Chapter 5 Winter

I wanted to wait until after my mother's wedding and Christmas to tell my mom about me moving home. But, I figured since I was asked about my education career, now is as good as time as any to tell my mom the good news. She was so thrilled. Even Mr. and Mrs. Conners seemed happy.

"Yes, I'd like to move back home. There's nothing holding me back in Georgia and I miss you mom. I've been thinking about it for a few months now." I turned my attention to Mr. Conners now to finish talking to him. "Mr. Conners," I started but he interrupted me.

"Please, call me Pierce," he stated.

"Pierce," I hesitated, "would it be okay if I joined your community to be with my mom? I'd be happy to fill out whatever paperwork necessary," I didn't get to finish before Pierce held his hand up to stop me from talking.

"That won't be necessary Winter. Of course, you are welcome in our community. Your mother was hoping that one day you'd consider moving here. When were you planning on making it official?" he inquired. I don't think my mom was ready for my answer because when I told him after Christmas. My mother wrapped me in a big hug and told me she couldn't believe it.

"Of course, would you need any help with moving things? Also, we do have some houses that are available if you are not wanting to live with your mother and Jared." Pierce really thought of everything.

"Well, I don't mind staying with them for the duration of my stay but I'm sure they would want their privacy after their wedding. I don't mind having my own place. As far as the rest of my things, I'm sure I can sort it out. I can also get a part time job to pay the rent since I still have classes."

"Nonsense, I won't have you being stressed with work while still in school. I will allow free housing for you until you're finished with your degree. And as far as your personal belongings, I'm sure Blake can help you." Pierce insisted.

"Blake can help with what?" Blake asked returning to the table. God how does one person look so damn good.

"Winter will be joining our community after Christmas. She will need help getting her things from Georgia. You wouldn't mind helping her, would you son?" Pierce looked at Blake with a grin on his face. Blake's eyes went wide and I swear I saw a small smirk tugging at his lips.

"Of course, I'd be happy to help you Winter." Blake said almost seductively. I blushed a little and gave Blake a slight nod as I was too stunned to say anything. He just met me and is already willing to help me move here?

"Well, then it's settled. After Christmas, Blake will accompany you back to Georgia to get your affairs in order and I assume you will be driving back?" Pierce asked.

"Yes, I can rent a moving truck and drive back." I answered. I can't believe I am moving home. It's been too long without my mom.

"We are so happy you will be joining us here, Winter." This time it was Mrs. Conners.

"Thank you, Mrs. Conners."

"Please dear girl, call me Gloria"

"Thank you, Gloria."

After dinner, I decided to take a walk outside to explore the backyard and get some air. The yard was amazing. A pool sat off to the right side of the lenai with lounge chairs all around it. A grill and outside kitchen area was tucked away on the left side. Man, they must hold a lot of parties back here during the summer. I noticed a little trail leading into the woods with a faint flashing through the trees and my curiosity got the best of me. I followed the trail for a couple minutes and noticed the lights up ahead were growing brighter. When I finally reached the end of the trail, I was brought to a small pond with lights decorated around it. The sight was unreal. Poinsettias were decorated along the lights, a gazebo to the left covered in garland and lights with a massive red bow attached to the top of the roof. Someone even made a little snowman family next to the gazebo.

I sat down in the gazebo and just admired the beauty. "You would have loved this place daddy." I whispered to myself. My father loved Christmas; it was his favorite holiday. I know I am supposed to mourn Christmas but, I just can't. Instead, I always honor his memory by continuing to celebrate and not close myself off. He really was the best dad. He always made time for me and mom no matter how much he had to work, always made it to my school functions, and was always home to tuck me in at night.

I grew up in a town not too far from here, so tomorrow my plan is to visit his grave. It's been too long since I've visited him, and I hope that me moving back will give me the chance to visit him more often.

"It's beautiful out here, isn't it?" startled by the unexpected voice, I turned to see Blake standing at the end of the trail with his hands behind his back.

"You startled me," I said trying to catch my breath with my hand over my chest. "Yes, it's very beautiful. Sorry I didn't mean to disappear from the party. I just came out to get some fresh air."

"No need to apologize. I came out for some air myself and noticed footprints leading this way. I decided to check it out," Blake smiled and walked over to the gazebo. "May I?" He asked gesturing to the seat next to me.

"Sure," I answered with a smile and nodded. God he smells so good. I could see his muscles stretch his blazer and I just wanted to touch them. But, knowing my luck, I'd probably shock him like earlier. He sat next to me and was quiet for a minute or two before he spoke up.

"I admire your bravery." he said with a hint of humor in his voice.

"Bravery?" I questioned not sure what he meant.

"Coming out here alone. It's not safe for one to wander out here in the woods. It can be very dangerous" he said.

"Dangerous how?" Just as I asked my phone alerted me of a text message. I pulled my phone out of my clutch and saw a text from my mom.

Mom: Where are you? I'm heading home with Jared. If you'd like to stay, I'll leave my car keys with the valet.

Me: No need to do that. I'm on my way back to the house. I came outside for some fresh air. I'm exhausted. It's been a long day.

My mom's text put a smile on my face. Though as much as I'd like to stay, I was exhausted.

"Is everything okay?" Blake spoke up. He must have noticed I was staring at my phone a little too long. "Oh, yeah everything is fine. My mom and Jared are leaving. I'd love to stay and enjoy this view some more but it's been a long day and I'm exhausted."

"Well then, may I walk you back to the house?" he asked with hope in his eyes.

"Of course," I could feel my cheeks heating up. I reached for his hand and this time there was no electric shock. Instead, I could feel the hairs at the back of my neck stand at attention. I have never had this happen when a man touched me. He linked my arm with his and we started the small journey to the mansion.

"Thank you for walking me back. I hope to see you around." I gave him my best smile. He moved his hand to the small of my back and I felt a shiver.

"It's not a problem, thank you for letting me walk you back. Like I said it can be dangerous out here."

He led me to the front door to where my mom and Jared stood. My mom turned around and saw me with my arm linked with Blake and she just smiled.

"Are you ready, dear?" mom questioned.

"Yes, mom. Let's go home." I turned to Blake and I could have sworn his piercing blue eyes shone bright for a split second. "Thank you for a wonderful evening. It was very nice to meet you, Blake," smiling I held my hand out for him to shake and he did something I wasn't expecting, and he kissed the back of my hand.

"It was nice to meet you as well. I hope to spend more time with you before we head back to Georgia to get your things." Oh, I definitely wanted to spend more time with him before that. I just didn't want to come off desperate.

"I'm sure we can make that possible. Have a good night Blake," I waved at him as we got into the car and started to drive home.

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight?"

"Of course, mom, everyone is so nice, and I am very grateful for the Conners for allowing me to move here."

The drive was short so we made it back to the house in five minutes. I couldn't wait to get out of this dress and heels and into something more comfortable. We pulled up in the driveway and made our way into the house.

Mom and I said good night to each other and I headed to my room. Once I closed the door, I kicked off my heels and went to the bathroom to change out of my dress and into a tank top and shorts. I walked out of the closet and made my way to the sink counter and started cleaning my face, brush my teeth, and did my skin care routine. When I was finally done I went into the bedroom and crawled into the soft bed turning the lamp off in the process. I could still feel the lingering kiss on the back of my hand. Once I was comfortable, my eyes closed and darkness consumed me.