Hitting the Slopes
1060 Words
The morning air was sharp and filled with the chatter of families and the faint hum of ski lifts in the distance. The resort was alive with energy, and Lily was practically bouncing in her snow boots as they walked toward the equipment rental shop.
“Mom, I want pink skis!” Lily announced, tugging at Emily’s hand.
“We’ll see what they have, sweetheart,” Emily said with a smile, though her nerves simmered beneath the surface. It had been years since she’d been skiing, and she wasn’t sure how much of it she’d remember—or if she’d even enjoy it.
Ryan, walking a few paces ahead, turned to face them. “Don’t worry, Emily. It’s like riding a bike. Well… kind of,” he teased.
Emily shot him a playful glare. “That’s easy for you to say, Mr. Expert Skier.”
Ryan smirked. “I’ll have you know, I wasn’t always good. My first time, I spent more time face-first in the snow than upright.”
Lily giggled. “You fell, Ryan?”
“Oh, plenty of times,” he said, crouching down to Lily’s level. “But you know what? Falling just means you’re trying. And you always get back up. That’s the most important part.”
Lily nodded, taking his words to heart. Emily watched the interaction, her heart softening at the sight of Ryan’s easy rapport with her daughter.
Once they were fitted with their gear, they headed to the beginner’s slope. The hill wasn’t too steep, making it the perfect place for Lily to learn. Emily stood to the side, adjusting her gloves and watching as Ryan crouched beside Lily, patiently explaining how to position her skis.
“Okay, kiddo,” Ryan said, his voice calm and encouraging. “The key is to make a pizza shape with your skis when you want to slow down, and keep them straight when you want to go faster. Think you can do that?”
Lily nodded eagerly. “Pizza to stop. Got it!”
Ryan chuckled. “That’s the spirit. Ready to give it a try?”
Lily hesitated for a moment, glancing at Emily. “You’re watching, right, Mom?”
Emily smiled warmly. “I’m right here, sweetheart. You’ve got this.”
With that, Ryan gave Lily a gentle nudge, and she began to glide down the slope. It was slow at first, but as she picked up a little speed, her laughter echoed through the crisp air.
“Mom! Look! I’m doing it!” Lily called out, beaming.
“You’re amazing, Lily!” Emily cheered, her heart swelling with pride.
Ryan jogged down the slope to catch up with Lily, staying close in case she needed help. Emily watched them, her emotions a mix of joy and bittersweet longing. Seeing them together like this was a glimpse of what could have been—what still might be, if she could find the courage to tell Ryan the truth.
When Lily reached the bottom of the hill, Ryan scooped her up and spun her around. “That was incredible! You’re a natural!”
Lily giggled, throwing her arms around his neck. “Can we do it again? Please?”
“Of course,” Ryan said, setting her back down. “But first, let’s let your mom give it a try.”
Emily froze, her eyes widening. “Oh, no. I’m fine just watching—”
“Nope,” Ryan interrupted, grinning. “You’re not getting out of this. Come on, Emily. It’s your turn.”
Before she could protest further, Ryan took her hand and guided her to the top of the hill. Emily’s cheeks flushed, both from the cold and the feeling of his hand in hers.
“Okay,” Ryan said, standing beside her. “Just remember—pizza to stop, straight to go. And if you fall, it’s no big deal.”
Emily glanced at him, her nerves making her voice waver. “You make it sound so easy.”
Ryan’s gaze softened. “You’ll be fine. I’m right here.”
Taking a deep breath, Emily pushed off, her skis sliding across the snow. At first, she wobbled, her arms flailing as she tried to maintain her balance. But as she gained momentum, she found herself smiling.
“I’m doing it!” she called out, laughing.
“You’re a pro already!” Ryan shouted back, clapping.
When she reached the bottom, Lily ran over, her eyes wide with admiration. “Mom, you were so fast! Can we race next time?”
Emily laughed, pulling her daughter into a hug. “Maybe after a little more practice.”
Ryan joined them, his expression proud. “Told you you’d be great.”
Emily met his gaze, her smile lingering. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
The rest of the day was spent skiing, laughing, and building memories. By the time the sun began to set, they were exhausted but happy.
As they returned to the cabin, Lily was practically asleep on her feet. Emily carried her to her room and tucked her in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
When she returned to the living room, Ryan was sitting by the fireplace, a mug of cocoa in his hands. He looked up as she entered, patting the spot on the couch beside him.
“Not bad for your first day back on the slopes,” he teased.
Emily sat down, her body sinking into the cushions. “I think I’ll feel it tomorrow, though.”
Ryan chuckled, handing her a mug. “Worth it?”
She took a sip, the warmth spreading through her. “Definitely.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the fire crackling softly in the background. Emily glanced at Ryan, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words.
“Ryan,” she began hesitantly.
“Yeah?”
She hesitated, unsure how to continue. But before she could say anything more, he turned to her, his expression open and patient.
“I’m really glad we’re doing this,” he said softly. “Being here with you and Lily… it feels right.”
Emily’s throat tightened, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She nodded, managing a small smile. “Me too.”
And for the first time in years, she allowed herself to hope.
- Writer
