The next day arrived with a burst of sunlight breaking through the clouds, illuminating the snow-covered world in a golden glow. Lena bundled herself in her warmest layers, her excitement tinged with nervous anticipation. River hadn’t given her any hints about what he had planned, and with him, that could mean anything.
By the time she arrived at the trailhead where they’d agreed to meet, River was already there, leaning casually against his car. He was grinning, his breath visible in the cold air.
“Snowflake!” he called out, waving her over.
Lena laughed, shaking her head as she approached. “You’ve got to stop calling me that.”
“Never,” River said with a wink. “It suits you.”
He handed her a thermos, the lid steaming as she unscrewed it to reveal hot chocolate.
“What’s this?” she as
