They parked in front of the Antique shop that Mrs. Ferny and her husband have been running since the late 1950’s. They were a sweet couple both retired with nothing much to do except open the store in the morning just in case somebody needed something.

Nick took Sarah inside and introduced her to Mr. Ferny and his wife. Sarah walked around the shop with Mr. Ferny as he gave her the grand tour. Nick went to the counter and picked up some of the supplies he was looking for when Mrs. Ferny warned him about the storm heading this way. “We will stop by the Ranger’s Station and get an updated weather report from Dan,” Nick replied. They said their goodbyes and headed out of the rustic building and over to the liquor store.

As they went through the doors they looked at each other and smiled a mischievous grin that they both understood. Sarah went down one isle and Nick down the other. At the checkout they each concealed the contents of their purchases that would be revealed later on that night. “So what did you pick up?” Nick asked. “Never mind,” Sarah laughed, and then turned away hiding her bag from his sight.

They went back to the truck and stowed the bottles in the back to prevent them from being broken while traveling over the bumpy roads. “Over there at the postal service office is a pay phone if you want to call anybody,” Nick informed Sarah, knowing she would not be inclined to use the amenity but none the less, he wanted her to know it was there in case she changed her mind.

They left the quite little town and preceded North West to Turner’s Lake. It was a shallow lake with interconnecting channels that eventually led to the Waterways and out to the Great lakes. It was frozen over and they could see the fresh deer tracks from the early morning crossings. Out on the far side of the small lake, Sarah spotted an Elk poised as though waiting for a picture to be taken of it looking back at her.

When they got to the other side of the lake they made a turn to head up to the Station. Nick pointed out a falcon that was circling above an open field when it suddenly rolled over and raced towards the earth catching its meal for the day. How evolution has perfected the cycle of life they each thought during this moment of silence.

At the Ranger’s Station, Dan was busy with the radio talking to a bush pilot about the landing conditions on one of the hundreds of lakes in the area. “The wind is coming out of the North West at 15 kph,” he said. “How long are you going to be in the area?” Dan inquired. “Only for an hour,” came the crackly response over the speaker. “Roger that,” Dan said adding, “there is a large storm cell headed this way that the Doppler Radar is predicting to hit us around 6 or 7 tonight.” “Roger” was the only word heard from the mystery voice on the old speaker.

“Hey guy’s, how are we today?” Dan asked. “We are great!” replied Nick. We just wanted to stop in and let you know how things are, and that we drove by the Johnson’s place and all is well there. We also picked up a few supplies in preparation for the storm. One can never be too warmed by the spirits in a time like this! Nick shot a wink at Dan, who immediately knew what Nick was talking about.

Sarah pretended not to take notice of the male bonding ritual as her cheeks formed a rosy glow to them when Nick glanced her way to see if she overheard his comment to Dan.

Feeling a little giddy at the thought of the night to come, Nick asked Sarah if she was ready to get back to the cabin. Sarah responded with a quick nod and said it would be best to get back before the storm comes in. Nick and Sarah bid farewell to Dan as Dan stopped her for a moment and repeated his last night’s shoulder shrugging gesture with a smile growing on his face to which she just laughed and winked back blowing him a farewell kiss.

Nick and Sarah headed for the 4x4. The sky was beginning to develop thick clouds. Their drive back to the cabin was so serene and peaceful; the look on Sarah’s face was utter enjoyment. What a sight to behold! A magical winter wonderland! Just like the pictures she had seen in books back in Texas. A soft strumming guitar melody was playing on the radio and Sarah laid her head against the back of the seat and closed her eyes for a brief second. This was a moment in time that she wanted to savior forever. Somehow it seemed that if she shut her eyes for a moment, she could engrain this memory eternally.

Nick sensed the contentment on Sarah’s face and in her body language as he kept sneaking glances at her. He had the idea that he wanted to show Sarah a place where he goes when he needs down time. Nick knew the solace of this place made him feel so much better and he thought it would surely do the same for her. Nick made a right hand turn down a narrow little road. The sudden movement alerted Sarah, and she opened her eyes. Nick patted her hand and told her it was ok, he just wanted to share a place with her.

