Snowbound - Harlequin.com

JANICE KAY JOHNSON 119
“I keep my own snowshoes on the back porch, but
the ones I own for guests are in the shed. We won’t
be able to get to them if we don’t dig out in front of
the doors.”
That made sense to them, he could see.
“A path around the lodge to where the wood is
stacked would be a big help, too. Oh, and the steps, so
no one falls.”
“We could take turns, too,” Erin suggested.
Small as the girls all were, he couldn’t imagine they’d
get far lifting heavy shovelsful of snow, but why not?
“What a good idea.” Fiona beamed at her. “I think
all of us should help.”
What could he do but say, “Fine.”
As they all bundled up after breakfast, John was
reminded that some of them wouldn’t be able to stay
outside long, not in athletic shoes instead of decent
winter boots. He’d come up with pairs for all three
boys, two from his own closet. Hopper had to double
up on socks to keep his feet from sliding around, and
Dieter was clearly scrunching to get his feet in his
borrowed pair. Only Troy’s seemed to be about right.
There were “oohs” and “aahs” all around when they
stepped outside to a now-bright morning, the unblemished
blanket of snow sparkling. It had become heavy
enough at some point to slide off the peaked shed roof
and likely the lodge’s as well. He’d have to check the
cabins later.
Every tree limb bowed under a cloak of snow. At a
thump, Willow jumped.
“What was that?”