Miriam nodded as she placed a gloved hand over her reddened nose, "Oh, I haven't been in this sort of cold for about three years now! It’s fantastic." She added.
A traveler approached the double doors and in an instant the frosty bite in the air whipped past Cherish's face, "Holy crap." She whispered while her eyes widened. As Miriam and Margaret laughed and chatted, Cherish slowly made her way behind Simon and used his body to block the cold. What did she sign up for? Florida was windy, and she thought that was freezing. How would she survive?!
Simon inhaled the sharp air and was refreshed by how clean and clear he could breathe. Looking over his shoulder, he whispered down to her, “We’ll get you in front of a fire in no time.”
"A fire. Every time I've seen a fire in movies it goes the romantic route where a man is trying to get laid, or a person is walking around on literal fire." She said pressing a finger to her nose. She then began to laugh, "So why did I think you'd set me alight?" She whispered.
Simon rolled his eyes upwards and debated between both scenarios. Getting laid was something he only had in his dreams, but he couldn’t help but find her comment funny. Making him laugh.
Simon Sr. and Jack managed to fit the luggage in, albeit tightly, and let the van run for the heater. Jasmine’s soother had fallen between her legs and she started to fuss. Simon crouched down almost immediately and placed it back in her hand which allowed the harsh, Colorado air to smack Cherish in the face. She yelped before she tugged the jacket shut. She was about to go and find a seat away from the door when Simon Sr. waved for them to hurry over.
Margaret grinned from ear to ear, "Let's go guys!" She exclaimed. She and Miriam took off for the cold before their husbands helped them inside.
Simon was the next to brave the cold which left Cherish alone with Jasmine. He waited until Simon Sr. had placed Jr. in the far back with Miriam and Jack before he glanced back at Cherish through the glass.
She grimaced slightly, "I am so sorry baby girl." She whispered.
The moment she stepped outside, Cherish was shocked. She knew that South Carolina could get cold, but not like this. She quickly handed Jasmine over to her grandpa. In a hurried manner, she practically jumped into the front seat and slammed the door shut.
The inside of the vehicle was filled with incessant chatter about the view, the cold, and the agenda. All Cherish did was enjoy the warmth pumping through the heater. It was 2 P.M. in Denver, which meant they had flown through lunch and it was almost dinner time.
Jack cleared his throat from the far back and watched both babies attack their chew toys, "Hey, why don't we find a place around here to eat at. I'm hungry, so I know the kids are." He said.
Margaret nodded, "That sounds like a plan. We have a two-hour ride to Breckenridge. Plus, we must at least get food for the night. I don't know about you all but I'm exhausted." She said.
Jack huffed a laugh, "What did you do? Push the plane?" He questioned.
Margaret glanced behind her and glared playfully, "Coming from the man who has been unconscious for the last half of the day! You don't know what I did!" She stated with a laugh.
Simon and Cherish laughed with the others at Margaret’s ever-present spunk before she searched the GPS for places to eat, "Sounds good to me." She muttered under her breath.
Simon followed her instructions as she watched the GPS. Leading them to a fast food restaurant not far from the airport. They ate their food as Cherish fed Jr. and were soon on their way into a long drive to Breckenridge. Cherish fed Simon fries with a laugh here and there between them. To the parents, their overly friendly behavior was strange, but they’d started the habit since they began shopping and eating lunch together.
Soon they were off the freeway and onto a highway leading up into the mountains. Even though the scenery was beautiful in Denver, the further in the mountains the more dangerous the conditions became which only grated on Cherish’s nerves. The snow grew heavier and the plows couldn’t keep up as easily as before. Simon slowed down and carefully maneuvered the road and they saw nothing but a sea of white and pine trees on either side. Now, she was convinced, that everything in Colorado’s winter was meant to kill them.
Thankfully, they were all able to breathe easier once they’d passed through the town of Breckenridge. The buildings were a variety of colors, beautiful, and charming. Margaret pointed out stores they could stop by and shop once they got the kids to the house.
Although it took thirty minutes longer than the GPS had anticipated, they finally pulled up to a big, beautiful lodge with expansive windows. Three stories high and decorated with wooden and stone siding. Cherish’s mouth dropped slightly as she leaned over and stared at the tastefully decorated, winter wonderland she’d seen the pictures of.
The twins had been crying for the tail end of the long trip and everyone could smell why. Simon was in a
