We started off the morning slow by traversing a few of the less daunting hills. I was no expert to start with and was not going to be an expert by the end of the week either, but I made a point to give it my best and let the chips fall where they may. After a few of the less difficult slopes, we moved up to an intermediate slope. After a few runs, I felt like I was doing a better job of keeping my balance and staying on top of my skis through turns. On this slope, however, there were moguls. For those of you unfamiliar with this term, they are simply small to large hills of snow within the larger scope of the slope itself. One is supposed to be able to navigate these as easily as the slope itself by working your way through them in a snake-like or s-type fashion. This was a challenge for me, so I did the best I could. I found myself on my backside on a few occasions and felt like the intermediate slopes may get the better of me throughout the duration of the week. But, if by some stroke of luck I could conquer them, it would be quite a feat.

                

Brady was good about giving me tips. He would go ahead of me in the pattern that I might take as if I was planning my own route down the slope. He would go one hundred or on some occasions up to three hundred yards ahead and I would follow. He was a good teacher and paid specific attention to my balance, ability, and the overall growth in my learning curve on top of a pair of skis.

                

Around noon, he suggested that we go into the lodge for a bite to eat and a hot chocolate. Having spent three hours in the cold, I was beginning to feel the sting of the winter weather against my face. As we sat down, we talked about our morning on the slopes. We had conquered the beginner slopes and I felt like I was getting a handle on the intermediate hills. As I wrapped my hands around the hot chocolate, I could feel the warmth radiate to other parts of my body. While I was never cold to the point of needing serious shelter in a hurry, it was nice to get back to room temperature.

                

We both shared the sentiment that a vacation in the middle of tax season was just what we needed. Even more so, I needed to feel the comfort of someone that I admired, felt I could trust, and additionally felt like a relationship could blossom into an unending love. I adored Brady, and I believe it radiated from my face. I was beginning without a doubt to fall in love again. We sat in the lodge for over an hour and we decided to brave the winter weather for a short afternoon session. Brady suggested at lunch that we cut our day a bit short so as to have some time alone at the chalet before dinner.

                

After a few more cracks at the intermediate slopes, I was ready for the hot tub. I suggested to Brady that we find a wine shop and take a bottle back with us to the chalet to enjoy in the hot tub prior to dinner. He had no reservations, so we packed up our gear in the car and headed toward town to a local wine shop. I wanted something light so we agreed to go with a Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough Valley of New Zealand. With grapefruit notes and the essence of stony soils evident, it was just what we needed…something crisp and light on the palate. Off we went to the chalet, as a bathing suit was required for the hot tub.  Within minutes, we were sitting in one hundred and four degree water that was bubbling with enthusiasm. As we relaxed, we talked about what we should do for dinner. With that, Brady had another suggestion.

                Jack and Rona made it back to the chalet around 5:30 PM. They too were tired and sore, so they decided to soak with us for a few minutes. We decided to go to dinner around 7:00 PM. As Jack and Brady talked about their day on the slopes, Rona and I raved about the multiple nose-dives that we had taken. Within minutes, the conversation turned to food. Brady explained to Jack and Rona that he had spent several hours prior to making the journey to Vermont scoping out the local restaurant scene. Both Jack and Brady were hungry for something filling, see we decided to go out for steak.

                

Around 7:30 PM, we arrived at The Wobbly Barn. True to its name, this barn had likely been erected in the early 1900's. The name was painted in large red letters on the exterior with a black border. As we entered the place, the locals could easily tell that we were from somewhere else. They wore jeans with holes in them and flannel shirts; some with suspenders. We could be spotted a mile away as tourists. Nonetheless, we entered and were offered a table for four. The waitress was pleasant and spoke with a Northern accent. She could immediately tell that we were from South, and that bothered none of us. We were there to enjoy our evening.

                

We had come for steaks and that is exactly what we ordered. The men had rib eyes and we women had prime rib. To round out our dinner in style, we ordered an expensive Cabernet Sauvignon, which I was surprised that the place offered one. Our conversation was light, but enjoyable. Not knowing what else to talk about, the men talked about their day on the slopes and then it turned to work. Why is it that men have to talk about work? Rona and I kept our conversation to our day on the slopes and what we might do with the rest of our time in Vermont. Undoubtedly, we would spend some time on the slopes, but we wanted to explore the town some and possibly find a spa…always one of my favorite activities.

