Chapter 260

The ride was exhilarating; the near hyperthermic cold air emasculating.

They were on a trail of some kind, she knew, because she could see tracks in the snow; horses and snowmobiles or quads, as well. When they seemed to reach the top and ready to go down the other side, Mitch turned left, and they rode along the ridge. Ronnie looked left and then right in search of the perfect tree. There were small clusters of trees and then some lone ones. She could see right away why they were still there.

At a trail head, or so the sign read, Mitch turned right, and it seemed as if they were in Santa's wonderland. Beautiful pine scent wafted in the air along with the frigid air, and an outcropping of all kinds, sizes and shapes of pine trees. Mitch stopped in the middle of the path and turned the motor off. He held up his hand and she waited in silence. And, she waited. Another minute or so, he turned around and faced her.

"Do you hear it?" He whispered to her.

"Hear what?"

He held his h