Part 1

Packages flew through the air landing haphazardly where ever they happened to fall. Glass shattered as the boxes bounced along the concrete floor. Envelopes of all sizes and shapes shot up in the air, fanning out in mid air to fall indiscriminately back onto the sorting tables and floor.

"Where in Hades are those notices?" grumbled the younger ghostly apparition as she continued to rummage through the huge piles of sorted mail. Where neatness reigned, chaos followed as she tore through the neatly sorted and stacked piles of mail at the local postal service.

"I know they have to be here some place. Gawd, I got to find some of them and make the changes or Cupid is going to be S.O.L.," she continued mumbling under her breath.

As the young ghost flung letters and packages around the back room, her partner, an older ghostly apparition, flew in through the small window left open at the top of the mailroom. She looked down upon the scene of discord and wondered what in heaven's name was going on. She could see her mate jetting from spot to spot in random disorder, shuffling through stacks and stacks of neatly piled envelopes. The closer she got, the more puzzled she became. Disorder and wanton destruction were not characteristics of her death mate. The young ghost was more inclined to create disharmony and havoc with occurrences but she was not known for making the kinds of messes that could be seen throughout the room.

"Babe?Babe, what in Saint Michael's name are you doing?" the older ghost called out as she soared into the room, flying through the letters still cascading up into the air. She darted and dodged as the envelopes continued shooting rapidly up and fanning out around her.

"I can't find them. Damn, they aren't here. I know they must be here somewhere," the young ghost answered as she dove into another pile of letters.

"Stop! What are you looking for? If you tell me, maybe I can help you find them," the second apparition interrupted.

Taking a deep breath, the first ghost pulled herself out of the mess she was making and floated over to her partner.

"I'm looking for the notices about the weekend in Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee over the Valentine's Day weekend. I need to switch them so Teddi and Kristen have a chance to spend time together," she replied while pulling several gummed stamps from her clothing.

"Babe, you know what happens when we tamper," the old ghost remarked.

"Yeah?yeah. This time I think I'm getting the hang of when NOT to interfere," the younger one giggled. "This trip would be perfect to put the final touches on their romance."

"Honey, you can't make it happen unless it is meant to be," the second ghost noted.

The young ghost swirled through more letters while saying, "You want to bet? I've been practicing with Cupid's bow and arrows and I am ready to be Cupid this year."

"My god! You're not going to actually harm Teddi and Kristen are you?" her partner asked.

"Oh no. My goodness?no. They might feel a little buzz from the arrow, but no pain. In fact, just the opposite." The young spirit continued, "These arrows cause such an erotic sensation they are sure to bring Teddi and Kristen closer together."

"Hummm?.I know how inaccurate your aim is from past encounters," her mate paused. "I'll take the bet this time. I don't believe your arrows will make a difference."

"Yea, of so little faith. This time you'll see. It's going to work out," the first ghost responded in a confident tone.

"Here. Then let me help you." With a flick of her wrist, the second ghost caused several letters to separate from the rest and fall to the floor in a single pile.

"How do you do that?" The young spirit drew closer to see if there was some secret action by her partner that she didn't see.

"Years of practice. Give it a few hundred more years and you can do exactly as I have done," she laughed as she spoke to her mate.

As the young ghost picked up one of the cards from the pile and floated over to the counter to make the changes, her mate also withdrew a card and made some changes. She had some plans of her own. She smiled as she thought of the twist that could potentially take place.

Finishing her task, the first ghost flew back over to her older partner. She noted that her mate had a card in her hand. She asked, "What are you doing? Why did you pick up one of these cards?"

Saying a silent note of forgiveness, the second ghost replied, "I simply wanted to see what you were talking about."

"Oh. Okay. Dang, guess I need to clean up my mess," the younger spirit stated with embarrassment.

"Don't worry, Babe. Easily done," her mate responded as she flipped her card back onto the pile.

With a move of her hands, the scattered letters and packages neatly returned to their stacks on the tables. Broken objects miraculously repaired and within minutes, the room was back the way it started; the only difference being three cards, which now had new addresses on them. Checking one more time to see that all was straight, the pair flew up to the window and out into the night. New events were set into motion.


Part 2

Teddi flipped open her cell phone and noted she had a pending message from Kristen. She and Kristen had been dating steadily since New Year. Teddi knew with each passing day, her feelings for Kristen were growing stronger. She was falling deeply in love with Kristen but was not sure if Kristen was ready to commit with her. So far, Teddi had followed Kristen's lead in their relationship and had not pressed her into further intimacy. Teddi hoped that would change soon. There were many more ways in which she wanted to express her feelings for Kristen. To date, timing had not been right for her to delve deeper into their relationship.

Pulling her thoughts back to the present, Teddi picked up her mail as she walked up the stairs to her dorm room. She quickly flipped through the letters as she speed dialed Kristen's number. Kristen answered immediately.

"Hello?" Kristen answered.

"Hi, Kristen, this is Teddi. You called?" Teddi asked.

"Yes. I did. I wanted to talk to you about an notice I received in the mail," Kristen continued.

"Ummm," replied Teddi as she continued to thumb through her mail. Running across a postcard with bright red coloring, she pulled it from the pile as she listened to Kristen.

"I got an notice today for a three day, two night skiing vacation over Valentine's Day weekend. It seems that the lodge is trying to attract more of the younger generation. They are using this as a publicity stunt to draw in more skiers," Kristen continued.

"Hey, you know what? I am holding a thing just like that in my hands right now," Teddi remarked excitedly.

"What does yours say?" asked Kristen.

"Humm, let me see. Blah?blah?blah?three days, two nights in Ober Gatlinberg," Teddi read aloud.

"Yes, sounds just like mine. Ummm, Teddi??" Kristen paused.

"Yes," Teddi tried to draw her out.

"Uhhh? would you be interested in going up there for the weekend with me?" Kristen finally managed to get out of her mouth.

Teddi paused for a moment as she drew in a deep breath of elation. "Damn, what a golden opportunity." This would be the perfect romantic spot for her to see if Kristen was serious about their relationship. Not only that, it was Valentine's Day weekend. They would be spending it together.

"Hot damn! I mean yes, Kristen. God, yes," Teddi replied excitedly. "I can't think of a better place to be or someone I would rather be with this weekend."

Kristen smiled to herself as she heard the excitement in Teddi's voice. She knew that Teddi was falling heavily for her but she was to shy to let Teddi know how she felt. This would be the perfect opportunity to allow their relationship to move up one more level, this time toward physical intimacy.

"Good. Sounds like we have a date. Would you like me to call and confirm?" Kristen said to Teddi.

Thinking fast of plans she wanted to make, Teddi replied, "Oh no. Let me take care of that for us. What is your confirmation number?"

"Let's see. LOVE-1-4-3," Kristen read aloud.

Teddi copied it down on her card noting that her number was LOVE-1-4-3-2.

"Ok, got it. I'll call you later as soon as I confirm the arrival time, babe," Teddi told Kristen as she lay her card on the table.

"This is great. I can't wait. We have not had much time to be alone and I am so looking forward to this little holiday," Kristen rambled.