                

As dinner went on, we found the need to order another bottle of wine. We all passed on dessert and considered wine both our dessert and cordial. After about two hours, we decided that the locals had probably seen enough of us. It was time to go back to the chalet and rest. As we left the restaurant, the conditions outside were not favorable. The winds were high, and the snow was nearly blinding as we crept down the road toward our rented home for the week. We did manage to make it without consequence and it was time to unwind before bed.

                

Jack and Brady continued to talk about work as Rona and I rolled our eyes, but they seemed to be getting along like pals from college who hadn’t seen each other in a few years. Whatever made them feel comfortable, I guess? Rona had gone to the kitchen to make us some hot chocolate while Jack and Brady were working on getting the fireplace going. We stayed up rather late that night. We had only a few days left on our vacation and I was dreading leaving Brady and going back to work. This vacation had been so relaxing.

                

Morning came, and as usual, I was the first one out of bed. This bothered me not in the least as I had come to enjoy my quiet time in the morning. It was almost like being at home, except in a few minutes, Brady would wake up and come down and greet me. That morning, he did so and surprised me by giving me a kiss. I guess he felt comfortable in our relationship to start the day with that. I feel sure that I had a bit of a surprised look on my face after he had leaned in and then pulled away, but I also feel sure that it was a surprised look that was also accompanied by a smile. I could feel a progression in that kiss that morning. I just knew in my heart that we were moving in a positive direction.

                

Brady suggested that we go shopping that morning. He offered to take me to breakfast somewhere downtown and then visit the local shops to see what we might find. Since I am not one to turn down a day of shopping, I readily accepted. We started with breakfast at Sugar and Spice. In addition to being a restaurant, this shack also was a place where you could see Vermont Maple Syrup being boiled and made. Since we were in Vermont, I felt the need to stray away from Eggs Benedict in favor of the local maple syrup. So I ordered waffles and tea.

                

Shortly after breakfast, we found ourselves downtown in a small shopping district. While the most popular shops in the square were for skiing equipment, the district was peppered with shops by local artisans and patrons. There were stores where you could buy art, candles, clothes, stained and blown glass and even cheese. When Brady walked into Fire On the Mountain Glass, I knew he was up to something. The shop keeper greeted him with a friendly hello that suggested he had been there previously. I would find out later that he had indeed. He knew what he was there for. Knowing my love of flowers, he walked over to a blown glass vase and said to the shop keeper that we would be taking this piece.

                

I was enamored at the thought, as I could immediately tell that he had picked the piece out especially for me. It was white with swirls of green and blue which started at the base and continued to the top which had a flowered edge itself. I was beautiful, and I knew not what to say. He continued as he presented it to me by saying that it was a gift to a new beginning. He stated that he wanted our relationship to be official and exclusive, and that this gift would be a promise and a reminder that he would keep it filled with fresh flowers. His words nearly pierced my heart. At that moment, there was an explosion of emotions that ran through me. I was truly ready to begin a new relationship, and his words and my inward feelings to them had sealed the deal. I was in fact, in love.

                

Glowing like a white Christmas light, we left Fire On the Mountain and proceeded to duck in and out of stores one by one. I could not have been happier at that moment, as I had not felt close to anyone in this manner for quite some time. I could feel a spring in my step as we walked up and down the street. At around lunch time, we traveled back to the chalet for a quick sandwich and then off to the slopes. We had come to ski with Jack and Rona, and that was what we should do. We met them on the mountain around 1:00 PM. Rona and I went off on our own so the men could try and break their arms and legs on the advanced and expert slopes. We were not at all inclined to attempt such things, and considered them nonsense; but boys will be boys.

We met back at the chalet around 5:00 P.M. We had made plans earlier to stay in and cook dinner, but Jack and Brady suggested that we go out. Since it was our last evening in Vermont, Rona and I had no objections. Peppino’s Ristorante Italiano was the place that we would dine. 

I immediately dialed the phone and reached my mother at home. I explained that I had received flowers and that it was from someone that I had met at the company Christmas party. She immediately wanted all the details, and I was quick to share. This undoubtedly could be the beginning of something fresh and new, and I wanted her to feel a part of it.

