Chapter 7

MARY ELIZABETH’S STORY

The alarm went off way too early the next morning. I crawled out of bed, trying my best to not wake Cody. I showered and dressed quickly before going downstairs to make breakfast. When everything was ready I went back up to wake Tommy first. I sent him down to start eating and went to wake Cody. I sat down on next to him and put my hand on his chest.

“Cody, baby? It’s time to get up,” I said softly, running my hand over his chest.

“Ummm, ok, love.” He smiled, pulling me down to him and pressing his lips to mine.

“I could stay here all day, Cody, but we’ve got a long drive ahead of us today. And you’re breakfast is getting cold,” I said softly.

“Breakfast?” he said, suddenly sounding much more awake, his gorgeous blue eyes popping open.

“Yes, baby, breakfast. Now come on, up with you.” I giggled, heading back downstairs.

Within minutes he had joined Tommy at the table. They both ate in record time, obviously excited to get started on our trip. Cody dressed quickly and then loaded my Suburban with all our bags, my skis and Tommy’s snowboard. He climbed behind the wheel and looked over at me and smiled.

“Just point me in the right direction navigator.” He grinned.

We drove as far as Amarillo before stopping at the mall there. We both had a few errands to run before we went any further down the road. Cody was headed to get the clothing he’d need for a week in the mountains. He was going to just rent his equipment once we got there.

“Cody? Do you mind taking Tommy with you? I just need to run to one store real quick. I’ll meet you guys back here in, say, 30 minutes?” I asked.

“Sure, no problem, Mary Beth!” He grinned, kissing me on the cheek before he and Tommy turned to go.

I raced to make my purchases and then raced back to the Suburban to stash them before meeting the guys. I had stowed an empty duffle in the truck the night before and I filled it with my shopping bags before zipping it shut. I had ten minutes to spare when I got back to our meeting place so I decided to finalize one more detail for Cody’s birthday. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed my cousin Karen’s number.

“Hello?”

“Karen? It’s Mary,” I said quickly.

“What’s up? Are you guys on the road yet?” she asked.

“We’re in Amarillo. I just wanted to make sure everything was set for you guys to take Tommy home with you Thursday night after the kids’ snowboarding school lets out?”

“Yeah. Alan can’t stop talking about it. He’s so excited about it. You know, he can spend more than one night with us if you want him to. It would give you a chance to spend some quality time with Cody. Chris told me he seems like a great guy,” she offered.

“He is, Karen. He really is. I’m so lucky. We’ll see how Thursday goes. I may just take you up on that!” I laughed.

“Ok!” She chuckled.

“I’ve got to go, ok,” I said as the guys approached. “We’ll see you Monday!”

“See who Monday?” I heard Cody ask from behind me.

“Oh!” I jumped. “That was my cousin Karen. She’s Chris’s little sister. She and her family are going to be at Red River next week.”

“Staying with us?” Cody asked, sounding more than a bit disappointed.

“No!” I said a little too emphatically, eliciting a chuckle from Cody. “They have a condo in the ski village. Did you find what you needed?”

“Yup! I’m good to go.” He grinned, holding up his bags. “Did you not find what you wanted?”

“I did. I just already put it in the car.” I grinned. “I need to take Tommy in Best Buy real quick then we’ll be ready to get back on the road.”

“Ok. I’ll take this stuff out and then bring the car around for you guys,” he said, kissing my cheek and squeezing my hand before walking out the door.

“Ok, sweetie. How about we go let you pick out a birthday gift for Cody? Do you know what you want to get him?” I asked Tommy.

“I want to get a Wii game and a Playstation game for us to play together. I love playing games with Cody. He’s so much fun!” Tommy said excitedly. “And he’s really good at them!”

“You really like Cody don’t you?” I gently probed.

“I do, Mommy. He’s really nice. He makes me feel important. I like that he’s so nice to you too. He makes you smile,” he admitted.

“I’m glad sweetie!” I sighed in relief.

“Here’s what I want Mommy. Can I get these?” he said, holding up two games.

“Sure! Let’s get checked out and back to Cody,” I said, taking his hand.

Cody was waiting with the Suburban at the curb when we got out. Tommy climbed in and buckled up while I stashed Cody’s gift in the back. I climbed in next to Cody and leaned over to kiss him quickly.

“Did you miss me?” I teased.

