Chapter 252

December 22nd

The next day, Carter went to work and, a few hours later, Janelle joined him. She'd dressed in layers - a big winter coat, scarf, gloves, and tall boots. Yes, there were already several inches of snow on the ground and more expected today. If they wanted to chop down their own trees, it had to be today.

She parked by the house. Carter was outside the barn doing something to a quad four- wheeler. There was only one out, so she assumed they'd be riding together. She headed toward him, a thermos of coffee and some cookies in a backpack she was carrying. And then she saw one of the guys bring out another four-wheeler, and her heart lurched.

Janelle stopped beside Carter. Both the quads were running, and they were really loud. She waved and shrugged. He made an adjustment and turned off one and then the other.

"Why are these out?" She knew what the answer would be. "I've never ridden on one, let alone driven one."

"It's either these or horses. These will be faster an