"No more than me, baby. No more than me," Teddi said in a low, sexy voice. "Are we still on for the movies tonight?"

"Sure, can you pick me up at seven?" Kristen wanted to know.

"Yep, your chariot will be sitting at the curbside waiting for you as usual. Did you leave us enough time with your perpetual lateness?" Teddi laughingly asked.

"You rat. Yes, I did. If I don't get off the phone right now though, I won't be ready," Kristen grinned as she anticipated meeting Teddi later in the evening.

"OK, baby. I'll be there at seven. See you soon, sweetheart," the endearments rolled off Teddi's tongue as she said good-bye.

"Later," Kristen said as she disconnected.

Teddi danced a jig in elation as she pulled off her clothes, flinging them around the room, while she headed for the shower. Her thoughts already turned toward the coming weekend.


Part 3

Teddi was up early the next morning on the phone calling the resort. As she talked with the front desk, she asked about any specialty rooms. The concierge told her that there was the one room with a heart shaped bed, hot tub, and personal bar. Teddi, without hesitation, asked that their reservation be upgraded and to hold the room for her. She also arranged to have a bouquet of fresh flowers in the room upon their arrival. While on the phone, she made dinner reservations for two in the Supper Club for February fourteenth. Hanging up the phone, she rubbed her hands together in glee. Plans were moving much better than she could have anticipated. Thinking ahead, she dressed to go to her next stop, Raphael's Jewelry Store. Time to put her plans into action.

Going into Raphael's, Teddi knew exactly what she was looking for. She wanted a platinum band with alternating amethysts and diamonds circling the band. Teddi thought to herself that not only would the amethysts match Kristen's eyes but it also stood for peace, protection, and tranquility, all the elements that together they could have.

Within minutes, Teddi found the perfect ring. The Amethyst was deep purple in a quilt cut with diamonds surrounding the stone and band in dazzling detail. Two scrolls adorned the sides of the ring and had deeper purple Amethysts at each end of the scrolls. It was beautiful and symbolized with its beauty just how Teddi felt about Kristen.
Teddi could not wait for Valentine's Day as she purchased it. She carefully tucked the ring box into her pocket. She grinned with joy all the way back to her rooms.

Meanwhile Kristen was also shopping for the weekend. Blushing slightly, she entered Frederick's of Hollywood with the intent to purchase just the right outfit to entice Teddi into closing the final gap and leading their romance onto a higher physical level. She knew that the love she felt for Teddi was going to sustain and grow even stronger over time. The ultimate expression of her love was to give herself to Teddi in loving surrender. She was ready. Every time they were together on a date, it was harder and harder to send Teddi away. She wanted to know all of Teddi and have Teddi know all of her. This outfit was to be the wrapping covering her body as she gifted herself to Teddi.

Kristen strolled around the displays trying not to seem like she was staring with her mouth gapping open at the outfits she saw. Turning toward the back, one outfit caught her attention and drew her closer. On display was the most beautiful solid cherry red chemise that she had ever seen. It had spaghetti straps and a lace bustier. The breast cups were softly formed indicating they would nestle snuggly against her body holding her breasts gently captive. There were subtle hearts decorating the material making it perfect for Valentine's Day. Its length would cover only an inch or so of her thighs. The material was silken to the touch and flowed through her fingertips as she reached out and handled the material. She also noted a matching robe, which she added just in case she later thought the outfit was too revealing.

Kristen's excitement grew as she paid for her merchandise and carefully carried it to the car. She wanted this weekend to be special and she knew that wearing the right outfit would give her a big boost in self-confidence.

Meanwhile back in the dorm, a third person also was looking through her mail and happened across the same notice that Kristen and Teddi had received. Grace Rockefeller felt her excitement rise as she thought of the fun it would be to be able to ski all weekend. Skiing was the one sport she took seriously and enjoyed the most. She quickly called and confirmed her reservation for Valentine's Day weekend. Jumping up, she began rummaging through her closet, tossing clothes out onto the spare bed that she wanted to be sure to carry with her.


Part 4

Several days later, across town, the two ghosts were swaying softly on the overhead telephone wires. They watched the scene below them as Sam Lachlan bid her roommate good-bye and turned to go back into the apartment. Her roommate was headed up to Ober Gatlenberg as an ancillary ski patrol representative for the enhanced advertisement gig that was happening on Valentine's Day weekend. Extra staff had been called back to help watch over the larger than normal crowds that were expected due to the publicity blitz of giving out free weekend passes. Sam had lucked out and not been present when the call came through or she would have been the one to go. As Sam reached for the door handle, she heard her roommate cry out.

"God damn?. motherfucker. SHIT!!!!, she yelled out as Sam turned back around. Sam saw her lying on the curb and raced back to see what had happened. Apparently, part of the curb crumbled and broke off as she stepped on it, causing her to twist her ankle and fall, bringing all her weight down upon her ankle. Even as Sam walked up, she could see the ankle swelling. Leaning down, Sam quickly scooted her up into her arms and carried her back into the apartment.

"Dang, babe. I told you to be careful how much you chipped away on that curb. You may have caused her some serious damage," the young ghost stated. "And just why in heaven's name did you do that to this particular person? Do we even know her?"

"Oh dear. Don't worry. I know what I am doing," the elder ghost replied as she flew down to peek into the apartment. She drifted closer to the living room area and gently poked her head through the wall. Sam was propping her roommate's leg up on a series of pillows while trying to hold a bag of ice in place.

"Sam, you are going to have to go in my place. There is no way I can run ski patrol this weekend. It is way too late for them to find anyone else. Please help me out, just this one time," Sam's roommate begged. "If I can't cover, I am afraid they will not call me at all any more. This is a very important weekend to the company."

Sam sighed heavily thinking of the date she would need to break to substitute for her roommate. "Please," her roommate whined again as she watched Sam standing still thinking.

"Damn it. Okay but you owe me big time," Sam replied as she reached for the phone. She quickly broke her date, holding the phone way out from her ear as her date ranted and raved at being stood up for the weekend. Nothing Sam could say would appease her as she slammed the receiver down in Sam's ear.

Sam shook her head slightly as she tried to stop the ringing in her ears. "Well that went over like a loud fart in church," she remarked to her roommate.

"Maybe with an attitude like that you are better off," the roommate tried to console Sam.

"Yeah, I guess so. Good thing I like to ski or your ass would be dead meat," Sam stated as she turned going into her room. "Let me get my stuff together. Hey, can I use your truck?"

"Sure, Sam. Sure," her roommate replied as she tried to get more comfortable.

The old ghost pulled her head back out and returned to her partner. She had a huge grin on her face as events were working out perfectly in her eyes. Swooping up beside her mate, she called out to her, "Come. Let's make haste. We need to get to Ober Gatlinberg before the others show up."

"Oh?you mean, Teddi and Kristen?" The youngest spirit asked.

"Yeah, that's right. Teddi and Kristen," the old ghost answered as she quickened her speed and left the area.

The youngest ghost swooped to the top of the telephone pole and grabbed her bow and arrows. She still intended to play Cupid this holiday. Holding her supplies, she quickly darted off into the sky, trailing along behind her partner.


