Rebecca Winters - A Christmas Family Miracle

And mine.

Though he still smiled, she got the feeling her answer didn’t seem to please him.

His father looked at him. “Was anyone injured in that climbing party you rescued?”

“Two of them got hypothermia, but they’re doing fine now.”

“What happened?”

“One of the climbers didn’t throw his ax hard enough. The ice didn’t hold and he fell. It took the guide time to get down to him on the ropes. By then it was dark and they decided to wait it out until daylight.”

“What chute was it?”

“The ‘épingle.’”

His father nodded. “That’s too difficult a place for inexperienced climbers.”

“I agree and told the guide.”

“Well, all’s well that ends well. I’m glad you got back safely. I think I’m ready for bed now. Coming, Arlette?” She nodded. Everyone got to their feet.

“I’ll lock up the house for you, Papa.”

“Merci, mon fils.”

They all kissed good-night, leaving Raoul alone with Crystal. After they’d gone upstairs, she turned to him. “Thank you for the sleigh ride. I think you know it was like a day out of time, one that neither Philippe or I will ever forget.” Her voice throbbed.

“You keep giving goodbye speeches. Can’t you let it rest until you leave?”

“It was a figure of speech, but as you and I both know, nothing’s forever.”

That forbidding look stole over his face once more. It had been missing for the last two days. “Wouldn’t it be horrifying if it were true,” he muttered, absently rubbing his chest. “I’ll come by tomorrow with ski gear for you and Philippe from the shop. With four children, we’ll need two cars.”

Her pulse accelerated to a wild pitch. She’d hoped he’d want to join them. “They’ll love it more if you’re there.” The children would provide a buffer so she could enjoy his company. A stab of pain jolted her to realize the New Year would be here before she knew it. The thought of being without Raoul was anathema to her now.

“Before you go, I have a question. I know what Lise and Fleur want for Christmas, but I need help with Albert. What do you think?”

“He loves games with plastic pieces and can never have enough.”

“That helps me. In town I saw a pirate ship he could build. I don’t think he has one. At least I didn’t see one over there this evening.”

“I’m pretty sure he doesn’t. He and Philippe will have a lot of fun putting it together.”

She nodded. “See you tomorrow.”

“Bonne nuit, Crystal.”

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