Page 51 of Say It Isn't Snow

It’s amazing how quickly I grew accustomed to being wrapped in his arms at night.

I stay like that for several minutes, imagining my head is resting on his chest listening to his steady heartbeat.

When I’m finished packing and can’t hold it off any longer, I wheel my bags to the top of the stairs to make it easier for Calebto grab them. After a quick check in the kitchen to make sure I got all of my baking ingredients and supplies, I head out to the porch for one last look at the breathtaking view.

It truly is a winter wonderland when it snows here. Vermont is beautiful year round, but there’s something so magical about New England in the cold months.

As I’m capturing a few more photos to savor the stunning landscape from the back of the cabin, I hear the familiar honk of a goose call.

“Greta?” I lean over the railing and find her beak rustling through the bushes below.

She clucks in response, fluffy tail feathers wagging. I smile and pop inside to grab the last of the cranberries for her. She eyes me with a sideways look, then waddles over for me to bid her goodbye.

We might have been at odds, but I feel a sense of kindred spirit with her attitude.

“So, are we cool, Greta?”

I toss her some berries and crouch down to take photos of how cute it is when she gobbles them. I can see why Caleb adores her when she coos and comes closer to ask for more. Smiling, I offer her a handful, mimicking the way I watched him feed her when she was sheltered in the shed.

“You’re not so bad,” I decide.

She honks happily, flapping her wings. I stroke her chest with the back of my fingers.

“There you are,” Caleb says from the porch. “My girls are finally getting along.”

I shoot him a wry look. “We’ve reached an agreement. We’re willing to share you.”

He laughs, bracing his hands on the railing. Greta calls to him, staying by my side to enjoy more cranberries.

“I’m going to lock up.” He nods to the cabin.

“Okay. I’m just saying bye to Greta before we go.”

When I no longer have food to bribe her with, she ruffles her feathers. I expect her to give me the cold shoulder again and go off to forage for more treats. She hangs around, though. I take a photo with her when she’s near me and send it to my siblings.

Hazel

Aww, she’s so cute! I want to hug her!

Holly

We had beef, but now we’re cool. Tell me why I kind of want to get a goose now?

Leo

Don’t geese have teeth? Creepy.

Hazel

Shut up, Leonard.

Leo

Not my name… [eye roll emoji]

Holly

I don’t think geese have teeth. Anyway, we’re about to leave the cabin. I should be back in Mayfield by this afternoon.