Chapter 1
Evelyn Cotton Jameson stood at the top of the sledding hill, listening to the squeals and laughter flying on the wind.
It was a chilly day in Deadwood despite the sunlight, the air crisp enough to snap and crackle.
Her twin boys, five-years-old, were taking turns chasing their dad, Wyatt, down the hill.
Days like this were pure joy for Evie. And the miracles life kept tossing her way were top of mind as Christmas approached. She had so much to be thankful for, especially this time of year. The snow was deep, there was even more in the forecast, and Evie only wanted to celebrate it all.
Some people complained about the long and often bitter winter weather, but not Evie.
Never again.
Seven years ago, a catastrophic winter storm had brought Wyatt back into her life. The blizzard had dropped so much snow and ice that it seemed as if the forest itself had been buried. And still, somehow the two of them had managed to save each other along with the renowned Mae West diamond.
The Silver Aces casino, where she’d been dealing poker to keep the family business going, had been so grateful to her and Wyatt that she’d been able to name her terms when it came to the reward.
After steering the discussion with her father, Dale, she’d struck a deal that secured her vision for the future of their family business.
The agreement had included prime office space for Cottonwood Adventures in the retail area between the casino and the hotel.
Although it wasn’t the FBI career Wyatt had been anticipating, reuniting with Evie had changed his dream.
The two of them had made a commitment to each other and the future they could see so clearly.
There’d been no looking back for either of them, no need for second-guessing.
Eventually, her dad had stopped complaining and got so swept up in the progress that he decided to start living again.
Owing it all to that one massive storm meant winter would always be Evie’s favorite season.
At the bottom of the sledding hill, Wyatt scooped up the boys and herded them around to the hot chocolate stand. Caught up in her happiness, she smiled behind her scarf. At the sound of boots crunching through the snow, she glanced over to see her dad.
“Hey you.” She hugged him through the combined bulky layers of their protective outerwear. “What brings you out?”
“Came to watch my girl and her boys have some fun. Why aren’t you out there?”
“Too much fun to watch,” she replied. “And once I start, I won’t want to quit, and a stack of paperwork is waiting for me inside.”
“Better you than me,” he said without an ounce of regret or shame. “I can’t tell you how much I don’t miss those days.”
“I’m aware.” She snorted, her breath creating a puff of vapor in the air.
He was one of their strongest assets out here in the action, but the office work got under his skin.
She’d much rather have him out here in his element, guiding tours, overseeing events like this, or scouting out other possible routes and options.
Lately, Dale had even been recording videos for their social media campaigns, showcasing Deadwood history, sharing camping and hiking tips, and more.
Their followers loved him almost as much as she did.
“Did you come over to take a sled run?” she asked.
“Not a chance. These creaky old bones are threatening to splinter at the mere thought.”
“I don’t believe that for a second.” Her father was South Dakota born and raised, hardened by the challenging wilderness and the seasons he took such joy in. “You’re still as strong as an ox.”
These days he even looked the part. The boys were a big reason.
Having grandsons invigorated him. He’d taught Evie everything she knew about survival in general and this extraordinary corner of the world specifically and now he was passing that on to her kids.
She loved watching the interaction of his generational wisdom with their youthful exuberance and curiosity.
Thanks to her dad, she’d been leading rafting tours and nature hikes without a single wrong turn for nearly two decades now. She’d become one of the best trackers in the area, thanks to her father’s patience and her own tenacity.
Dale shielded his eyes as he peered up at the snow-capped ridge. “The remote cabins will be cut off soon.” Cottonwood had expanded to include a few local, rustic cabins for guests who wanted to get off the grid.
“That’s the point,” she reminded him. “We’ve checked in, made sure everyone is stocked and set.”
He gave her a nod. “You were right about it,” he admitted, not for the first time.
“And you still can’t believe it,” she teased.
He shook his head, a sheepish grin on his weathered face. “It’s these old bones,” he insisted with an exaggerated shudder. “I love it out here, but I like my fire and the convenience of a pizza delivered when I’m in the mood for it.”
Evie laughed. It was so wonderful to have him back in her life, solid and stable and eager to be a part of things. “How are things over in the maze?”