Part 5

Snow fell softly as Kristen and Teddi pulled into the foyer of the hotel. The valet parking attendant greeted them. Teddi waited until Kristen joined her. She reached out and took the luggage as they walked up to the desk. Teddi gave her name and was handed a key along with a complimentary golden red trimmed bag holding a bottle of champagne.

"Ladies, enjoy your stay on Ober. If there is anything that you need, please don't hesitate to ring the desk," the concierge instructed them. He snapped his fingers and a porter immediately lifted the luggage and escorted them to the Valentine suite. He opened the door and stepped back as Teddi placed her hand at the small of Kristen's back and led her into the suite. Setting the luggage inside the door, the porter smiled softly and pulled the door closed, leaving the pair to look around them.

The beauty of the room was overwhelming. There was a luscious velvet heart shaped waterbed with matching heart shaped mirrored ceiling. There was an oversized copper whirlpool in an alcove adjacent to the bedroom. Soft mood music was playing setting the scene for the planned romantic rendezvous. The room glowed in soft red tones making it appear warm and welcoming.

Teddi walked over to the coffee table as Kristen stood still looking at everything around her. Kristen was in awe by the luxury and the intended romantic rendezvous she saw before her. Teddi reached down and withdrew a single red rose from the beautiful bouquet of red roses and white orchids that comprised the arrangement on the table. Walking over to Kristen, she walked up behind her, pulling Kristen back against her body. She reached around Kristen and handed the single rose to her as she leaned down and kissed Kristen on the side of the face.

"Is this ok with you darling," Teddi shyly asked Kristen.

Kristen leaned back against Teddi and murmured, "Perfect."

Teddi grinned as she wrapped her arms tightly around Kristen while they stood silently letting the ambiance of the room flow around them.

As Teddi and Kristen basked in the wonder of their room, Grace entered the resort in a fowl mood. Nothing had gone right for her today. Coming up the mountain, she had managed to hit the only pothole in the road and blown out her back right rear tire. She had wrestled with changing it for nearly an hour before a truck pulled up behind her.

She jumped in surprise when a melodic voice asked her if she needed help. She knew that voice. Looking up she saw Sam "Stud" Lachlan standing behind her, looking at the damage to the tire. Grace had not seen or heard from Stud since the single kiss they shared on New Year's Eve. The kiss itself had not been that remarkable but the memory of having seltzer water flung into her face was as vivid as if it were yesterday.

"Oh?God. What more can happen today?" she mumbled aloud.

"Huh, what was that you said?" asked Sam as she moved around to help with the tire. "Oh. It's you," Sam remarked in surprise.

Looking up and down her own body, Grace replied, "Yes, I do believe it is."

Sam shook her head and reached out removing the tire wrench from Grace's hand. "Here, move back out of the way and I'll have this changed for you in no time," she stated as she knelt down to the rim of the tire.

"Oh yes, mighty warrior. Please take care of it. I believe I may have broken a nail," Grace said as she stepped back away from the work area.

Sam snorted aloud one more time as she set to replacing the flat tire. Within twenty minutes, the tire was changed and locked back into place. Lifting up the flat tire, Sam tossed it into the flatbed of the SUV. She did not note that the rim created a hairline crack in one of the skis lying in the back. Neither did Grace.

Wiping her hands down the sides of her jeans, Sam turned to Grace asking, "So, what brings you up here this weekend?"

"The skiing. Of course," answered Grace.

"I figured you would have had a hot date on this weekend for lovers." Sam came back.

"And if I did, it would not have been none of your business anyway," snorted Grace as her ire began to rise toward Sam.

"Whoa, no skin off my back. I was just making chitchat. You are ready to go on your way, so I am outta here." Sam turned, walked back to her truck, and continued on her journey to the resort.

"Well?what a bitch!" Grace said aloud to Sam's retreating truck as it continued up the road.

"Damn. What is it about her that antagonizes me?" Grace pondered to herself. "Oh well. Let me get to the resort and I'll figure it out later." She shut the back of the vehicle after which she climbed in and proceeded to drive to the resort.


Part 6

Sam checked in through the employee entrance before carrying her backpack into the dormitory where the other ski patrol veterans lived. As she made her way across the room, several men and women called out to her. She stopped several times as she repeatedly told the story of why she was working instead of her roommate. Quickly picking her bunk, she unloaded her clothes and joined the team captain at one of the tables.

"Hey, Sam. Pull up and chair and have a beer," he called out as he kicked out one of the chairs for Sam.

Sam flipped the chair around and straddled it as she reached out and picked up a beer. Taking a long sip, she pulled the bottle back down and waited for the Captain to continue.

"Here, Sam. Check over the guest list to get an idea of how many guests are here. This is going to keep us fucking busy, babe," he replied as he uncapped another beer.

Sam took the list and quickly looked over the list of names. Suddenly, she paused. Her sister, Teddi and Kristen Graham were on the list. Reading just a little further, she also noted Grace Rockefeller's name.

"Oh?great!" She grumbled aloud. "That bimbo is going to be the death of me yet trying to hold my temper in."

"Who?" the Captain asked.

"This one here?Grace Rockefeller. We had a little clash of personalities over New Year's and again today on the road coming up here. Dang if she isn't a snobby, red headed bitch," Sam replied.

"Well, maybe you can stay clear of her with all the other skiers that will be on the slopes," he responded as he lay the list back down on the table.

"Damn, I hope so. She can take a bad day and make it worse," Sam retorted.

"I tell you what, Sam. You concentrate on the upper slopes, the ones that are more difficult. That should keep you out of trouble and away from temptation to do harm should you run into her," the captain planned.

"Sounds good to me. Do you mind if I take a stroll over to see if I can find my sister and her friend?" Sam asked as the captain stood up.

"No, go right ahead. You don't need to be on the slopes until around ten in the morning. Your slopes will be closing at five in the evening since the skiers need good light just to make it down them," he called back over his shoulder as he got another beer out of the refrigerator. "Be sure to pick up your safety kit and your walkie-talkie before turning in tonight."

"Will do," Sam responded as she left the dormitory headed toward the main lodge.

Sam walked up to the registration desk to find out where Teddi and Kristen were staying. The desk clerk had her back to the desk and Sam, being Sam, took time to peruse her body carefully before making a sound and drawing the clerk's attention back to the desk.

"Hi, how are you doing?" Sam asked the clerk.

"Fine. And you?" she responded in a professional manner. "How may I help you?"

"Can you tell me what room Teddi Lachlan is in?" Sam asked the clerk.

"I'm sorry but I can't give the room number but I'll be glad to ring the room and let him know you are here," the clerk stated.

"It's my sister. Please let her know I am here waiting to talk with her if she has time," Sam told the clerk.

"Yes, ma'am," the clerk said as she picked up the phone to make the call.

"Hello? Yes?is this Teddi Lachlan?" the desk clerk paused. "Your sister is in the lobby and wants to know if she can meet you. Yes, I'll be glad to tell her. Thank you, Ms. Lachlan."

"Excuse me?." the clerk began.

"You can call me Sam? Sam Lachlan," Sam stated.

