1. Jack

Chapter 1

Jack

A s I drive through the streets of Wintervale, Montana, I’m immediately transported back in time. Back to a time when I used to love this place. Summers spent on the back trails with my friends, swimming at the lake where I had my first kiss, winters on the slopes and more importantly, those snowed-in nights. It was adventurous and it was sexy. It was everything a sixteen-year-old kid could want. But at twenty years old, everything changed abruptly, and I grew to hate it overnight. I couldn’t wait to move away and live in a place where everyone wasn’t in everyone else’s business.

The town that once held excitement suddenly felt like a trap.

The only good things left about this town are Courtney Becker and my son, Joey.

But even they weren’t good enough to last.

I grab a taxi from Wintervale Airport, leaving behind the city lights and slowly moving into the rural town. Snow plows move steadily on the roads, allowing the town to remain functional and full of life. Sweets n’ Spice, the local bakery, is packed with patrons, and the local pizzeria is spilling over with the lunchtime crowd.

The Range Bar and Grill is hopping too, and I smile as we pass, remembering the time I got chased for stealing beers from their back stockroom. We were heading out to the lake and saw the door was open. Case after case lined the inside, and my best friend, Lief, dared me to grab a six pack. My girlfriend, Courtney, begged me not to, she was always a Goody-two-shoes. But she was right that time. I didn’t know that old man Bill, who owned the bar since before the beginning of time, could run that fast. He caught me before we were even past the alleyway entrance.

A laugh rumbles from my chest as I remember his flaring nostrils and heaving chest while he yelled at me. But that laugh quickly turns to sorrow as I pass Dress Me Up Boutique. The Nilsson’s opened this shop in the early 1980’s. Lief Nilsson, the oldest son and my best friend, and I spent many days helping out in his parents' store. And many nights hanging out in the back storage room. Courtney and Lief’s sister, January, were also best friends. So when she worked, I made sure to meet her in the back room. When I was twenty years old, Mr. Nilsson died suddenly, and everything changed. The close family was broken, and I didn’t know how to accept that. Most of the town didn’t know how to accept it.

Seeing the town alive with people today brings me back to those days gone by, and it makes me sad knowing that Lief called asking for my help with Dress Me Up Boutique again.

Finally arriving at the end of Main Street, we pull up to the Evergreen Inn. It's an old Victorian house that was built over a hundred years ago and transformed into more of a bed-and-breakfast place. It looks like it is finally undergoing some renovations. I reach across the seat to tip the driver and hear the trunk pop open.

Smart man, I think to myself. I wouldn’t want to get out of the car either. It’s brutally cold out here. I jump out, quickly grab my suitcase, and trudge up the winding path to the front door. It’s snowing lightly, which I know is a common occurrence for half the year, but there’s already a couple feet of snow covering the landscape. The roads and all the pathways are clear, so clearly the grounds crew has been working overtime. Walking in, I don’t really pay attention to anything around me except finding the check-in desk.

“Good afternoon! Welcome, Mr. Fristoni! I’m so glad you made it before the snow really begins to fall.”

“Did you track my flight?” I narrow my eyes as the woman laughs.

She’s older, round, and going gray, especially around the temples. “No, but the Wintervale Resort called to say you’d be coming here, as their rooms are booked. We always get the spill over from them. Although they were surprised to hear you were coming in earlier this year.” She tilts her head at me in question, and I actively work to brush off her intrusiveness. “In this small town, we know everyone who comes and goes that isn't a local...anymore.” She’s still smiling as she pulls out a notebook. “I have your room all set for you. You’re on the third floor, last room on the left. We serve breakfast from seven to nine in the morning, but just the basics. Eggs and bacon, coffee, and juice. Trudy’s Diner is always available, as is The Range Bar and Grill, but only for lunch and dinner. I’m sure you’re used to the exclusivities of Wintervale Resort, but as you know, there are many options right here in town. We will work hard at keeping the place quiet for you as well.” She flips through the notebook, writing quick notes and acting as if I didn’t grow up here with all the same establishments now as there were back then.

She slaps the book closed and smiles at me, pushing a key across the countertop. I furrow my brows before realizing this town is still in the 18th century. No keycards here. I’m the furthest thing from New York City right now.

“I’m guessing you didn’t rent a truck—they’re usually all out by this time of year—but Larry is always available.”

“Larry?”

“Yup. He’s the man who dropped you off. Didn’t he tell you?”

I shake my head, thinking he must be new. I don't remember seeing him when I was here last year, and I do come out every Christmas. “We didn’t talk. I was on a business call for most of the ride.”

“Well, he definitely wouldn't have interrupted you, but just know he’s our guy if you need to get anywhere.”

I grab the key and pick up my bags, thanking the woman. “Still no elevator?”

She titters. “Oh no, not in this old place.” She nods to the stairs. “Those legs of yours will get a workout for as long as you stay.”

“Oh yes, I realize I didn’t supply a check out date. I’m here on business until the day after Christmas.”

She furrows her brows. “Your son isn’t business , Mr. Fristoni.”

I blink twice at her. “No, he's not,” I reply sharply. “But I won’t be explaining my family situation to you.” I grab the key and pick up my bag.

“No need to explain. We all love Courtney and Joey. I apologize for overstepping. ”

She's not sorry at all, and her apology after stating my wife and son's names proves it.

“The Wintervale Resort will most likely be booked straight through from now until after New Year’s but you’re fine to stay here through then if you need. It’s no worry at all.”

I nod and make my way up the stairs and down the long hall to the last room on the left. Same old small room, but at least there is a bathroom adjoining it.

It’s fine, Jack. Just a few extra days. Get a deal done with the Nilssons, spend Christmas with Joey. Oh, and get Courtney to agree to tear up the divorce papers, I think to myself as I shut and lock the door behind me.

I drop my bags and sit on the bed, looking around at the terrible floral wallpaper. Courtney would hate this. I laugh as her face comes to the forefront of my mind, then I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding .

“She’s going to kill me when I tell her we’re still married.” Hearing myself say it loud makes me cringe, so I can only imagine what she’s going to do when she finds out. Our love grew stronger over every year we were together, and I thought nothing would break it. So I took that safety for granted. I worked so much, thinking I was doing everything I could for her, only to realize a few months ago that I failed her in all the ways that matter. Time, intimacy, and learning the difference between being a man and being a father were her top three needs from me.

And I disappointed her at every turn. Until she turned around and left. I found myself thinking about all the time I'd lost out on with her and my son, and I couldn't do it another day. I don’t regret not filing those divorce papers, but I do regret not telling her. I regret not coming back home sooner, and I regret not loving her the right way from the start.

I just hope we’re not so lost that she can’t give me another chance. I need her to know I never stopped loving her even if I didn’t know how to. And I need to show her before Christmas. Before my time here in Wintervale comes to an end and I can’t save our family.