14. Chapter 14
Chapter fourteen
Devon
T he truck’s engine rumbled to life. I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel, waiting for Bella and Maple. I’d promised to give her a lift into town to pick up her car, which was finally fixed after the storm. Then, I was heading to meet Coach.
The passenger door creaked open. “Hey, sorry I couldn’t find Maple’s leash,” Bella said as she and Maple climbed in.
I glanced over at Bella, her cheeks flushed from the brisk morning air. “No problem, I wasn’t waiting long.”
Maple’s tail thumped against the seat as she settled between us. I reached over, scratching behind her ears. The dog’s appreciative whine filled the cab.
Bella fiddled with the radio, chattering about the farmers market. I tried to listen, but my mind kept drifting to the upcoming conversation with Eddie. The familiar streets of Serenity Falls blurred past as we drove.
Pulling into the mechanic’s lot, I cut the engine. “Your car might actually be in better shape now than before the storm hit.”
Bella unbuckled her seatbelt, giving Maple a quick pat. “I wouldn’t be surprised. That thing’s been through more than its fair share of adventures. See you at the market later?”
I nodded, my fingers tapping anxiously on the wheel. “Yeah, I’ll see you there.”
As Bella disappeared into the shop, I pulled away, dreading the long drive to meet Eddie. But I felt like I needed to meet him in person. He was more than just a coach to me. After my parents’ accident, he had been like a second dad to me.
The drive was long and winding through snow-capped mountains. It felt surreal, heading toward the man who had shaped my entire career as a competitive skier, with thoughts of leaving it all behind swirling in my head.
What would Eddie say? Would he try to talk me out of it? Or worse, would he agree that maybe my time in competitive skiing was over?
I cranked up the radio, letting Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” opening riffs wash over me, trying to drown out the doubts.
The bell above the diner door jingled as I stepped inside. Eddie sat in a corner booth, his lucky scarf draped over the back of the seat, a steaming cup of coffee clutched in his weathered hands. His gaze locked onto me as if he were analyzing my stance for imperfections.
I ordered a coffee and then slid into the booth across from him, my heart pounding against my ribcage.
“What’s going on, Montgomery?” he asked, his gruff voice matching his no-nonsense demeanor.
“I’m seriously considering not competing anymore,” I blurted out before I could lose my nerve.
Eddie raised an eyebrow, setting his coffee down slowly. “And why in the world would you do that?
“I’m tired, Coach. The traveling, the training... the constant pressure to stay on top. It’s been eating at me for years, and now...” I hesitated. “I’ve reconnected with someone from my past, Bella. She’s important to me, and I want to make time for her.”
Eddie’s expression softened slightly, but I could see the skepticism in his eyes. “You’ve been chasing this dream your whole life. And now you want to throw it all away for a girl? Are you sure you’re not just running away because of that crash? Or because you’re afraid of failing again?”
The memory of the crash flashed through my mind. I shook my head, pushing the images away. “It’s not just about the crash or Bella. I’ve been competing since I was ten. My dad had me in training all those years, and now...” I paused, searching for the right words. “I want to stay in one place, build something lasting.”
As I spoke, I realized how true it was. The constant travel, the pressure, the lonely hotel rooms—none of them held the same allure they once did. Instead, I found myself thinking of Serenity Falls, of Bella’s laugh echoing through the guesthouse, of the possibility of a life beyond the next competition.
“I’m not saying I’m done skiing completely,” I added, leaning forward. “But the competitions, the spotlight, the constant travel... it’s not for me anymore.” I took a deep breath, picturing the future I’d been mulling over. “I’ve been thinking about starting a small ski school in Serenity Falls, giving back. I just... I need something different.”
Eddie studied me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “If you’re sure this is what you want, then I support you, kid.” He paused, his tone growing serious. “But you better be ready for it. Staying in one place, opening a school... it’s not easy either.”
I nodded, relief washing over me. “I know it won’t be easy. But I’m ready for a new challenge.”
Eddie leaned back, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Well, you’re a great skier, and I hate to lose you. But I love you like a son, and I’ll do anything to help you.”
I stood up and clapped Eddie on the shoulder, trying to keep my emotions in check. “Thanks, Coach. That means a lot.”
Eddie waved his hand dismissively, but I could see the emotion in his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Now get out of here before you make me go soft.”
As Serenity Falls came into view, a weight lifted from my shoulders. The quaint buildings peeking through the trees no longer felt confining. My fingers tapped an excited rhythm on the steering wheel as I pulled into the farmer’s market, trying to decide when to tell Bella about my newfound clarity. Maybe a nice dinner—I wanted it to be special.
There she was, examining a wreath. I watched her for a moment, drinking in the sight. The way her nose scrunched up in concentration, the graceful movement of her hands as she traced the pine needles—how did she make even the simplest things feel like magic?
