A Bride Worth Waiting For (2 page)

They stood watching the luggage as they came around. The last two turned out to be theirs. Cole lifted them off and Bethany thanked him.

“My pleasure.”

“You play the fiddle, huh?”

“Yes, since I was a little tyke. My grandfather plays and he taught me as soon as I was old enough to hold one. My brother plays the banjo, my father the Dobro, and my mother the mandolin. We’re a musical family.” He grinned.

“Sounds like it. So what does your grandmother play?”

“She plays the base. Occasionally we play and sing gospel at bluegrass festivals.”

“I love bluegrass music.” Bethany slipped her back pack over her shoulders, placed her bags on the set of wheels and fastened them on with the bungee cords. She pulled the luggage behind her as she walked away. “It was nice talking to you, Cole.” She called over her shoulder.

“You too, Bethany take care.”

As she left him Bethany experienced a mixture of disappointment and relief. Colton Beckman was a man that could easily distract her from her goal and she couldn’t let that happen. She was glad the temptation was removed and she wouldn’t be seeing him anymore. 

Bethany walked over to the candy machine she had spotted on the way into the terminal. She bought two bags of Peanut M&M’s and dropped them into her purse. Her mother always teased her that they were her crutch; because she always munched on them when she was nervous or uncomfortable about something. Adjusting her backpack, she headed through the double doors to locate the shuttle her grandmother told her would be waiting when she arrived. The doors had just closed behind her when she stopped in her tracks, she couldn’t believe this! Standing next to the shuttle to the ski lodge, was Cole Beckman.
Oh Lord! What am I going to do now? Please tell me he isn’t going to the lodge.
But no divine intervention seemed to take place and Bethany knew in her heart that was exactly where he was headed. She didn’t like it but she had little choice in the matter so she proceeded on over to the van.

“Cole, are you going to the lodge?” Bethany slipped the backpack from her shoulders and handed it along with her luggage to the shuttle driver.

“Yes, looks like you are too,” Cole said.

Bethany was more than a little annoyed as he followed her into the shuttle and took a seat across from her. But even though she didn’t like the fact that she would have to see him after she’d convinced herself she wouldn’t, wasn’t his fault. She’d just have to avoid him as much as possible while he was there. After all he had as much right to be going to the ski lodge as she did, and surely he wouldn’t be staying more than a few days. “Are you taking a skiing vacation?” She asked

“No, I’m on a leave of absence from the fire department. I lost my partner and best friend in a fire four weeks ago.” He stopped for a moment and swallowed making Bethany realize this was hard for him to talk about.

“My boss thought a change of pace would be good for me for awhile. I saw an ad on the internet for winter jobs at this ski lodge. I emailed Mr. and Mrs. Langston a resume and they called me for an interview. I flew out two weeks ago and they hired me for the winter as a ski instructor.” He glanced out the window and then back over at her. She could see the anguish on his face.

“I’m so sorry about your friend that would be an awful thing to go through.”

“It’s not easy. We’d been friends all through college and then became partners at the same fire department.” He glanced out the side window again before continuing. “He died in my arms.”

Cole cleared his throat and Bethany suspected it was to cover up the emotion he was having a hard time controlling. Even though she wasn’t thrilled about him being at the lodge all winter, she did feel bad for him. Losing a friend wouldn’t be an easy thing to get over. She couldn’t even imagine losing any one of her three best friends. They would soon be joining her at the lodge to work for the winter. She could hardly wait to see them.

He interrupted her thoughts drawing her attention back to him as he changed the subject. “So why are you headed to the lodge are you on vacation?”

“No. My grandparents own the lodge.” Bethany glanced over at him.

“Mack and Elizabeth Langston are your grandparents?”

“Yes, in fact that’s why my mother named me Bethany it’s a derivative of my grandmother’s name.” She smiled.

“They’re nice people. I really appreciate them giving me a job for the winter.” Cole set his carryon bag on the floor next to him.