"OK, Sam. Ms. Lachlan and her guest stated they would meet you in the bar in about twenty minutes. Is that all right with you?" the clerk asked.

Twenty minutes later, Teddi and Kristen walked into the bar and looked around for Sam. They saw her leaning against the bar, nursing a drink while talking with the bartender.
Teddi walked up behind Sam and slapped her on the back in greeting, "Hello, Sis. What the hell brings you all the way up here?"

"Seems that I have been elected as part of the baby sitting patrol for the resort this weekend. What the hell are you two doing up here?" Sam stated as she turned toward the couple.

"We both received a complimentary weekend of skiing from the resort. We decided to spend the weekend together." Teddi replied while drawing Kristen closer into her side. Kristen blushed and smiled a soft smile as she tried to look Sam in the eyes.

"Great! So what are your plans? Do either of you want something to drink?" Sam added as an afterthought.

Shaking her head no, Teddi stated, "We are having dinner tonight and taking it easy. I believe both of us will ski a little tomorrow if the weather holds up well. Saturday night, I've made reservations for us in the Supper Club." Teddi briefed her on their itinerary.

"Sounds like a lot of fun. I'll be out on patrol all day Saturday and after twelve on Sunday. Not bad work, if you don't mind watching after the next wanna-be ski champions." Sam replied. "I have the master course, Grizzly Run, so I shouldn't have to look after to many amateurs this weekend."

"Why don't you join us for dinner tonight, Sam? This looks like the only time we may get to see you," Kristen chimed in.

"You know what, that would be great. True, I don't get to see enough of you guys as it is. Where have you been hiding yourselves?" asked Sam as she followed Teddi and Kristen out of the bar.


Part 7

As the trio stood talking, two faint apparitions floated through the foyer and hovered outside the Supper Club. They watched as the group moved forward. The older one moved closer to the doorway and looked inside. She noted Grace Rockefeller sitting alone at one of the front tables. She rubbed her hands in glee as she decided to start implementing her new plan. Floating closer to the table, she reached out and flipped the menu off the edge of the table onto the floor. Turning, she quickly flew back to her partner before she realized she had moved away.

Coming up behind the younger ghost, she wrapped her arm around her shoulder and stated. "You know, Kristen and Teddi do make a striking couple. And Sam?oh honey, she is attractive enough to die for."

Her younger partner popped her on the arm stating, "Then it is a good thing you are dead or I would have to test that little theory."

"Gosh babe. You are all I want and more," the older ghost replied.

Moving into the Club, Sam watched as a menu hit the floor. Looking at the guest seated at the table, she noted it was none other than her nemesis, Grace Rockefeller. She watched intently as Grace leaned over and picked up the menu. Kristen happened to see Sam staring at Grace and misunderstood the look Sam was giving her. Having seen the end of the New Year's kiss between Sam and Grace, she believed there was a semblance of attraction between the two of them. Excusing herself from the group, she walked over to Grace's table.

"Grace, hello, how are you doing?" Kristen asked as she walked up to the table.

Grace looked up in surprise to see Kristen standing before her. She laid her menu back down, answering, "I'm fine. What brings you up on the mountain?"

"Teddi and I got an invitation to spend the weekend free of charge and we couldn't resist," Kristen responded.

"Cool. Must be the same invitation that I got. No way could I afford to be here otherwise," Grace answered. Twisting her napkin in her hands, Grace continued, "Kristen?"

"Yes?" Kristen asked.

"I wanted to apologize for my behavior on New Year's Eve. I had a little too much to drink and made a fool of myself," Grace stated contritely.

"Hey, that's okay. I can understand. I know how I would feel if I saw an ex-partner with someone else too." Kristen replied. "Don't think another thought about it. In fact, since you have not ordered yet, would you like to join us for dinner?"

"Well, it would be better than eating alone. Sure, why not," Grace replied as she stood up to follow Kristen.

Kristen turned and led Grace back to the entry where Teddi and Sam were deep in conversation. Grace noted Sam and started to pull away when both Sam and Teddi turned and watched them walking up. Grace caught the stoic look come over Sam's face, making her change her mind about leaving.

"Humm, so this is not pleasant for her either," Grace thought to herself. "Think I might stick around and see if I can make it worse." Smiling widely, she continued walking with Kristen until they stopped in front of the other two women.

"Teddi, Grace is going to join us for dinner and make up the fourth at our table." Kristen explained as she reached out and touched Teddi's arm.

"Great, glad you can join us. You up here long?" Teddi asked as she placed her hand over top of Kristen's hand.

"Only through the weekend," Grace replied while staring at Sam. "Hello Sam. Thanks for this afternoon. You left before I got to thank you properly." She reached out and lightly kissed Sam on the cheek.

Sam blushed and stepped backward, embarrassed by Grace's not so innocent touch. "Anytime. I always stop and help damsels in distress."

"Yeah, she's a knight in shining armor," chuckled Teddi.

Before anything more was said, the maetre d' walked up, turned, and guided them to a table set for four in the back of the Club. As they passed beyond the doorway, the young ghost lifted up her bow and strung it with a small arrow. When Kristen passed by, the ghost aimed at her behind. She pulled back the arrow and bowstring. She released the string and watched as the arrow made a direct beeline toward Kristen. Just as the arrow was nearing its target, one of the kitchen helpers stepped into its path. ZING!!!!! The arrow pierced his thigh as he walked back toward the kitchen. He quickly sidestepped, reaching down to rub his thigh will still carrying his tray loaded with soiled dishes.

"Oooooops. Dang it. One shot wasted," the young ghost whined.

"I think not," stated her older mate as she pulled the young spirit around to see the kitchen helper flirting with the server.

"Well damn, wrong couple babe," the archer replied.

Part 8

Dinner continued pleasantly with a lot of small talk and the careful avoidance of Sam or Grace in saying anything to each other. The meal was awkward.

The ghosts looked on as the meal proceeded. The younger one radiated with joy as she watched the romantic looks passing between Teddi and Kristen. The older one looked at Sam and Grace, shaking her head in a negative manner, knowing her work was cut out for her.

As the evening ended, the quartet rose and walked back into the lobby. Sam stood beside Teddi making small talk as Kristen spoke with Grace regarding Grace's plans for skiing.

"I believe I'll run both of the more difficult trails tomorrow if the weather says nice and no new snow piles up," Grace told Kristen.

"I think that I am going to stick with the lower slopes as I am not that good a skier," Kristen responded.

"Skiing is the one sport I really love and I am pretty good at it," Grace continued.

"Good, we'll see you sometime tomorrow on the slopes." Kristen paused for a moment before continuing, "I tell you what, Grace. Teddi and I have plans for dinner but how about you join us for a drink tomorrow evening before dinner?"

"That sounds good to me. Would six be good for you both? The last run on Grizzly is five P.M and then it closes for the night. I would like to get in as many downhill runs in as I can," Grace explained.

"Six is fine. We'll be looking for you in the lounge," Kristen said as she turned back to reach for Teddi before heading toward the elevators.

Sam was walking away as Teddi moved closer to Kristen. Sam headed back toward the dormitory where she was planning on going to bed so that she would be rested for her day on the mountain tomorrow. She had asked Teddi to give her goodnight salutation to the other women. Grace turned and headed on toward the elevators, her mind already on the runs planned for Saturday.

