went, angel was way too good for me. That’s probably why I liked it. Because it meant that Tristin saw me in a better light than I’d ever see myself.
I wasn’t sure how much time passed as I drifted in and out of consciousness, but when I finally lifted my head, airline signs sailed overhead. “We’re flying?” I croaked, my voice thick with sleep. When Tristin had said we were taking a trip, I’d automatically assumed he meant a road trip.
“No, we’re going to hang out at the airport for the next five days,” Hayle replied dryly. “It should be a good time.”
I leaned forward to punch his bicep. “Very funny.”
He grinned back at me. “I like to think so.”
After driving around in a parking garage for a while, Leo found a spot, and we all piled out of the Range Rover. When Tristin hauled a dark pink suitcase from the back, I stared at it in disbelief. Not only had I never seen it before, it was large enough to hold half of my worldly possessions.
“Where did this come from?”
“It’s part of your Christmas gift, along with this trip,” Leo replied as he removed his own expensive-looking suitcase.
“But you guys already gave me an iPad.”
The brothers had gone in on the tablet together, as well as giving me individual presents. A cute lap desk with storage from Hayle, a designer bike helmet from Tristin, and wireless earbuds from Leo. I’d never had so many gifts to open on Christmas morning.
“Oh, please.” Hayle looked at me like I’d misplaced my marbles. “Do you think we’re really that lame? The iPad was just a decoy so we could pull off this surprise.”
I shook my head. “You guys are spoiling me.”
Tristin handed me a patterned tote that coordinated with the suitcase. “You might as well get used to it. We have over eight years of spoiling to make up for.”
Leo slung an arm over my shoulders. “He’s right. There’s no point in resisting us now. You’re stuck with us.”
I smiled up at him before turning to his brothers. I’d never been so delighted to feel stuck in my life.
Colorado. That was our destination.
I’d never been there, which was a little strange, since it was the most popular vacation destination for Kansans. But Aunt Emmy likely would have laughed at the idea of taking a road trip, even to the next state over. And I’d lacked the funds to take off on my own.
Denver wasn’t nearly as exciting as I’d expected, but once we got west of the city, into the mountains, everything changed. Washington state drew me in, with its rich colors and soothing beauty. But the Rocky Mountains were something altogether different. Their rugged majesty made me feel small and part of something bigger all at the same time. I was grateful I’d discovered my drawing supplies packed in my carry-on tote, because I was going to need them.
I was so busy memorizing our surroundings, I didn’t bother harassing the guys about where we were going. So, when we arrived in Breckenridge, I’d had no idea what to expect. I’d heard of the popular ski town, of course, but I hadn’t realized it would be so…charming. That was the only word I could think of to describe it.
Main Street looked like something out of a movie, with its rows of shops and restaurants with a kind of matching, old-fashioned feel. The snow was cleared enough to easily get around, but it clung to the roofs and trees, making me feel like I’d stepped into a winter wonderland. Not to mention the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
“It’s so cute here,” I said, not caring that I sounded like an awed little girl. “Are you guys going skiing?” Clearly, my leg wasn’t up for attempting the sport.
“Yes,” Leo answered, “but don’t worry. We’re only going to ski part days and take turns, so we’re not leaving you alone.” He reached across the front of our rental SUV to squeeze my knee. “Next year, you can take lessons.”
“Next year?”
Hayle leaned up from behind me to poke his head between the seats. “Skiing over the holidays used to be our annual tradition. We haven’t done it for the last few years, so we figured it was time to get back to it.”
That made me smile. The fact that they’d worked together to plan this trip, and that it was a revival of something they’d done together in the past, warmed me more than a steaming cup