“Yes, I can’t argue with that. They gave my three friends and I a job also. Since we just graduated from college Gram and Papa are allowing us to work in our new professions for some experience while they get the lodge up and on its feet so to speak.”

“I take it you’re the live in nurse.”

“Yes. Since the lodge is a ways from downtown, my grandparents thought it would be good to have some medical staff on the premises.”

“That’s probably a good idea. Here we are.” Cole said as the shuttle pulled up in front of the ski lodge. “Can I help you with your luggage?”

“Thank you, but I can get them. You have enough to carry of your own.” Bethany started to take her bags from Sean the driver, but he told her he’d take them inside for her. She slipped her backpack onto her shoulders and headed into the lodge. She couldn’t wait to see her grandparents. When she started to open the door Cole reached around and held the door for her and Sean as he rolled her luggage inside. She thanked Sean and he smiled and politely refused the tip she offered since she was an employee of the lodge. Just then her grandmother saw her. She rushed over and enveloped Bethany in a big hug.

“Hi, Sweetheart, I’m so glad you made it okay. Hi Cole, I see you’ve met my granddaughter.”

“Yes, actually we were on the same flight.” Cole smiled at Bethany.

Her heart did a little flip and she chided herself, she needed to get a grip here. This was going to be a long winter if she reacted this way every time he flashed that killer smile in her direction. No one should have a smile with such a devastating effect. Well, she was going to do her best to avoid him as much as possible. Her career had to come first no matter how attracted she was to Cole Beckman. Now she just had to convince her heart of that fact.

“Hi Gram, it’s good to finally be here. Where’s Papa?

“He was getting antsy for you to get here you know how he worries, so I sent him to town to get the mail and to run a few errands. He’ll be back before dinner.

“Yes, I know how protective he is and I love him for it. I can’t wait to see him. Are the other girls here yet?

“No, I got a call from them yesterday. Melanie will be here Saturday morning, Carla and Michelle, Saturday evening.”

“Well, I’m disappointed, but I guess I’ll have to wait a few more days. If you don’t need me for something and can point me in the right direction, I think I’ll go to my room and freshen up a bit before dinner.”

“Sure honey, there isn’t anything you or Cole need to do, you can both relax and enjoy this week before you start working. Take the elevator there.” She indicated a set of doors at the opposite end of the entryway from where Bethany and Cole had entered the lodge. It’ll take you to the second floor and your room is to the right at the far end of the hall and Cole yours is to the left at the end. Dinner is at six o’clock in the main dining room.”

“Thanks, Gram. I’ll be back in plenty of time.”

Thank you, Mrs. Langston.”

“Elizabeth, will be fine. We aren’t formal around here.” She smiled. “I’ll see you both at dinner.”

Chapter Three

Great! Bethany frowned. They were on the same floor. Cole interrupted her thoughts when he said, “after you my lady.” indicating with his hand that she should walk in ahead of him as the elevator doors opened.

Bethany stepped in and rolled her suitcase to the back to make room for Cole’s luggage. She decided that she was going to go on as if she’d never met him and do what she had come here to do. The first thing on the agenda was to find her room, unpack and change clothes before dinner. Cole pushed the number two button and the elevator whisked them quickly and smoothly to the second floor. As soon as the doors opened he motioned again for her to step out ahead of him.

“See you at dinner, Bethany.” Cole carried his bags and headed down the hall the opposite direction.

Bethany pulled her suitcases behind her looking for the room number Gram had given her. How in the world was she going to avoid Cole when they would meet at the elevator and be at the same table during meals every day? When she found her room she slid the key card into the slot and opened the door. She stopped in awe of the large suite before her. It was gorgeous. A large rock fireplace graced the far wall with oak bookcases ceiling to floor on each side. To the left was a huge window overlooking the ski slopes, they’d be able to see it snow and enjoy a fire at the same time. Navy, forest green, ecru, and burgundy plaid curtains hung on the big picture window. A sofa, love seat, and three chairs in matching fabric were arranged in front of the huge fireplace. Oak end tables and green lamps with ecru shades, along with an oak coffee table completed the décor. She could just imagine in her mind, flames burning and flickering against several big logs in the fireplace. The room was warm and welcoming.

