tracks.” She saw her mother’s blank look. “First run of the day. Fresh powder. They’ll be down before the hordes of tourists finish breakfast and head out for the day.”
Maggie couldn’t imagine choosing the icy slopes of a mountain over her snug, warm bed. “Who is Jordan?”
“Dan’s closest friend. They met when they spent summers here growing up, and Jordan still lives and works in the valley. He built his own house. He’s going to be best man.”
“He built a house? So he’s a builder?”
“No. But good with his hands. Practical. He’s an arborist. Tree surgeon.”
“Well, there are plenty of trees around here so that makes sense.” Maggie brightened. It would be interesting to talk to someone with knowledge of trees. “I wonder if he’d know what to do about our old apple tree?”
“Ask him. Jordan knows everything. He’s obsessed with nature and conservation.” Rosie kissed her father. “Hi, Dad. Sleep well? Isn’t that bed the most comfortable thing you’ve ever slept on in your life?”
Nick’s expression didn’t flicker. “Like sleeping on a cloud.”
“How’s your head, Mum?” Rosie grinned as she dropped the bag she was carrying onto the sofa. The sofa where Nick had slept a few hours earlier.
“My head is fine,” Maggie lied. “Does Dan still want to marry you or has meeting your family put him off?”
“Dan was amused to see you both behaving like honeymooners. Better than having parents who fight, right? Catherine always says that having divorced parents at a wedding can be the most awkward thing ever.”
“I can imagine.” Maggie’s laugh was pitched higher than she’d intended. “I feel terrible that we missed dinner with Dan’s family. I was looking forward to it.”
“You’re spending the morning with Catherine, so you’ll get to know her then.” Rosie opened the bag. “I have a few things here that might fit you. Dan’s aunt left them at Thanksgiving because she knew she’d be back for the wedding. Try them on. They’re probably not totally your style, but they’ll do until you can find something.” She pulled out a sweater in bright pink with a jeweled neck that caught the sunlight.
Maggie felt a stab of pain in her head.
Was Dan’s aunt a showgirl in Vegas?
“Thank you.”
“And jeans.” Rosie thrust them toward her. “Your feet are the same size as mine, so I’m lending you my spare snow boots.”
Maggie hadn’t worn jeans in at least two decades.
She tried not to think about the carefully chosen outfits packed in her suitcase.
“I’ll put these on while you talk to your father.” She vanished to the bathroom with the spare change of underwear she’d had the forethought to pack in her hand luggage, and tugged on the clothes.
The jeans were too tight, but by sucking everything in she managed to do them up.
She emerged to find Rosie and Nick talking about the wedding.
“Katie is arriving on the afternoon flight, but Dan has to be somewhere, and I have a final dress fitting. Do you think she’ll mind if Jordan picks her up? He offered to drive to the airport.”
“She’ll be grateful, I’m sure.” Maggie wasn’t sure of much these days where Katie was concerned. She was looking forward to seeing her face-to-face. “That’s kind of him. Is he married?”
Rosie glanced at her. “Don’t go there. You know what Katie is like. And honestly I can’t think of two people less suited than Jordan and my sister.”
“Why? What’s wrong with your sister?”
“Nothing. I love her. But you have to admit she is very work focused.”
“She has an important job.” Katie didn’t have it all, either, Maggie thought sadly. She had the work but very little time for anything else.
“She’s also a city girl. After two hours in the city, Jordan can’t breathe.” Rosie stepped back. “You look cute in those jeans.”
“They’re acting like a tourniquet. There is no blood flowing through the lower part of my body. And I’m two decades too old to be wearing them.”
“I think you look great.” Rosie handed her gloves and a hat. “Are you ready for your shopping trip? I’ll drop you at Snowfall Lodge on my way into town.”
Knowing that she couldn’t make excuses after her less than impressive performance the night before, Maggie pulled on her coat.
No matter what happened, she was going to try not to embarrass her daughter.
Rosie turned to her father. “Dan and Jordan will pick you up here in half an hour and we’ll all meet up later. They’re going to bring outerwear to keep you warm and dry.”