This intrigued Sarah so she sat patiently as she took in the breath taking beauty that was surrounding her. After a few more turns, they approached a little clearing in the trees. Nick got out and walked around the truck to open the door for Sarah. He took her by the hand and gently led her down a little trail. After a minute or two, Sarah and Nick came to a little creek nestled among the thick backdrop of spruce and fir;” This is the spot I come to when I need to unwind,” said Nick. “It is such a beautiful place Nick,” Sarah replied. The two sat at the bank of the little creek and watched the gentle water flowing by. Sarah felt completely at peace. She was so overwhelmed by the beauty of the special place that she could feel a lump in her throat. How could this mere stranger know so much about what she would like, what would put her at ease? Perhaps, she thought that maybe they both were connected somehow. Had she met him before when she came for that brief visit many years ago? No she thought it is something different; something she can’t quite put her finger on. This feeling was one she really enjoyed, as it gives her intuition a calming break from the harsh, mundane day to day routines.

Nick did not want this moment to end, but the report given to the pilot back at the station echoed in his mind and knew all too well how quickly a winter storm can roll in. He did not want to alarm Sarah, so he casually mentioned that perhaps they should start thinking about going back to the cabin. Sarah came out of her euphoric fantasy, and looked up at the sky. Although the tree canopy was thick, she could still see the dark clouds rolling in. That startled Sarah and she jumped to her feet with an alarming look on her face. Nick could tell immediately that Sarah was getting scared. He took her gently in his arms and gave her a little reassuring hug. He told her that they still had time to get to the cabin and get settled before the storm would thunder in. They both followed the trail back to the 4x4 and quickly entered the vehicle where Nick again patted Sarah’s hand in a reassuring way. Sarah felt so at ease with Nick.

She was fascinated by how she felt like she has known him her whole life. She completely trusted his every word! But why, how could she? Back home, she would not allow even her closest of friends to see the parts of her that she so willingly shared with a total stranger. As they neared the cabin, Nick said he had something to show Sarah.

He pulled up alongside the cabin, and Sarah quizzically looked at him. He laughed that sweet laugh and the twinkle in his eyes assured Sarah all is well! Nick hurried over to open Sarah’s door and led her over to the tarp covered box behind the cabin. He asked her to grab one corner and help him remove the vinyl sheet that protected yet another leather type of top. It was hinged on one side and Nick lifted it revealing an eight person hot tub. He activated the controls and the pumps kicked to life. The bubbles seemed to come from everywhere. The smell of chemicals that Nick added the night before filled the air.

Nick asked Sarah if she could get the bag from the antique store while he rechecked the PH level in the water. She returned with the bag and handed it to him. He pulled from it several vanilla candles incased in decorative glass that he had purchased. As he lit each candle one by one the aroma from the wax quickly refreshed the air.

They went inside the cabin and let Jessie out. She was good around the cabin and did not venture too far while always returning. They went into the kitchen and placed their treats in the fridge. “What’s the hot tub for?” Sarah asked innocently. “Jessie enjoys the relaxing massage it gives after she has had a hard day at the office,” Nick grinned.

Nick turned to the stove and began to heat a pot of milk for a hot chocolate. “I’m making some hot chocolate only this time with some Sheridan’s in it”. “Would you care to join me?” He asked. She nodded and gave him smile. “In the bedroom you will find two pairs of boxer style swim shorts and a hockey jersey that you can use if you wish to join me in the hot tub,” Nick informed her. “Unless of course, you brought a bathing suit up here in the middle of winter,” he commented.

Before she went to change she turned to him and said, “How did you know you would meet someone up here during your visit?” “I didn’t, but I did know that I would be using the hot tub and let’s face it when you hang a wet bathing suit up outside in these temperatures they don’t really dry, they just freeze up solid,” he grinned. “After meeting you last night I guessed that you might want to join me and that is why there are two sets of shorts laid out on the bed.”