced toward the lobby and saw Faith dressed in a lemon-lime ski suit.

      Mrs. Watson turned and pointed. “Faith’s getting ready to go out with some of the guests, if you’re interested. She organizes all types of outdoor activities for our snow lovers.”

      He preferred to ski alone, but since he wasn’t familiar with the slopes, it might be a good idea to go with a group. Plus, it would be a good opportunity to get some valuable information about the resort from Faith. “It sounds like fun. Are you sure she won’t mind another person?” His eyes shifted to the lobby, but she was gone.

      “Oh, no, she loves when the guests participate. Why don’t I put in your breakfast order while you go let her know you want to join the group? They’ll be heading out within the hour.”

      Joshua smiled. “Perfect.”

      “You know, she’s quite the skier. She’s won several big competitions in the state.”

      “Really?” He wasn’t too surprised. She had an athletic build, like a runner.

      “She’s a great instructor if you’re just learning.”

      “I’ve been skiing since I was a boy, so I won’t need lessons.” His stomach grumbled. “Now, about my order—I’ll have a cheese omelet, two slices of toast and some of that delicious-smelling bacon.”

      She scribbled on her pad and stuck the pencil behind her ear.

      “Faith should be in her office.” She turned and scurried toward the kitchen.

      Joshua grabbed his coffee and headed toward the lobby. The young couple he’d seen yesterday when he’d first arrived headed out the front door, each carrying a sled. He liked the idea of the inn offering many outdoor activities for its guests. He’d do the same, but his plans would be on a much grander scale.

      Although the door to Faith’s office was open, he gently knocked.

      She looked up with a half smile that quickly disappeared.

      He gripped his cup with both hands. “I’m sorry to disturb you.”

      She rested her pen on the desk and stood. “Don’t be silly—come in.”

      He hesitated for a moment before entering her office. Her ski pants swooshed as she crossed the room to meet him halfway. A faint scent of his ex-wife’s favorite cologne tickled his nose. Somehow it smelled different on Faith. Better.

      “What can I do for you?”

      “Mrs. Watson mentioned you were taking a group out skiing this morning.”

      Faith crossed her arms across her chest. “Yes... I am.”

      “Do you have room for one more?”

      She paused for a moment. A woodpecker drilled on the oak tree outside the window.

      “Of course. Will you need equipment?”

      He never skied without his own gear. It would be like using someone else’s toothbrush. “No, I brought my stuff. Remember, I did come for some skiing, too.” She didn’t need to know his business motives—at least not now.

      “Okay. We’re heading out at ten o’clock. Does that work for you?”

      He spied a cuckoo clock on the wall, but it read four o’clock. He pointed toward it. “Looks like you need to wind the clock.”

      She turned and shook her head. “It belonged to my grandmother. I can’t stand the sound of a ticking clock.”

      His lips parted to share with her their similar dislike, but he decided against it. No sense getting personal. He checked his watch. “That’ll work. I just have to eat breakfast and change clothes.”

      “That’s fine. We’ll all meet in the lobby at ten.” She stepped toward her desk, but stopped short and turned. “We’ll ski a black diamond course today. Do you have experience with that level of difficulty?”

      Joshua nodded. “Of course I do.”

      * * *

      Shortly after ten o’clock, Faith squirmed in the chairlift as it climbed the slope. She wasn’t happy she’d ended up sharing a chair with Joshua, but since the others were coupled up, it only made sense.

      “So how long have you been skiing?”

      She wasn’t in the mood for small talk, not with an eligible bachelor. Was he single? There was no ring on his finger. But with his good looks he probably had women throwing themselves at him. What did she care anyway? “All of my life. When you grow up in Whispering Slopes, they slap skis on your feet as soon as you start to walk.”

      He laughed as he scanned the view. “It’s spectacular up here. When I was a kid, I always felt like I was riding to Heaven when I went up on the chairlift.” He paused and looked up toward the sky. “I remember thinking God could hear me better since I was up higher.”

      Faith had felt that way once upon a time, but not anymore. Not since God took away the only man she’d ever loved.

      The chair stopped with a jerk despite being only halfway to the top.

       Great.

      This wasn’t how she’d planned on spending her morning. Stuck on the slopes and talking about God. With another abrupt movement, the chair continued its climb. She released a sigh of relief.

      Joshua turned and flashed a crooked smile. “Phew. For a minute there, I thought we’d be up here for a while and forced to continue this strained conversation.”

      Reaching the top of the mountain, they disembarked and waited for the others. Since everyone was an advanced skier, she’d brought them to the Black Bear’s most difficult slope, the Matterhorn.

      With the group gathered in a circle, Faith adjusted her goggles. “The report said the trails are a little icy this morning, so everyone use caution. If you choose to break off from the group, make sure you check in with me when you return to the inn, so everyone is accounted for. Even though you’re all advanced, I think you’ll find the Matterhorn to be quite a challenge. Be safe, but most important, have fun.”

      Faith watched as the couples headed down the slope, breaking off as she’d expected.

      “You ready?”

      She