The Sisters peered out the huge bay window as they dressed for their trip down the mountain. In the end, by popular vote, it was decided that while Annie and Myra would double up on a snowmobile, as per Charles’s plan, the others would ski to the bottom. The Sisters agreed with Nikki’s point that snowshoes would take too much time and rob them of their stamina. Since they were all accomplished skiers, even Yoko, Charles was outnumbered, something that seemed to be happening to him more and more of late. He took the decision with good grace, however, and trekked with the Sisters out to the utility shed that housed the snowmobile and all the ski equipment.

Skis and poles were handed out, along with boots, as Annie fired up the snowmobile and cruised out to the snow-covered apron in front of the cavernous shed that held all manner of seasonal equipment needed to reside on the mountain.

A bit of confusion ensued as the girls squabbled over the boots and whose was whose. Finally, the matter was settled, boots were snug on their feet, their snow goggles in place. Annie, Myra, and Charles watched them make their way to the ski trail at the edge of the mountain.

Snow flurries that had been sparse were by then heavier and swirling in all directions. The worry in Charles’s eyes did not go unobserved by Myra and Annie. Myra patted his arm and said, “Not to worry, dear. The girls are excellent skiers. They’ll watch over Yoko, as she is the novice of the group.” She walked over to her snowmobile. “I think we’re ready, Annie,” she said.

Annie hung back for a moment. “Ah, Charles, I think I know what I want for Christmas this year. I was wondering if it would be possible to have it in place when we come back from our mission. I realize the timing might be a tad off, but you did say you had people coming to the mountain today to work on the cable car.”

“And that would be…what?”

Annie told him.

Charles didn’t think anything could surprise him at this point in his life, but Annie’s request made him blink. “Well, I…are—”

“I don’t need a dissertation, Charles. A yes or no will suffice. I’ll even settle for a maybe. Well?”

“I…uh…uh…”

“I’m going to take that as a yes,” Annie snapped as she lowered her snow goggles and moved toward the snowmobile, her back ramrod straight, which meant her Christmas present better damn well be in place when she got back, or there would be hell to pay.

Before Annie cranked the gears and revved the engine, Myra said, “I heard that, Annie! Are you out of your mind?”