They kept underneath the overhang, careful to stay out of the snow and close to the built-in heat lamps. Claudine pointed out the heated outdoor saltwater lap pool, the firepits, the three hot tubs. Explained how each was slightly warmer than the next. She described where the sun rose in the morning and where it set at night. Full southern exposure. Henry was also getting into it, pointing out details of interest. The outdoor kitchen, the outdoor shower lined with roses that bloom late each spring. The built-in freshwater tubs on the lower deck where you could bathe overlooking everything.

“There’s nothing like this view,” he said. “You can see all four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass.”

“For now,” Claudine chimed in, “you’ll have to imagine. The snow’s out in full force to greet you.”

“I remember from the pictures. Insane.”

Zara watched, mesmerized as the snowflakes dissolved the moment they smashed against the surface of the heated pool. Snow fell on her face as she craned her neck to see how high the massive windows rose. All the way to the top where they peaked.

“Up here a house needs a steep pitched roof,” said Henry, “because of all the snow.”

“I’ve never been anywhere like this,” she said, brushing off the flakes that were sticking to her coat.

“Let’s go back inside,” said Claudine. “We want to show you the observatory, the library, study, the three master bedrooms. There’s so much more.”

“Is there a recording studio?”

“There can be,” Henry said. “I think I know the perfect place. Careful of the ice. The deck’s heated, but you never know.”

Henry offered Zara his arm. She took it. Henry was good with her, Claudine noted. They clicked. Zara responded to his natural warmth and openness, to the sadness just under the surface. Maybe she sensed the new vulnerability, now that he was also riddled with the fresh anxiety of Steve.

Before they went back inside, Henry brushed the snow off Zara’s back. Once safe and warm, he helped her out of her coat and handed it to Louisa. They’d been talking about the volcanic rock he’d used to build the steps below the deck that led to the raised garden bed. Claudine was glad he was loosening up. When he talked about the house, he couldn’t think about Steve. Couldn’t think about what he’d done. Yes, they could manage this.

“Henry, why don’t you keep going. I’ll make sure we’re ready to start the game.”

Henry

“Zara,” he said. “Would you like to see my favorite room in the entire house?”

“I’d love that.”