                

As I went about the rest of my day, I was all smiles. I was light on my feet and the women in the office knew that something was happening that made me cheerful. They each noticed the roses, and had many questions as to who the lucky guy might be that I would soon to give my affection to. I cautioned them, that it would be a slow process for me to learn to love again.

                

Brady called that afternoon to confirm the delivery of his gift. I was excited to hear his voice and since the office was slow just yet, I had time to chat. He invited me to lunch on Friday and I was quick to accept. He suggested Table 50, which was actually one of my favorite places for Sunday brunch. It was a date.

                

Friday couldn’t come quick enough. I did my best to stay on top of my work, but thoughts of Brady kept creeping into my mind at a flurrying pace. It was winter now, and as I would enjoy the warmth of my hands around a hot cup of tea while looking out the window from my office, I thought of him. Friday did come, but not quickly. For some reason that morning, I decided to pass on black and white which was the normal attire for a day at the office for me and opted for navy blue. While at the Mall of America with my mother a few months back, I had purchased a dress in navy that had a nice skinny black belt that was slimming around the waist. We met at Table 50 just a little after twelve. He explained that he too had been excited for this lunch date, as it had been some time since the Christmas party. I ordered a steak salad with blue cheese crumbles and he had a bacon cheeseburger. I could tell that his metabolism had been good to him over the years.

                

We talked mostly about our roots. It seemed as if we had some of the same values. He was also a Southern Baptist and took his mother to church every Sunday. His father had died young of a heart attack, so it was he and his mother. Like Graham, he was an only child. Unlike Graham, he was not selfish. I could see in him some things that I didn’t see in Graham. Perhaps at the outset, I was critical; but my critique was producing positive results. In areas where I hoped Brady would behave in a certain way, he did already. I would never have to ask for him to open a door for me, or to go to church. He already did those things. I also felt that if he was dear to his mother, he would endear me as well.

                

I went a little over my allotted time for lunch, but Crook would have to understand. After spending my early twenties as a married woman, dating in my thirties seemed different. I seemed to qualify people more by their actions than there words. And by saying this, I mean Brady; because there was never anyone even remotely significant between him and Graham. In fact, there really hadn’t been anybody, as I had only gone to social outings with close friends. After lunch, Brady asked without a sense of hesitation that he wanted to see me again. I agreed that we should get together soon, and promised that I would call him in a few days.

               

                

That Saturday, I went to visit my mother. She was excited to hear that lunch had gone well. I explained to her how I thought there was something different about Brady, but I wasn’t prepared to make assumptions or judgments. We spent a good bit of the afternoon talking as I did my laundry. She and Dad were well, but they were concerned about my brother, Randy. He was stuck in Minnesota because of an ice storm that was plaguing the upper Midwest. I assured her that God would take care of him. She agreed, as she said that she knew that that statement was true within her heart as well, but she was a mother after all…and mothers worry.

                

I had just poured Mom and me a cup of tea when my cell phone rang. It was Randy and he wanted to make sure that Mom knew that he was alright. They were going to be delayed overnight, but he would be able to fly in the morning. This was a reassurance for mom. She asked me to describe Brady and I did the best I could. I also explained that he was an only child and I wondered if he would be selfish like Graham, but I had doubts of a positive nature. He seemed conscious of the fact that I would be willing to further the relationship, but only at a slow pace. I may have even mentioned this fact. I told him so many things, that I could not remember all that I had said. I was vague as to the true reason for my divorce, as any guy would wonder how I had been so naïve as to not know, understand, or suspect that something was not right given the lack of physical affection alone. With time and comfort, I reasoned that I may tell him, but at this point, I was unsure.

                

I enjoyed my visit with my mother and I went home around six. Sometimes I stayed overnight on Saturday, but this evening I decided to go home. I was lying in bed reading a book when the phone rang. I wondered who it might be as I had already talked to my brother earlier that day, and had visited Mom and Dad. It was Brady. He explained that he knew that we had just had lunch yesterday, but he wanted to call and talk. It was a Saturday evening that he too was spending alone and wanted some company, even if it was over the other end of the phone.

