Chapter One

Annie

"Are you sure you have everything packed? Your phone charger, extra pair of boots, thermals, tweezers—"

I roll my eyes, listening to my sister, Madison, rattle off over the phone another ridiculous list of things I need for our trip. Tweezers, though? I'm not exactly sure what I'd use them for, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to toss them in my checked bag. Maybe she knows something that I don't.

We've spoken the last three nights and each time she's mentioned something off-the-wall. Take last night, for instance. She wanted to know if I'd tossed an extra roll of toilet paper in my suitcase. You know, just in case, she'd quickly pointed out when I insisted the cabin should have more than enough. And the night before that, it was a first aid kit. Okay, so I could see where a couple of bandages might be a good idea, but an entire first aid kit? I was already getting close to the weight limit on my checked bag from all the sweaters and jeans I'd packed, so if she felt that having a kit was that important, then she'd have to put it in with her own things.

"Seriously, Madi. I have everything I could possibly need. In fact, I've probably over-packed considering how much this suitcase is bulging." I look down at the red American Tourister sitting over by the front door. There's no way I can fit one more thing inside of it.

"You should've listened to me and gotten the hard-body. It just seems sturdier," she points out. "And then there's the snow to factor in. You certainly want to make sure it doesn't get wet."

It's a good thing she's still in Florida and I'm here in Texas or else she'd be getting another stern look from me. I'd done my homework on luggage—overall quality, durability, and price—and I didn't need her two cents. Plenty of travelers still used suitcases similar to mine, so Madi just needed to chill. And if I know my sister, she'll probably have something snarky to say about the red and green ribbon I have tied to the handle, too.

I'm equal parts nervous and giddy about this trip—nervous about seeing so much snow for the first time in my life and giddy about spending time with my baby sister. It's a shame we don't get to see each other more, but now that I'm teaching, my schedule doesn't allow me to take time off to see her as much as I'd like. Originally, Madi and her husband, Vernon, were going to Nevada together, but at the last minute, Vernon's schedule at the hospital was changed and now he's on call thru New Year's. I'm sad I won't get to spend the holidays with my brother-in-law too, but Madi and I are going to have the best time together. I just know it. Two weeks is hardly long enough, but I'm going to enjoy every second.

Madi's living the good life now, married to a doctor and living in a beautiful condo near the beach. Her husband plays golf on the weekends while she goes to the spa and hangs out with her girlfriends regularly. Sigh, one can only hope for the same one day, right? I'm not saying my sister doesn't deserve this carefree lifestyle, but I can't help wondering where did I go wrong. At thirty-four, things aren't looking all that great.

"Just to confirm, we're meeting up at the café outside of gate thirteen?" I ask, quickly diverting our conversation away from my suitcase.

"Yes, my flight should land around noon, as long as we don't encounter any delays in St. Louis." she replies.

"I can't wait." I let out a squeal. "We can't go this long without seeing each other again."

"See you tomorrow, Annie."

We end our call and I do a quick glance around the room. I swear, my sister has me all kind of paranoid that I may be forgetting something now. I shove an extra sweatshirt and a pair of leggings into my carry-on just because, well, you never know what might happen.

I double-check that my alarm's set and crawl into bed. Exhausted doesn't even come close to describing the way I feel, but come this time tomorrow, Madi and I will be sitting in front of the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and catching up on everything we've missed these last few months.