Teddi smiled gently at Kristen as she reached for her hand, locking her fingers with Kristen's. "Honey that was really nice?inviting Grace to have dinner with us."

"Babe, I may have made a mistake. I thought maybe there was something between Sam and Grace. Dang, I believe the temperature dropped twenty degrees after they both sat down at the table," Kristen grumbled.

"Hey, darling. You know the old saying, 'where there's smoke, there's fire'. We'll have to see how this plays out." Teddi remarked as she pulled Kristen toward the elevator.

The two ghosts followed Kristen and Teddi toward the elevators. The young ghost again drew out her bow and arrows, taking careful aim at Teddi this time. She released the arrow and watched as it traveled toward Teddi. What she didn't realize was that a large urn stood between her and Teddi creating just enough deflection to the arrow to cause it to shift directions and head toward the registration counter. The arrow ran true and straight, ending up pricking the upper arm of the desk clerk that Sam had spoken with earlier.

"Well beejesus on a stick! Damn thing went off target again," the ghost mumbled to herself.

"What did you say?" the older mate asked.

"Uhhh?nothing, dear. Come on, let's go check out the ski lift," the younger ghost stated as she watched the desk clerk turn to the bellhop and beckon him to her counter. As the ghost watched, she could see the clerk running her hands across the front of the bellhop's jacket in a flirtatious manner.

"Oh my gawd, let me out of here," the young ghost moaned to herself. Aloud, she said, "You coming with me?" as she flew quickly through the revolving glass doors into the night air. Her partner shook her head wonderingly and followed close behind.


Part 9

Teddi opened the door to their room, then stepped back as Kristen walked in before her. The bed was turned back and the room was bathed in a soft rosy light. Kristen shook with nervousness as she moved further into the room. Teddi walked up behind her, wrapping her arms tightly around Kristen's body.

"It's OK, baby. Everything is going to be fine," she whispered to her in a reassuring tone of voice.

"I know," Kristen said in a shaky voice. "This is so new to me. I have never been with a woman before."

"Honey, there is no rush. Follow my lead and we will stop any time you want," Teddi said soothingly as she turned Kristen in her arms.

Kristen's heart started to beat faster in her chest as she felt Teddi's body press against her. She looked into Teddi's eyes as Teddi moved closer. Kristen was nervous. She couldn't move, as she looked down, embarrassed. Teddi lifted Kristen's chin and leaned in for a kiss, placing a soft touch on Kristen's lips. Kristen's eyes opened wide as she leaned into Teddi's kiss. Teddi encircled Kristen's waist and nuzzled her neck, gently kissing the skin beneath her ear. Kristen placed her hands up against Teddi's chest as Teddi's kisses grew in intensity.

Teddi wrapped her arms softly behind Kristen's head and continued to kiss her. Moving one arm down, she pulled Kristen's shirt out of her slacks. Kristen reached down with her hands and tried to stop Teddi from untucking her shirt, but became lost in Teddi's kiss. Kristen's arms found their way around Teddi, pulling her into a stronger embrace. Teddi's smelled great, her lips tasted wonderful and her kisses were feather soft.

Kristen moaned as she felt Teddi's hands begin to roam her body. Teddi's hands worked their way up Kristen's chest as Teddi's tongue found Kristen's ear.

"Wait baby, please," Kristen reached up and placed her hands over Teddi's. "Let me change first."

Taking a deep breath, Teddi drew back, letting her arms drop away from Kristen.

"Sure baby. Why don't you change and I'll get us something to drink," Teddi murmured as she moved toward the bar.

Kristen walked over to the dresser where she removed the outfit she had bought earlier that week. Looking back over her shoulder and smiling at Teddi, she made her way into the bathroom.

Teddi looked after her with a soft smile still on her lips. Taking several deep breaths, she realized just how close she had been to losing control. She could not believe that Kristen turned her on as she did. She thought of how much she loved Kristen and hoped that she was not rushing the relationship. Shaking her head to clear it, she turned back to the bar and popped the top on the champagne bottle. She sat two glasses on the bar.

Moving back behind the bar, Teddi placed several strawberries in a shallow bowl. Lifting it up, she placed the bowl next to the champagne glasses. Taking a deep breath, Teddi walked back around the bar and propped up on a stool, waiting for Kristen to come back out. Her heart beat wildly in anticipation of the rest of the evening. She rose, walked over to the stereo, and fiddled around until she found a channel with soft, romantic music playing. She returned and sat on the stool, shaking her foot in obvious nervousness.

Twenty minutes later, Kristen emerged from the bathroom dressed in her red chemise and robe. She shyly walked toward Teddi as Teddi simply sat and stared. As she moved closer, Teddi stood up and met her halfway. Teddi reached out with her hands and softly ran them over the cherry red outfit, feeling its smooth finish. It was like liquid water sliding across the palm of her hand. She leaned forward an inhaled the erotic perfume that Kristen was wearing. Taking Kristen gently by the hand, she walked her back over to the bar. They stopped at the bar where Teddi poured two glasses of champagne. Turning back toward Kristen, she handed one of the glasses to her.

"Darling, you are beautiful," Teddi said as she lifted one of Kristen's hands and kissed it.

"Thank you," Kristen answered nervously.

"Come, sit down on the couch with me," Teddi commanded as she lead her toward the couch.

Kristen sat down and sipped her champagne as Teddi simply stood and stared at her.

Suddenly, Teddi dropped to her knees in front of Kristen. Turning slightly, she placed her glass on the coffee table, reached out and did the same with Kristen's glass.

"I was going to wait until dinner tomorrow but I can't," Teddi said in an anxious voice. She reached out and took both Kristen's hands into her. Softly Teddi began talking.

"Kristen, you have made me realize what love really is. You have changed my life with just a kiss. I've fallen so in love with you. You make all my dreams seem possible. No matter where life might take me now, I will love you the rest of my life. Baby, I am asking you if you will be my partner in life." Teddi reached into her jean pocket and drew out the ring box she had carried around all day. Opening the box, she lifted out the ring, holding it for Kristen to see.

Kristen was having difficulty seeing due to the tears that were flooding her eyes. She leaned forward and laid her hand against Teddi's cheek. She could feel the dampness on Teddi's face where tears were running from her eyes too.

"Oh my darling?precious Teddi. I love you with my whole heart. I will follow you anywhere," Kristen stated as Teddi lifted her left hand and slid the Amethyst band on her ring finger.

Leaning toward Kristen, Teddi took Kristen's mouth in a deep, passionate kiss. Kristen returned the kiss, taking the lead and thrusting her tongue between Teddi's lips, seeking more. Teddi pulled back and stood. She reached out and drew Kristen up from the couch. Turning, she held her arm as she walked them toward the bed. Upon reaching the bed, Teddi slowly drew the robe from Kristen's body and let it drop unattended to the floor.

Kristen moved backward until she lay in the middle of the bed with nothing but her heart-laden chemise covering her body. She watched through sultry eyes as Teddi undressed and climbed upon the bed beside her. Teddi moved to take Kristen into her arms to show her just how much love she had for her.