“More than you know,” he answered seriously, his deep voice rumbling from his chest.

We drove on towards Red River, stopping once to have lunch and then again in Taos for groceries. Tommy and Cody stayed in the car while I went in to shop. I was thankful for this. That way I could buy everything I wanted for Cody’s birthday dinner. I was determined to make this his best birthday ever. We picked up pizzas for dinner and then headed to our cabin.

Before we knew it we were there. Cody pulled into the garage and parked the car. He began unloading everything for us while I went about putting away groceries and unpacking. I warmed the pizzas in the oven while we got everything squared away.

“Ok, boys, let’s eat so Tommy can get to bed and I can give Cody the grand tour,” I said, smiling over at the two of them.

We ate quickly and Cody followed Tommy and me upstairs to Tommy’s room. Tommy climbed into bed and hugged Cody and then me before quickly falling asleep. I followed Cody out of the room and shut the door behind us.

“So, baby, would you like the grand tour?” I smiled, linking my arm through Cody’s.

“Wouldn’t miss it.” He winked.

“Tommy’s bedroom, the guest room and bathroom are the only things upstairs. You’ve seen the kitchen and the breakfast room. This is the great room. I love the fireplace and the windows. There’s a library and office just off the great room, as well as a half bath. Sometimes I like to come up here and write.” I smiled, taking Cody’s hand as I led him to our room.

“And this?” he asked with a smile.

“This is our room,” I said, pushing the door open to reveal a large bedroom with a four post log king sized bed and another fireplace.

“It’s beautiful,” Cody remarked. “What’s through there?” he asked gesturing to a set of glass doors.

“There’s a wood deck and a hot tub out there.” I smiled, leading him to show him the bathroom. “This is our bathroom. There’s also a sauna off this room, as well as our closet,” I said. “Make yourself at home.”

“I already feel like I’m at home,” Cody said with a yawn. “I think I’m about ready for some sleep though. It’s been a long day and I’m sure we have an early start tomorrow.”

“Yes, Tommy has to be at snowboarding school by 8:30 in the morning and it’s about a 15 minute drive to town.” I explained.

“Well, if it’s ok with you, I’m going to grab a quick shower before bed,” he said, smiling before he turned to go into the bathroom.

CODY’S STORY

When I came out of the bathroom Mary Beth was already in bed, sleepily waiting for me to join her. I smiled at the sight as I slid into my side of the bed. I smiled even bigger as I felt her curl into my body as if she were made to fit there. I sighed as I felt her hand spread across my chest and her breaths even out in sleep.

When I woke the next morning Mary Beth was gone. I could smell breakfast cooking so I got up and dressed quickly before going into the kitchen. She was standing at the stove in her robe, her hair still wet from her shower. I tiptoed in behind her and slide my arms around her waist.

“Woman, you smell good,” I growled as I leaned down and kissed her neck.

“Oh, Cody,” she sighed, turning into my embrace and wrapping her arms around my neck.

I moved my lips from her neck to her lips, pressing them against hers and inching my tongue out to tease her lips into opening for me. She moaned and I moved my tongue against hers, gently yet hungrily. She moved her lips away from mine, breathless, but smiling.

“Good morning, love.” I grinned, licking my lips.

“Good morning, baby. Are you hungry?” she smiled.

“Are you kidding? For your cooking, of course I’m hungry!” I exclaimed.

“Would you mind going up and waking Tommy for breakfast?” she asked sweetly before returning her attention to the stove.

“Not at all! We will be right down!” I saluted before bounding upstairs.

Moments later we were all seated at the breakfast table, enjoying a hearty and delicious breakfast. I was so spoiled and so far gone. I was hopeless. Mary Beth stood to being clearing the table when I stopped her.

“Love, I’ll do that! Why don’t you go get ready? Tommy and I will clean up and then I’ll get him ready for the day, ok?” I said, squeezing her hand.

She nodded, obviously touched, before turning to go to our room. Tommy and I cleared the table, put away the leftovers and did the dishes quickly before heading up to his room to get him dressed. I helped him pack his backpack for snowboarding school and we headed back downstairs to wait for Mary Beth. To say I was shocked when she stepped out of the bedroom was an understatement.

“How do I look?” she asked, twirling around.

“Umm, love, those aren’t skiing clothes!” I stuttered in shock.