I approached quietly and wrapped my hands around her, covering her eyes. “Guess who.”
Bella let out a startled squeak, then relaxed into my arms with a laugh. “Hmm, let me think. Tall, smells like pine and coffee... must be the Abominable Snowman.”
I chuckled and spun her around to face me, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Close, but I’m much better looking than that guy.”
She swatted my shoulder and then held up the wreath she had been looking at. “What do you think of this one? Too much glitter, or just enough holiday cheer?”
I bit back a laugh, knowing full well I was useless when it came to decor. “Looks good to me.”
Bella rolled her eyes playfully, her lips quirking into a smirk. “You’d say that about a piece of tinsel stapled to cardboard.”
“Hey, some of us appreciate minimalism.”
As Bella explained the importance of texture and balance in holiday decorations, I found myself mesmerized. I’d missed it more than I knew—the way her face lit up over the simplest thing and the way she talked with her hands.
I realized with startling clarity that this was what I wanted—not the adrenaline rush of racing down a mountain, but the quiet joy of everyday moments with Bella. The thought both thrilled and terrified me. What if I wasn’t cut out for this kind of life?
“Earth to Devon,” Bella’s voice cut through my reverie. “You okay? You look like you’re a million miles away.”
I blinked, focusing on her concerned expression. “Just thinking,” I said, forcing a smile. “So, where are you planning to put this garland?”
As Bella opened her mouth to respond, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her eyes widening. “Oh! It’s Sophie, I should take this.” She flashed me an apologetic smile before answering.
While Bella chatted animatedly, I noticed a small booth with glittering handmade ornaments. Without thinking, I mouthed, “Be right back,” and made my way over.
The vendor, an elderly woman with kind eyes, smiled as I approached. “Something catch your eye, young man?”
I nodded, my attention captured by a delicate wooden snowflake. It was intricately carved, with tiny embedded crystals catching the light. “This one. It’s perfect.”
The woman wrapped it carefully, and I tucked the small package into my pocket, imagining the surprise on Bella’s face when I gave it to her on Christmas Day.
As I walked back, I saw Bella hang up the phone and pump a fist in the air.
“Devon! You won’t believe it!” She grabbed my arm, nearly crushing it in her excitement. “That was Sophie. The magazine called to confirm the interview. And I got the feature as well!”
My eyebrows shot up. “Really? That’s fantastic, Bella!”
She nodded vigorously. “They were considering the lodge, but after seeing the blog posts, they found the guesthouse story more intriguing.” Her eyes met mine, and I could see excitement but also a hint of anxiety. “It’s going to be a four-page article.”
“Wow, that’s huge. Congratulations.” I hesitated, not wanting to seem like a Debbie Downer. “Christmas is in four days. I know you’ve gotten a lot done, but will it be ready?”
“Well, it will if we work non-stop for the next few days. Are you still available to help me?” Bella looked deep in thought. “I’ve got most of the big stuff done, but I’m going to be working up a DIY sweat tonight.”
“Let’s get this party started.” I grabbed Bella’s hand, interlacing our fingers as we started toward the parking lot. She leaned her head against my shoulder, and I savored the warmth of her body against mine.
A familiar voice cut through the air, sharp as a knife. “Well, well. If it isn’t Serenity Falls’ favorite couple. Pretty smart pulling the wishing tree stunt.”
Madison stood there, hands on her hips, her icy blue eyes glaring. Maple, usually so friendly, let out a low growl.
My jaw clenched. Even after all these years, Madison knew exactly how to get under my skin. I took a deep breath, willing myself to stay calm.
Madison’s smirk deepened. Her gaze flicked between us, calculating. “You two enjoy your little bubble while it lasts. I have a feeling it might burst soon.”
Before either of us could respond, Madison tossed her sleek blonde hair and sauntered away.
I squeezed Bella’s hand gently. “Don’t worry about her. She’s always trying to start trouble. We’ve got better things to focus on, like making DIY Christmas decor, right?”
Bella’s lips quirked up slightly. “You’re right. I refuse to let Madison ruin our day.”
But as we walked to our cars, Madison’s words churned in my stomach like sour milk. We reached the parking lot, and I opened Bella’s car door. She let Maple in, then slid into the driver’s side. I absent-mindedly kissed her on the cheek and then hopped into my truck.
Madison’s comment stayed in my mind the whole drive home. What did she know? I started to text Liam. He was the only one who knew about the guesthouse and about my using Bella’s blog. But I knew what he would say. “Tell her the truth, ya idiot.”
Maybe he was right. The thought of losing her trust, of destroying everything we’d rebuilt, made my stomach churn. But the alternative—living with this secret between us—felt equally impossible.
One thing was certain: I had a decision to make soon. Because secrets had a way of coming out in Serenity Falls, and I couldn’t bear the thought of Bella learning the truth from anyone but me.