Cowboy Under the Mistletoe (Alpine Ridge)

Prologue

PROLOGUE

KATHERINE

You know what’s hard about staying in your hometown after years and years of pain? Sticking it out when it feels like you’ve outstayed your welcome.

How can it be that I was the one who grew up here, yet I feel like I’m slowly being kicked out of this town?

Alpine Ridge used to be my safe space, my sanctuary. Now, it’s become a place where time has stopped for me and continues for everyone else.

It’s mostly a pity party though, and it’s a party of one. No letters in the mail inviting anyone else. Nope. Just me.

It’s been such a strong feeling, a strong pull to get me out of Alpine Ridge and go somewhere new. But where would I go? And do I want to leave everything behind? My family, friends, and memories?

I’ve never left to explore new places, not even when my sister went on her annual backpacking trips. She even brought Birdy one summer and they fell in love with the mountains.

I’m pretty sure Izzy is returning from her winter trip today from Gatlinburg, and I can’t wait to hear all about it. She went with her girlfriend, Haley, whom she met on a solo weekend trip back in July. I met her a few times, but Izzy wanted to keep it under wraps until summer ended. She waited to tell everyone else until September when things started to get serious.

It’s sad, really, that I depend on my younger sister to tell me about all her travels, yet I can’t even step foot out of this town.

But maybe that changes today.

Or who knows, maybe by Christmas, I’ll finally find someone that makes staying in this small town worth a damn.

But not everyone gets a Christmas miracle. And I don’t think Santa has me at the top of his list.