“They aren’t?” She feigned shock, looking down at what she was wearing.

“Uh, no.” I shook my head. “They’re snowboarding clothes.”

“Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to go snowboarding with you today then.” She grinned, grabbing her bag and heading to the garage.

I looked at Tommy, who just shrugged his shoulders and grinned. I grinned back and we followed her to the garage. I loaded Tommy’s snowboard and the one Mary Beth had taken out of the garage storage for herself and then climbed in the driver’s seat. We made the 15 minute drive and parked at the mountain base. Mary Beth took Tommy to check him in for the week of snowboarding school while I rented my gear for the week. I was waiting out front for her when she returned.

“Ready?” I asked, holding out my hand.

“As I’ll ever be.” She smiled, taking my hand. “It’s going to take me a bit to pick this back up I think. Maybe this was a bad idea. I don’t want to slow you down.”

“Hey, none of that,” I said, shaking my head. “What made you decide to snowboard instead of ski anyway?”

“I wanted to spend the time with you, be with you. Plus it’s what you and Tommy enjoy. I figured it would be more fun if we could all do it together. I hoped maybe you’d be able to help me get better,” she said, offering a shy smile.

I felt like someone had their hands around my heart, squeezing it. This beautiful, loving woman was willing to take this huge step outside her comfort zone just to be with me, just to give us more time together, just because it is something she knows I enjoy. And she was trusting me to help her and teach her and watch over her. She was willing to go out on a ledge for me, to step out of her comfort zone, just for me. I melted completely at the realization.

“Of course!” I said, leaning over and kissing her softly. “You’re so athletic though, I doubt you’ll need much help from me. I’ll try and teach you what I know though, but I warn you it’s not much.” I winked.

“Oh, I don’t know. I have no doubt you have mad skills,” she said with a grin before blushing at her admission.

I couldn’t speak. All I could do is smile over at her and squeeze her hand. I led her to the chairlift and off we went. The morning went really well. She was, as I thought, a great athlete. And while I could tell snowboarding was not something that was just natural and second nature to her right now, I could see with every run that she was working hard and improving greatly. She was determined to keep up with me. More than that she was fearless with her efforts. I knew that was against her nature and momentarily wondered if it was just me that brought that out in her.

Before I knew it we had reached midday and were breaking for lunch. I took Mary Beth’s snowboard from her and found a stand for both of them. By the time I looked up she was waving across the patio at someone. I assumed it was her cousin and her family. She grabbed my hand and excitedly led me forward to meet them.

“Cody, this is my cousin Karen and her husband David. Their son Alan is in snowboarding school with Tommy this week,” she said.

I reached out to shake both their hands, returning both their smiles.

“Cody, I’ve heard great things about you from my parents and my brother,” Karen said.

“They are amazing people. I’m enjoying getting to know them,” I said, walking along with her into the restaurant.

“How about Mary? Are you enjoying getting to know Mary?” she said with a wink and a grin.

“More than you can imagine,” I whispered, leaning down close to her ear.

“Good. She deserves to be happy.” She smiled.

I really enjoyed getting to know them over lunch, but I was anxious to get Mary Beth back to myself. We were having some great conversations as we rode the chairlifts up the mountain. There wasn’t a more peaceful time and the mountain air and our surroundings had really opened us up to each other even more.

We were enjoying another great conversation as we reached the top of the longest chair lift. We boarded over to some picnic tables at the top of the mountain to study the map. So far we had been sticking to green runs, but apparently my lady wanted more of a challenge.

“I’m ready for a blue,” she said.

“Are you sure?” I questioned, not wanting to push her.

“Cody, can you board the black runs?” she asked.

“Well, yeah, but…” I began.

“I want to someday be able to go down those with you. I’m not going to be able to do that riding greens all day. Let’s do it.” She challenged.

Woah! I felt my pulse start to race uncontrollably. Did she have any idea how sexy she was at this moment? Then the magnitude that she was taking on this challenge just for me hit me, hit me straight through my heart. I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Mary Beth?” I said, turning towards her and grabbing both her hands in mine.

“Yes?” she said, looking at me worriedly.

“I…” I began and stumbled.

“Cody is everything ok?” she said anxiously.

“Yes, everything is better than ok.” I smiled softly, nervously.

“Then what?” she asked in confusion, her brows furrowed together in worry.

