Canary Ice

By Gail Harkins

Steve plans to propose to Mia on a heli-skiing adventure, but when she changes places with a look-alike movie star, he gets more than he bargained for. When their helicopter crashes in the high mountains, the adrenaline could fuel unexpected feelings. Throughout this comedy of mishaps, Steve remains strong. But is his strength to protect the frightened starlet or to return safely to the woman he loves?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rainforest Press
• Release date: Nov 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536599022

Book preview

Canary Ice

Gail Harkins

Published by Rainforest Press

Copyright ©2014 Gail Dutton

Second edition Copyright ©2018

Cover Design: Scott Dutton

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Canary Ice

a novella

By

Gail Harkins

Canary Ice

The diamond sparkled in the morning light. Nestled in its black velvet box, the oval, yellow stone embodied the sunny optimism that Steve associated with his girlfriend. He grinned, anticipating the day he had planned for them. By tonight, perhaps he could call Mia his fiancé. He snapped the box shut, put it in the zippered pocket of his pullover, slipped on his parka, and stepped out of his condo into the snowy world outdoors. He hummed as he crossed the snowy parking lot to his SUV.

He pulled into the parking lot of the ski resort’s staff quarters 10 minutes later, just as Mia stepped through the doors. Skis were balanced on one shoulder and ski boots dangled from her hand. When she saw Steve, her face lit up.

Good morning, Sunshine! Got everything? he asked, hopping out, taking her skies and clamping them onto his ski rack while she stowed her ski boots and day pack in the back of his SUV.

All set! Mia replied.

Once we’re on the glacier, there’s no going back... His eyes twinkled in anticipation.

Don’t worry. You made my list and I’ve checked it twice.

Steve wrapped his arms around her in an exuberant embrace, holding her tightly against him. His lips touched hers hungrily once, then twice before reluctantly breaking away. We’d better get going. I want the day to be perfect...and that means actually getting to the glacier!

Mia laughed with delight and climbed into the SUV.

This is so exciting! She looked at Steve and beamed. I can’t believe you got us slots for heli-skiing. They’re usually booked months in advance.

Steve steered onto the road toward the small, mountain airport. Glancing at Mia, his eyes still twinkled, anticipating the moment he would propose. It helps to know the pilot. Josh had a couple cancel at the last minute so....

She giggled. This is great! This is so great!

He looked at her lovingly and squeezed her hand. Calm down! Save some energy for the skiing! 

~~~

The forests lining the snow-plowed roads at the edges of the resort town gave way to open fields and finally, the chain-link fence that encircled the airstrip. Two helicopters waited on helipads and the small terminal swarmed with people. The van from the local TV station was parked outside the terminal. Paparazzi had staked out