Within minutes, their kisses lengthened and desire overtook Kristen's innate shyness. As the night waned, Teddi and Kristen expressed their love repeatedly in a ritual of mating as old as time itself. New commitments, whispered endearing words and acts of love were exchanged until both fell into a sleep of pleasant exhaustion.


Part 10

Early afternoon found Teddi, Kristen and Grace standing at the foot of the ski lift, waiting their turn to be carried to the top of the runs again. Teddi and Kristen had already made two trips each. Grace had made several runs and was anxious to continue.

"Afternoon, you two. How's the run today?" she asked as they stood waiting on the life.

"The runs are great but I am a little worried about these clouds moving in," remarked Teddi as she again glanced up at the sky.

"I listened to the report right before coming out and it is not supposed to start snowing until after dark," Grace exclaimed as she lifted her skis up in her arms.

"I hope not. I would not want to get caught up at the top when the snow hits," Kristen responded. She looked over at Teddi and grinned widely.

Grace noted the look between them and asked, "What's up with you two?"

"Humm?nothing much," Teddi answered.

"Oh sure and you always look like a cat that just swallowed a canary," quipped Grace.

Kristen lifted her left arm and held her hand out for Grace to see. "Teddi asked me to be her partner last night. I said yes," she grinned as she replied.

"Well, damn. Let me see," Grace said as she pulled Kristen's hand closer. "My God! What a beautiful ring. The amethyst matches your eyes."

"Yes, it does," Teddi gloated.

"Congratulations. Way to go. Have you told Sam yet?" Grace asked.

"No, she was on the slopes when we came down. I left a message for her to join us for drinks tonight," Teddi answered as she looked to see how close the lift was.

"Do you think this will be a surprise to her?" Grace wanted to know.

"No, she knows how much time we have been spending together. In fact, she is probably wondering what took me so long to ask Kristen," said Teddi as she gathered up her equipment.

The lift was nearly to them. All three moved forward, claiming seats for the ride up. Kristen and Teddi sat together with Grace right behind them. Conversation was nearly impossible as they road up the mountain. Looking down, the scene below them was awesome as they noted tiny skiers making their way back down the mountain.

Several runs later, Kristen quit. She knew that all the exercise from both last night and today would have muscle hurting in places she didn't even know she had. She carried her skis back to the rental booth and turned them in. Moving to the veranda of the lodge, she watched as Teddi and Grace once more mounted the lift to head to the top. Teddi had told her this would be her last run. Grace also said she would be calling it a day too Grizzly Run closed at five. Teddi decided to ski Grizzly one last time also as the lift carried them to the top.

As the lift rose in the air, the last seat appeared occupied by two very hazy characters. On closer inspection, the two ghosts set huddled in the chair lift as it rose to the top. The older one leaned over and asked her partner if she could hold the bow and arrows.

"Sure, here babe," the younger one said as she handed her the equipment.

The older ghost strung the bow and loaded in an arrow. Pointing toward the sky, she shot into the snow cloud hovering over Grizzly Run. The snow began to waft downward from the small tear in the cloud. She grinned as she watched it drifting gently toward the run.

She turned and looked back to her partner. Her partner looked at her as if to ask if she had finally lost all her marbles.

"Why did you waste one of my arrows on that cloud? I could have used it to make someone fall in love," the younger ghost complained.

"Oh, darling. I don't think this arrow is wasted. Just wait and see," her partner answered.

"Dang it. Why are you being so secretive? Can't you just come out and tell me what is happening?" her young mate grumbled.

"We'll see," the older one responded.

"WHATEVER!" grouched the younger one.

As the lift neared the top, Teddi and Grace made ready to leap from their seats. Behind then the two ghosts drifted lightly up into the air and continued on their flight to the top of the run. As they stood at the top, the older ghost turned to her partner and asked her what was the little shack that could be seen sitting back in the woods one fourth of the way down Grizzly Run. The younger ghost did not hesitate to soar down to the shack to check it out. No sooner had she left then the older ghost aimed the bow and arrow at Grace's back.

Teddi and Grace stood together looking down the run. Teddi strapped on her skis and checked her bindings. When she was ready, she turned to Grace who was still standing still, looking around her at the scene before her eyes.

"Grace, I am going to ski on down. Kristen is on the veranda and I don't want to keep her waiting long," Teddi began.

"Oh, no. Go ahead and go. I am looking at the beauty around me and enjoying the snow. If it gets no worse, I shouldn't have a problem coming down. In fact, I should be following you within fifteen or twenty minutes," Grace replied.

"Ok, see you in the bar at six," Teddi stated as she pushed off and began her twenty minute run back to the lodge.

No sooner did Teddi start moving then the ghost let loose with her arrow. Grace stepped directly into the line of the arrow. It clipped her calf, causing Grace to reach down. She rubbed her calf thinking "what a time for a Charlie Horse." Rubbing it a few times, she stood back up and reached for her skis. It was time to go down the mountain.

The trail was jammed with switchbacks and sharp turns. Several changes in elevation resulted in periodic jumps that were unavoidable. It was very narrow in many areas and required complete concentration as the skier raced down the hill. Grace and Teddi had made the same run several times this afternoon and were familiar enough with the slope to have a small measure of comfort.

Grace watched as Teddi soared down the hill. She mused to herself what a shame it was that Teddi was devoted to Kristen. She would dearly love to have her back as a lover. Shaking off those thoughts, she pulled the bindings tight, strapping her skis in place. With a quick shove, she began her descent down the mountain.

Grace pushed off as the younger ghost returned; telling her partner the shack looked like some kind of support shelter. She went on to say there was nothing inside but a pile of blankets and several flashlights. The older apparition reached out and handed her bow and arrows back to her.

Looking inside the quiver, the young ghost asked, "Did you drop any of my arrows? The number is certainly decreasing."

"Umm, no. I don't think so," her partner responded while looking anywhere but at her.

"OK. Maybe I over counted," the younger one stated still puzzling over the reduced number of arrows in her quiver.

The older ghost flew up into the snow cloud still hovering over the run. She reached for the torn edge where the snow was sifting gently through the hole made by an arrow. Pulling hard, she tore a large section of the cloud lining away. The snow became denser and fell faster. Visibility was beginning to worsen on Grizzly Run.

Returning to her partner, she said, "OK babe. Let's go back down to the bottom and check out the events that are happening. Grace will be fine." With a knowing smile on her lips, she whipped up into the air and darted back down the mountain with her partner pushing hard to keep up with her. As she neared Grace, she allowed the younger ghost to soar past her. Stopping completely on Dead Man's Curve, she reached down as Grace soared closer and grabbed the tip of Grace's ski and pulled sharply upward.

Grace settled into the routine of leaning into the turns and riding the edge of her skis. As she came to Dead Man's Curve, she adjusted her weight until most of it rode on the left ski. As she was exerting more pressure on the ski, she heard a loud unexpected POP, causing the tip of her left ski to shear away from the rest of the ski. She tumbled head over heals as she lost her balance and fell approximately two hundred feet further down the mountain. She stopped lying face down in the snow with her head pointed toward the lodge. As she quickly reached down and released the unhurt right ski, she felt a sharp pain in her left knee. Kicking off her skis, she rolled over and sat up.