“I love you,” I admitted so softly I wasn’t sure she heard me.

“What?” she gasped, showing both that she heard me but she wasn’t sure she had heard me correctly.

“I love you,” I said more confidently.

“Oh, Cody,” she sighed.

Good going, Cody. Nice. Way to screw things up again. Way to push her too far. Fix this.

“I’m sorry. I know its fast. It’s too soon…” I began before she put her finger over my lips to stop me.

“Cody, I love you too. I love you so much,” she gasped. “I never dreamed…”

“Well, dream, love, dream. I love you. I love you. I LOVE YOU!” I bellowed, the rich bass of my voice echoing around the mountain.

She giggled and threw her arms around my neck, snuggling into me. I pulled her as close to me as I could, nuzzling her neck before kissing her deeply and lovingly, putting every bit of what I felt for her into the kiss.

At that precise moment, snow starting falling heavily from the skies. It couldn’t have been a more picture perfect moment. We couldn’t have made a better memory. I reached a hand out to cup her cheek and ran my gloved thumb over her lips. She smiled underneath my hand, unable to contain her happiness.

“Mary Beth Matthews, I love you. Whew, it feels good to say that out loud!” I grinned.

“Cody McAllister, I love you!” She giggled, blinking as the snowflakes hung heavy on her eyelashes. “I think we’d better get back down the mountain though. This snow is starting to come down pretty heavy.”

“I think you’re right. You sure you’re ready for a blue? It will certainly get us down quicker,” I asked again.

“Let’s do it.” She grinned.

She followed me move for move down the mountain, never backing down from any challenge. She only fell once and she was back up and moving before I could even get to her. She was one determined woman. And I was one lucky man!

By the time we reached the bottom of the mountain conditions were worsening. Tommy’s class had let out early, but he was waiting with Karen and David when we got there. We loaded back into the Suburban and made the slow trip back to the cabin. By the time we got there I could tell Mary Beth was getting tired. She had tackled a lot today after all.

“Tonight, I’m cooking dinner,” I announced.

“Cody, baby, you don’t have to…” she began to argue.

“I want to, ok? Tommy can help me, right buddy?” I asked.

“Sure! It will be fun!” he said.

Mary Beth curled up in front of the fire while Tommy and I went looking for something to make for dinner. We settled on spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and brownies. Even we guys couldn’t screw that up, right? Every once in a while I’d check on Mary Beth, giving her a soft kiss before tending to the fire and returning to the kitchen.

She gushed over how wonderful dinner was. I could tell spoiling her was going to be fun. She truly appreciated everything I did for her. What a change that was from what I was used to. I was used to girls expecting, even demanding things from me. Mary Beth treated everything like a gift. Heck, she treated me like a gift. There was no doubt, I loved this woman. Everything about her made me love her more.

By the time we got Tommy to sleep I could tell the physical activity of the day was taking a toll on her body. She was moving slower and more gingerly. She had taken on a lot today, but I wanted to be sure she was ok tomorrow.

“How about we go out to the hot tub?” I asked, taking her hand in mine. “It would be good for your muscles.”

“How about your muscles?” She flirted, running a hand up my chest.

“Uh, yeah, that too,” I said, clearing my throat.

“Just let me change, ok?” she smiled before turning to go into the bathroom.

I quickly changed into my pair of board shorts. I had miles of ideas and dreams about that hot tub, but they weren’t happening tonight. Despite the fact that I had declared my love for Mary Beth today and despite the fact that she returned my feelings I didn’t want to push things too far too fast.

Of course, explaining that emotions and desires running through my body when Mary Beth stepped into the bedroom in a little black bikini was another story. Dear heavens, she was beautiful. Not the hard angles of the stick figures Hollywood served up, but long, lean lines of muscles and womanly curves in all the right places. She smiled as she walked past me to the door. I sucked in a breath as I noticed the huge bruise forming on the back of her right thigh.

“Love, what in the world?” I hissed as I reached out to stop her.

“What?” she asked, obviously not knowing what I was talking about.

I dropped to my knees and ran my hands over the back of her thigh. She hissed a bit as I touched the darkening bruise. I cursed myself for pushing her so hard. As if she could read my thoughts she reached out and ran her hand over my cheek.

“Stop, ok?” she demanded.

“What?” I asked in confusion.