Bethany walked down the short hall that led to four bedrooms each had a separate bath with shower. The only difference in the rooms was the color scheme. All four queen poster beds done in cherry wood had a beautiful quilted bedspread. Bethany knew by looking at them that her grandmother had made all four of them herself. A valence over mini blinds on the windows matched each quilt. An old fashioned armoire resided against one wall and a matching dresser with mirror sat on the opposite wall. Each room had a small dressing table with a chair. At the foot of each bed was a hope chest. Bethany chose the room done in tiny pink flowers with green leaves on a white background with a pink ruffle at the bottom of the spread. The other three rooms were done in the same print, one in yellow, one in purple, and the other one in turquoise. The rooms were lovely, warm and cozy. She took a minute to call her grandmother and thank her for the beautiful room before she unpacked.

Once Bethany had everything unpacked and put away that she would need for tonight, she took a quick shower dressed and headed down stairs. She was getting hungry and dinner would be served soon. When she walked into the dining room she found her grandfather sitting at the table with a cup of coffee. He glanced up and smiled; as she walked over to him he stood and gave her a hug.

“Hi, Sunshine how’s my girl?”

Bethany hugged him. He was a big man, six foot two and weighed about two hundred pounds. She had to stand on her tip toes with him bending down for her to reach him. “Hi Papa, it’s so good to see you.”

He pulled out a chair next to him. “Sit down and chat with your old grand pappy for a few minutes.” Her grandfather sat back in his chair and took a sip of his coffee.

Bethany fixed herself a cup of hot chocolate from the buffet and sat down next to him.

“Did you have a good trip?”

“It was fine. I was just glad to get here as you know flying isn’t my favorite thing.”

“Yes, I remember. I’m glad you’re here safe.” Her grandfather stood up and smiled. Bethany glanced behind her to see who had come into the room. It was Cole; he walked up behind her to shake her grandfather’s hand before he sat in a chair across from them. Great, she groaned silently. She knew he’d be at dinner but she hadn’t counted on him being here this early. She had hoped for a few minutes alone with her Grandfather, but obviously that wasn’t going to happen.

“I think I’ll go see if your grandmother needs any help.” Bethany’s grandfather slid his chair against the table.

“Why don’t you let me go and help Gram?” Bethany started to stand up.

“Not this time, Sunshine; you’re on vacation. Next week will be soon enough for you to start working, you need to relax and enjoy yourself until then. Stay and keep Cole here company, the rest of the guests will be coming in soon and we’ll be serving dinner shortly.”

“Did you get all settled in?” Cole asked after her grandfather left the room. Bethany didn’t want to spend time with Cole. She didn’t like the attraction she was feeling toward him and the less time spent in his company the better. In order to keep from being rude she had no choice but to talk to him.

“No, but enough to get me by for now.” She reached into her purse and opened one of her bags of Peanut M&M’s. She held the bag out to Cole. “Would you like some?”

“Uh, no thanks. It’s almost dinner time are you going to eat M&M’s now?” He looked at her kind of funny and Bethany knew he wouldn’t understand her fetish for Peanut M&M’s when she was nervous and he definitely made her nervous. He’d probably just think she was strange.

“Just a couple.” She smiled. Before Cole had a chance to say anything more the guests started arriving. There were quite a few guests already checked in Bethany noticed. She was surprised at the number that would be staying through Thanksgiving. When she had talked to Gram earlier, she had told Bethany that several more families with children would be checking in this weekend. From the looks of things every room would be filled. This was their first winter season and she was thrilled for her grandparents that the lodge was doing so well.