So far so good, Grace thought to herself as she began a self-inventory of her injuries. A few minutes later she realized the only major damage she had done to herself was to wrench her left knee. Grace knew that ski safety involved staying exactly where she was until help could find her. She used her ski pole to hobble into a standing position. She then took both skis (one being incredibly shorter than the other now) and crossed the toes as she jammed them into the ground as a sign of universal distress. This signal would now alert others that she was injured and needed help. She sat down below the skis to await rescue. The snow continued to fall, making her colder than she had been as she waited for help to come.

Part 11

Teddi and Kristen began to worry as Grace failed to show in the bar by six thirty that evening. They walked out to the registration desk.

"Excuse me, can you please call Ms. Grace Rockefeller to see if she has left her room yet?" Teddi asked the clerk.

"Oh?I can tell you now that Ms. Rockefeller has not picked up any of her messages yet. I don't believe she has come back in from skiing," the clerk replied.

"No way! She was coming down the mountain right behind me. My God, something must have happened. Damn, look how hard it is snowing now," Teddi stated in a worried tone of voice.

"Whom do we need to notify? Our friend should have been off the mountain nearly forty-five minutes ago," remarked Kristen as she reached out, placing a soothing hand on Teddi's arm.

"Hold on let me get the ski patrol for you," the clerk said as she dialed the phone, placing the call.

"Hello. Yes, this is Sally at the front desk. We have a guest that may still be stranded on the mountain. Her friends have been waiting for her to come down and she is not back yet. Yes, I'll ask them to wait in the lobby for you." Sally sat the receiver back in its cradle as she looked up and noted that the couple had heard what she was saying.

Teddi and Kristen waited impatiently for someone to come and talk with them. Finally, the Captain entered the lobby and walked over to them.

"What may I do to help you ladies tonight?" he asked in a reassuring manner.

"I believe that our friend may be stranded on Grizzly Run," stated Teddi. "I left her strapping on her skis around four forty five and have not seen her since. She was to meet us for drinks at six and Grace is never late."

"Ok, hold on just a minute," he stated as he pulled out his walkie-talkie.

"Base to Lachlan, come in Lachlan. Over," he spoke into the hand control.

"Lachlan here. Over," came a ghostly familiar voice over the radio.

"Lachlan? We may have a skier stranded on Grizzly Run. Can you make the run in this weather and check it out? Over," the Captain asked.

"I believe so unless the weather continues getting worse. What are they wearing and who am I looking for? Over," Sam asked.

"Tell her, light blue dungarees and black snow jacket. Tell her it is Grace Rockefeller." Teddi remarked as she stood to one side.

"Sam, the woman is wearing light blue pants, black jacket. Name?Grace Rockefeller. Over," relayed the Captain.

"God Damn?Son of a Bitch!" was all the trio could hear for a moment from Sam. "OK, I am going to make the run down the slope with my lights on. Will notify you if need assistance. Over and out," relayed Sam as she clicked off the receiver.

The Captain turned to Teddi and Kristen. "Ladies, would you like to wait in the bar? It is on the house and just as soon as I have any news, I will come and tell you."

"Sure, I don't think we could go in to dinner without knowing where she is anyway," Kristen answered for both of them.

Meanwhile, Sam was fuming under her breath about the witlessness of a certain red head bimbo as she hooked up her helmet lamp and prepared to slow ski the downward route. She hated to side step down the mountain as it made every muscle in her legs hurt to take the route in that manner. However, this was her job. She was hired to keep skiers safe and rescue those that needed attention. "I sure as hell hope this is not a prank or I'll ring someone's neck," she thought to herself.

The snow was thick and blistery as Sam slowly crawled her way down the run, sweeping her light side to side to be sure she did not miss any unusual shapes on the trail. Fifteen minutes later, she rounded Dead Man's Curve, the first radically sharp turn in the run. Her heart jumped into her throat. Her lamp caught the glare of crossed skies sticking in the air fifty yards from where she currently stood. She flipped her skies to the left and descended rapidly to the protruding skis.

Huddled against the base of the skis was Grace. Sam noted the new fallen snow nearly covered Grace. She kicked off her skis and knelt beside the still figure. Reaching out she felt for Grace's carotid pulse to be sure she was still alive. "Thank God," she could feel a pulse that was slow but steady. The skin beneath her fingers was very cold. She gently lifted Grace's head and called her name.

"Grace?....Grace?....," Sam tapped her lightly on the cheek to rouse her from the state of lethargy she was in.

"Will you stop slapping me?" a groggy voice answered. "What the hell are you doing here?" Grace asked as she finally opened her eyes and saw Sam kneeling in front of her.

"Seems that a certain skier never made it off the mountain and her friends became very concerned about her," replied Sam. "What happened Grace?"

"Damned if I know. I've been skiing all day and on this last run, the tip of my left ski cracked and broke off, throwing me down the run," Grace replied as she awakened even more.

She began to shiver from the cold that was building around them. She could barely make out Sam's face right in front of her with the thickness of snow as it picked up in fury.

"Are you hurt?" Sam asked.

"Yes, I think that I have sprained my knee but it's numb now and doesn't seem to be hurting as much," Grace answered.

"Do you think you can walk off the mountain tonight?" Sam inquired.

"No way in hell. I'll be lucky if I can walk a hundred yard in any direction," Grace grumbled.

"Ok, let me talk to headquarters," Sam said as she pulled the walkie-talkie out of her backpack.

"Home base. Over," Sam called.

"Home base here. Did you find her, Sam? Over," the Captain asked.

"Yes, Safe and a little bruised," Sam relayed. "Captain, the snow has worsened and Ms. Rockefeller thinks she has sprained her knee. We are less than a quarter of a mile from the safety shack at Dead Man's Curve. I am going to get her over to the shack where we can get out of the storm and try to warm her up. Over."

"Good deal. I will relay the message to her friends. Will send snowmobile up in the AM to transport her back. Take care and keep in touch if you have problems. Over and out." the Captain finished as he cut off communication.

Sam stood and removed her skis, stacking them up next to Grace's. She wasn't worried about the team finding both of them in the morning, as all the members of the patrol knew where each shack was located. Moving over toward Grace, she reached down and assisted her to stand on her feet. Holding tight to her arms, she waited until Grace was able to balance on her on. Moving closer, she lifted Grace into her arms and began walking toward the shack. "Thank God I don't have to carry her too far. She is well stacked," Sam thought to herself as she moved toward the shack. The snow was making it difficult to see but Sam continued plodding forward, knowing exactly where she was going.

Reaching the shack Sam stood Grace up again as she opened the door and peered inside. It looked safe, no foreign animals had moved in. She once more lifted Grace, carrying her inside where she eased her down on the floor. Sam turned back and pulled the door closed, closing out the snow and the cold wind. She turned back using her helmet lantern to see how Grace was doing.