“Stop blaming yourself. It happened on my one fall of the day. One fall. Do you know amazing it is that I did all I did today and only had one fall? You made things so much easier and better for me today. I bruise very easily Cody, ok? Don’t think a thing about it. It will be fine in a day or two. It’s not going to slow me down or stop me, ok?” she demanded.

I nodded before leaning forward and pressing my lips to the bruise, eliciting a moan from Mary Beth. When I stood up she wrapped her arms around my waist and pulled me tight against her. I smiled as I felt her hands run up my back. I leaned forward and pressed my forehead against hers.

“I love you, Mary Beth. I just don’t like to think about you hurting at all,” I admitted.

“I love you too, Cody. I love you even more for how much and the way you care for me, but I promise, I’m ok.” She smiled before tilting her head up to press her lips to mine.

When I moaned she took the lead and ran her tongue over and past my lips, teasing my tongue with her own. Mmmm, apparently she was feeling bold tonight. When I felt her hands move back around my waist and up my chest I knew I had to slow things down and fast. I knew how I wanted this to happen and this was too much too soon…and with an eight year old upstairs. I gently released Mary Beth and took a small step back.

“Come on, beautiful. We need to get you in the hot tub or you won’t be able to move tomorrow, much less board.” I smiled, taking her hand and leading her outside.

I stepped into the hot tub and helped Mary Beth in after me. I helped her sit down and then took a seat opposite her. We both leaned back into the warm, swirling water, just relaxing and talking over our day. Every so often our feet would touch beneath the water and frankly it gave me a brilliant idea.

I reached under the water and lifted Mary Beth’s foot up the surface. As we talked I began to rub her foot, trying to ease away the tension of the day, remembering how much she enjoying this part of her massage. I moved from the foot to her ankle and to her calf, trying to ease as much of her muscles as possible. I gently lowered that foot back into the water and lifted out the other, repeating the process. Mary Beth’s eyes were locked on me, following my every movement.

Once I had lowered that foot back into the water I felt her hands on my forearms, pulling me towards her. I turned towards her but apparently was not close enough for her satisfaction, so I straddled her, one knee on each side of her hips, getting as close as I could.

I took a deep breath as I felt her hands run up my chest and around my neck. I felt her hand thread through my hair and urge me down to her. I pressed my lips to hers, moving them slightly, trying desperately to allow her to take the lead.

I gasped when she pulled away from me and sat breathless as I felt her gaze move over me before coming to rest on my eyes.

“You’re perfect,” she whispered.

I knew instantly and without a question or doubt that unlike every other woman I’d had in my life she wasn’t referring to the way I looked and she wasn’t talking about my body.

“I’m far from perfect,” I countered with a slight frown, resting my palm on her cheek.

“You’re perfect for me,” she sighed, reaching her hand to my cheek in a similar fashion.

Was I? Could I be? I’d like to think so. I thought she was so perfect that she had been created for me.

I took a deep breath and moved back against the side of the hot tub, pulling her with me. I closed my arm around her shoulders, pulling her into me. I felt her arm go around my waist and the other settle on my chest. I closed my hand over hers that rested on my chest.

“I’m glad you think so, Mary Beth, because I know God made you for me to love,” I sighed, closing my eyes and savoring the moment.

I felt her head snuggled into my chest and felt her relax against me. I knew she was getting sleepy and I didn’t want the temptation of having to get an asleep Mary Beth out of her wet swimsuit to get into bed. I stood up slowly and then reach in and scooped her up out of the water, carrying her to the bedroom admit her giggles over “being swept off her feet”.

She went into the bathroom to get ready for bed and I changed quickly into my pajama pants, climbing into my place in our bed. Our bed. Wow, how quickly that had come to sound so right. I was lying there, smiling stupidly I’m sure, when Mary Beth appeared in the bathroom doorway.

“What are you thinking about, baby?” she asked, returning my smile.

“How happy I am just being here with you. How right it is for us to be together,” I explained as she slid in next to me. “How stupidly happy I get just thinking about the fact that I think of this as our bed,” I revealed, a chuckle rumbling from my chest.

She snuggled into my side as I reached over to turn off the light. I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, feeling her smile beneath me.

“It is our bed. I like that. And I love you.” She yawned, finally allowing herself to let sleep overtake her.

“Oh, Mary Beth, if you only knew how much I love you,” I sighed before letting sleep come to me as well.