                

He called around nine. By the time I hung up the phone it was after midnight. I, personally, would have stayed on the phone longer, but the battery on my cell phone had died. That night we talked about our hobbies, where we liked to go on vacation and what we did for recreation. Brady was a hunter, which was not normal I thought for an accountant. I did feel that it was some place that he and my Father could bond. We both had a love for the ocean and fine dining. He was a wine lover like myself, and preferred wine to other alcoholic drinks. He stated that a nice glass of wine after a hard day at the office was usually well earned. His mother had taught him to cook, which was something that Graham had neither the skills nor the desire to do. We were beginning to learn about each other quickly, but my heart still told me to take things slow.

                

He invited me to go out with him the following weekend, but I had a prior commitment. I was attending the symphony with my parents. We agreed to get together in a couple of weeks.

               

               

About mid-January, a flurry of activity became the norm at the office. While there were plenty of clients that we knew would be filing extensions, we were gaining new clients that would need our services between now and April. It was clear to me that I would be busy until February at a minimum and might not see Brady. He was patient through it all and we finally decided to go to a Valentine’s Day ball at the Hotel Roanoke.

                

Instead of my usual black and white, I went shopping and purchased a red floor-length dress. It was satin and had a bit of a ruffle from the waist at an angle toward my toes. Nothing drastic, but enough to compliment the shape of the garment. I chose white pearls to wear around my neck and earrings to match. Brady wore a tuxedo. Graham and I had attended the event only once, but I had pleaded with him each year to go. He was not much of a social butterfly and always had an excuse. Brady on the other hand thought it was good for business to be around people that appreciate the arts and additionally fund-raisers for causes that he felt he could support. This year, the money was going to the Cancer Center at Carilion Hospital. As we danced, he held me close. I had worn a special perfume that I hoped he would notice. I hadn’t figured Brady for a dancer, but he surprised me. He was an athlete in high school and I suppose this is where he got some of his rhythm. The evening was perfect and I needed to feel the embrace of new man.

On Sunday after church, I wrote him a letter.

Brady,

Thank you for making my Saturday evening special. I have attended this event only once in the past even though I have wanted to go each year. I appreciate your understanding of my need to take things slow. Being a divorcee at thirty was something I never would have dreamed that I would say or even write down on a piece of paper. I want you to know that you made me feel special. I have always enjoyed dressing for a special evening out on the town. To that end, I have to give you thanks. You made me feel alive for just a moment, and for that I am grateful.

Stephanie

                

He received the letter on Tuesday and called the office. I had an idea that I thought would not be possible, but I shared it with him anyway. The simple fact that we both worked in accounting might keep us from getting away in March. I proposed the idea of going away for a weekend to go skiing with a friend of mine from college and her boyfriend. He jumped at the chance, but said he would have to find a way to get away from the office. I too, knew it would be a challenge, but I had faith that it could work.

                

The next day, I walked into Gabriel’s office and announced that I needed to take a few days for a short vacation. Previous to this, I had asked the junior accountants to take over some of the returns for me in exchange that I would help them with some after my return. They agreed. To my surprise, Gabriel approved my request. Now, it was up to Brady to find the time off at his firm. It took him two days, but one evening after to work when he called, stating he had something important to tell me.

               

Immediately my mind turned toward something wrong, and he even played it up a little bit as if that were the case. He then blurted out in a loud and boisterous voice that we were indeed going to Vermont. In my mind, I was already shopping and packing for the trip. It was a month away, as we were slated to go in late March. I could hardly believe that it was going to happen. I felt lucky, and perhaps I was in love.

                

I tried my best not to let my feelings run away with me. But as the trip got closer and closer, I became more anxious about what this weekend away might mean to our relationship. Brady and I continued to have lunch on Friday afternoons and we sometimes met for coffee on Saturday mornings before I would go to visit my parents. I could tell that he was excited as he had done his homework. He was planning our dinners at local restaurants that he thought we would enjoy. But I had forgotten the most important step in the process. I called Rona in a panic that Saturday afternoon and made sure that I was still invited as she had stated in the fall. To my relief, she said she would love to make it a couples outing and was excited to meet Brady. It was probably a good thing that I had called her on Saturday, as we had much to catch up on.