This year they’d partnered with a Christmas tree farm to build a maze with paths for both kids and adults. They’d added a scavenger hunt too, complete with prizes. So far, it was a big hit.
“All the fresh air I can handle,” he said. “Folks love it.” He looked around at the winter wonderland they’d created. “Sweetheart, you and Wyatt amaze me. Every year we do this, it gets bigger.”
“That’s the point. And thank the casino for the support.
” Without the Silver Aces granting her space and investing in the budget, she’d likely still be dealing poker through February.
Now, with the reputation growing, their business was a big draw, adding to the bottom line for their business, the casino, and the community.
Visitors came from all over and created memorable experiences that would last a lifetime.
“Y’know, Dad, if it’s ever feeling too big, we can hire more help. Business is great. We’re secure.”
“I know, I know.” His smile was wistful. “It just amazes me. You’ve done a good thing with the business. And me too.” He rubbed her shoulder. “Your mom would be so proud.”
“Because I basically pulled a fast one on you?”
He chuckled. “She’d have a laugh over that, too. Come on. The family business, the kids. You’re a wonderful mom, just like she was.” He shrugged, looking uncomfortable. “Y’know what I mean.”
“I do, Dad. Thanks.” He could’ve fought harder against the changes, thrown his weight around more.
But he’d gone along, caved to her ideas.
Maybe at the beginning he’d kept quiet because she and Wyatt had been heralded as heroes for stopping the theft of the Mae West Solitaire.
But he’d come around, not just accepting the changes, but getting involved.
“She’d be proud of you too.” Evie gave him a quick hug.
She’d come so far from the days when she resented having to deal poker just to pay the bills.
Because of her reliable seasonal work, the casino had often recommended Cottonwood Adventures to their customers during the summer months.
But this new partnership had changed everything, giving her the funds to buy equipment, make improvements, and hire help so she could build on the current outings and add more—all year long.
“The Silver Aces has been good to us,” she mused. “That’s thanks to you as much as me,”
He huffed, ever the skeptic. “How d’you figure?”
“We’ve built it on everything you taught me, Dad. You gave us the solid foundation.”
The boys caught sight of him and raced up, wrapping themselves around their grandpa, too happy seeing him to spare her a greeting. Unfazed, she took advantage, giving her husband a big kiss.
“Everything all right up here?” He tapped her nose. “I thought you’d be down the hill right after us.”
“Next run.” A small fib, but not one he’d hold against her. She hadn’t told him they were pregnant again. She wanted to share the news on Christmas morning when she could surprise them all and celebrate together as a family, without any interruptions.
With so much activity, anticipation, and excitement around the holiday no one had noticed her appetite was low. The same factors easily explained away her mid-afternoon slump and evening brain fog.
“The next snowshoe group comes in tomorrow,” Wyatt said, proving her point about the business distractions. Behind his sunglasses, she knew he was studying the snow-covered trees marching up the mountains. “Should be a good day for it.”
“You’ll have a blast,” she replied confidently. With the snow getting deeper every week, Wyatt led most of the snowshoe tours along trails Dale had mapped out decades ago.
“We will. They chose a relatively easy trail,” he said. “They’ll have great views when we reach the overlook.”
“Before you head out, check with Lisa in case someone up at the cabins needs something.” The rustic cabins were becoming more popular for intrepid travelers looking for a way to truly go off grid and get back to nature.
The hands-off service created a big profit margin for the business, but she and Wyatt didn’t believe in ignoring any of their guests.
“Not my first rodeo,” he joked.
“And please don’t be late getting back. The party is tomorrow night.”
“You should stay home and play games,” Cole said, his gaze pleading. Both boys had Wyatt’s eyes and had already mastered the expressions that melted her heart.
“I’m sure Grandpa will be happy to play games while we’re at the grown-up party.”
“When are we moving to the cabin?” Caleb asked.
“We’re staying home where Santa can find us,” Cole stated with exaggerated authority.
She tugged Caleb’s stocking cap into place before it fell off and he lost it. “Different trip, different cabin sweetie,” Evie assured him. “Daddy’s taking a snowshoe group to the overlook tomorrow.”