               

Her relationship with Jack was becoming more serious, as she explained her senses were heightened like those of a mature cat. She just could feel in her bones that something big was going to happen in Vermont, and she was glad that I was going to be there to share it with her. With a week left before our departure, it was time to go shopping. I was not an expert skier by any means, but I felt like I should at least have my own equipment for the trip. I tried my best to stay within a budget- which never happens- but my impulses got the best of me again. My skis were six-hundred dollars, poles were sixty, hats were fifty for two, and gloves were forty, a scarf for seventy-five, and finally a jacket and pants appropriate for the weather was three-hundred. Within thirty minutes I had spent easily over fifteen hundred dollars once I added some other accessories. This had better be the trip I was hoping for.

                

Brady and I had negotiated to leave for the trip on a Tuesday. Jack and Rona had gone ahead of us by two days, starting their week-long vacation on Sunday. We were lodged in a beautiful A-frame chalet nestled within a small community of similar homes at the top of one of the peaks of the ski resort, Killington. Killington, Vermont, is a small town with a population just under one-thousand residents. This made the atmosphere very cozy for us and our counterparts to spend some quality time together. Our stay included everything from a heated pool and sauna, fireplaces within our cottage with an outdoor hot tub, to cheese making classes and Maple syrup tastings. It was the best that Vermont had to offer, and we were here to reap the benefits.

                

Jack and Rona were quick to make us feel welcome upon our arrival. It had been a long drive from Roanoke, and we had plans of getting in the hot tub that evening to soothe some of the rough spots that driving all day will do to you. Jack and Brady seemed to hit it off. Before agreeing to all get into the hot tub, I sat down with a hot chocolate on the hearth of the fireplace to warm up with Rona. When we arrived that evening, it was a blustery nineteen degrees. Jack and Brady found two chairs near us and the fireplace and talked business. For some reason with guys, the first questions asked in getting to know someone pertains to work. Perhaps this is an easy place to start. Once upon a time, they were all cavemen, so this question was unnecessary, right? Just kidding.

                

Rona and I too talked about work, but it was more light-hearted and less about qualifying each other based on what we do and for whom we provide our services to. Rona and I knew what each other did, so it was mainly chit-chat. We talked more about the others that we work with than about our actual work. After Jack and Brady had come to know each other on a professional level, it was time to get down to the business of relaxation. Not long after I finished my hot chocolate, Rona announced that it was time to get into our bathing suits.

               

  One of the accessories that I had purchased for the trip was a new two-piece Ralph Lauren bathing suit. I could tell by the look on Brady’s face that he was enjoying it. He and Jack were looking quite well on their own account. Rona also had a two-piece bathing suit on that was bright pink. Jack had taken the liberty of bringing out four glasses and a bottle of champagne. We made a toast to good friends and a good week of relaxation in Killington. As I looked at Brady and as he looked back, we exchanged smiles the entire evening. While Jack and Rona were sharing a room, Brady and I were not. I thought about the option of surprising him later in the week by sneaking over to his room and crawling into bed with him, but I had yet to decide if the time was right. I felt like this week could be an anchor to our relationship, or at least a building block. I was excited to see how the week would unfold. As we sat in the hot tub, the snow began to fall on our heads. As I looked up through the fluttering snowflakes, I could see the stars high above us. They were bright, and it felt magical. If only every evening could be like this one. No worries, no cares, champagne in hand and spending time with people you adore and care for.

               

  After another bottle of champagne, we all came to the realization that if we were going to make it out of bed and on to the slopes the following day, we had better call it a night. Brady was kind and acted like a gentleman. He asked me to spend a few minutes with him talking beside the fireplace before bed. As the remains of the wood flared, I could see our relationship deepening. Could the burning in the fireplace be a reflection of what was taking place in my heart? I wondered and pondered on that idea as I crawled into bed after a kiss on the forehead from Brady.

                

The next morning, I awoke feeling completely restored. The hot tub and the champagne had done its trick and I was prepared for a day on the slopes. At breakfast, I ordered waffles with pure Vermont maple syrup. Along with them, I had a small bowl of oatmeal and a cup of fresh fruit. I was ready to brave the cold weather and try out my new equipment.

                

I had taken the time to do a little research prior to making my purchases for the slopes. I knew I had good quality materials that would keep me warm and hopefully on my feet. Brady was no stranger to any sport, so I knew it would be tough to keep up with him. Over breakfast I explained that I had only been skiing one other time and that I may require some patience with respect to navigating the slopes. He nodded in understanding, and at that I knew he would be right by my side.