While Sam was examining Grace, the two spirits flew onto the roof of the shack. They had been following Sam since the time of the first call from the Captain. The older ghost grinned as she thought about the circumstances that were throwing Sam and Grace together. Her plan was working as expected. It was her desire to bring fire and water together. Grace was filled with fire and excitement. Sam was deep and steadfast like a river flowing clear and steady. The older ghost realized at the New Year's party that there was a special chemistry between Sam and Grace and it simply needed a ghostly nudge to get them together. That was the reason she changed the notice to Grace's name. This was too good an opportunity to bypass since they were at the resort working with Teddi and Kristen already. The older ghost reached out and pulled her partner close.

"Baby, this is going to be a long night. Get comfortable as we watch over Sam and Grace," the older ghost said to her beloved mate.

Meanwhile, Grace was shivering uncontrollably. She had never felt so cold in her life. Her body shook so vividly that she literally moved around on the floor. Sam grabbed some blankets off the shelf and wrapped them around Grace's body. She knew that she had to get Grace warm before she had problems with hypothermia. She moved behind Grace and sat down with her legs stretched out on both sides of Grace's body. Wrapping her arms around Grace, she pulled her back into her body, trying to share her own heat. She could feel the tremors increasing in Grace's body. There was only one thing left to do. She had to generate more heat in order to raise Grace's temperature.

Sam moved back around in front of Grace and began to remove Grace's wet jacket and snow pants. She stripped her down to her long johns. Grace fought as Sam tried to remove her clothes and constantly pushed or slapped at Sam's hands. Sam continued using her power to remove Grace's clothes. Finally, Grace's strength waned and she simply gave up as Sam finished undressing and rewrapping her in the blankets. Once Sam had Grace covered, she removed her own wet clothing and knelt down beside Grace.

Sam flipped one of the blankets out on the floor where she rolled Grace toward the middle of it. She moved over onto the blanket and pulled Grace into her arms. She opened the blankets wrapped around Grace and moved closer until her body was pressed tightly against the back of Grace's body. She wrapped the blankets back around both of them, pulling the cover up over their heads to hold the heat in.

At first, Grace's skin chilled Sam but as their cocoon began to warm with their breaths, Sam could feel her own body warming up. She hugged Grace tight to her body while running her hands up and down Grace's legs and arms trying to stimulate her circulation. Grace moaned as Sam worked with her but she no longer fought her.

For over an hour Sam worked to raise Grace's temperature. Finally, she felt the chills lessen and Grace began to relax. Her breathing changed and she drifted to sleep. Sam took a deep breath that was halfway between laughter and tears. She had been frightened that she would not be able to get Grace's condition under control. Continuing to hug her, Sam found herself drifting into sleep as the heat overtook her, making her sluggish and drowsy. Keeping her body tight against Grace, she closed her eyes as Morpheus watched over the sleeping pair.

Sometime during the night, Grace awakened inside the warm cocoon. She could feel arms around her and at first was confused. As she lay there trying to gather her wits, she remembered it was Sam who had come to her rescue. She squirmed around until she was facing Sam's sleeping form. It was pitch black beneath the blankets, making it impossible for Grace to see Sam. She tentatively reached out until she could feel Sam's body. As she ran her hand over Sam's face, Sam moaned and pulled her tighter into her arms.

Grace did not know what to do. She was feeling an overwhelming need to kiss and touch Sam. Her body burned with desire for Sam. She had no idea where these new feelings were coming from. She wondered if she should push Sam away or pull her closer. She was saved from making the decision. In her sleeping state, Sam pulled Grace against her chest and began kissing Grace softly on the face. Their lips met and Grace was surprised at how firm, yet soft Sam's lips felt as Sam deepened their kiss. Their breaths mingled as they shared one long, passionate kiss. Sam never wakened but simply pulled Grace tighter against her, holding her next to her beating heart. Grace listened to Sam's heartbeat as she drifted back into sleep.

Morning moved in with a vengeance as Sam awakened to find Grace snuggled tight against her chest and her own arms holding her tighter to her own body. She was startled to find Grace hugging her in return. As Sam lay there coming fully awake, her mind recalled that she had kissed someone during the night. "Hell, kissed someone? Damn, kissed Grace is what I've done," Sam said to herself.

Sam slowly withdrew her arms from around Grace, letting her settle back onto the floor. She managed to put some distance between them before Grace began to mutter and awaken. Sam watched as Grace stretched out her arms. Her long johns tightened against her chest, showing the firm outline of her breasts. Sam groaned, fighting hard not to reach out to touch Grace's breasts. Sam had an affinity for big breasts and she wanted badly to reach out and touch Grace's. Instead, she rolled over and climbed to her feet where she quickly dressed before waking Grace.

"Grace. Come on, wake up," Sam said as she nudged Grace's buttocks with the toe of her boot. Grace mumbled and reached back, pushing at Sam's shoe.

"GRACE, GET YOUR ASS UP AND DRESSED!" Sam stated loudly as Grace failed to move.

Sam's voice startled Grace, making her sit up in confusion. "What the hell is wrong with you?" she asked as she pulled the blankets tighter to her chest.

"If you don't get up now and get dressed you are going to have a rescue team taking you back down the mountain in just your skivvies," Sam replied. "Don't you hear the humming of the snowmobiles? They are getting closer."

"Damn it. Couldn't you have wakened me just a little earlier," Grace grumbled as she climbed slowly up, looking around for her clothes.

"Oh I tried, baby, I tried," Sam said laughingly.

"Bitch," was Grace's reply as she hurriedly dressed. Whatever embarrassment she may have felt by kissing Sam during the night was quickly replaced with the anger she felt toward her this morning.

No sooner was Grace dressed then the snowmobiles whined to a stop outside the shack. Sam lifted Grace up into her arms again, startling Grace by the sudden move. Grace quickly wrapped her arms around Sam's neck as they walked closer to the door. The door opened and Teddi was standing on the other side.

"Are both of you okay?" Teddi asked with concern in her voice.

"FINE!!!" Both Grace and Sam responded angrily at the same time.

Teddi looked at them with new thoughts running rampart through her mind at the circumstances that left them all night alone on the mountain.

"Hey, Sis, come on now. Tell me what happened." Teddi cajoled as they walked out to one of the snowmobiles.

"Not a damn thing happened." Sam said as she shoved Grace into Teddi's arms. "Here, take her. I am going to get my skis. I will meet you below."

Sam turned and quickly strode back toward the ski run and her skis. She did not stop to say hello or good-bye to anyone as she disappeared out of sight.

"Well Grace, what do you have to say?" Teddi asked Grace as she sat her down on one of the snowmobiles.

"Not a damn thing happened." and with that statement Grace burst into tears.

Teddi was at a loss as to what to do while Grace struggled to get her emotions back under control. Teddi dared not ask anything more as the team loaded up to return to the lodge.

As the riders moved off into the distance, two apparitions rose from the top of the shack where they had been keeping watch all night. The younger one turned to her partner and asked, "Are you sure Sam and Grace are meant to be together?"

"Honey, if we didn't have to help nudge love along, where in the world would we be? The older one said to her mate.

Part 12

Sunday morning passed quickly as Grace was treated and released with a simple soft tissue injury to her left knee. On return to the lodge, she met up with Teddi and Kristen and expressed her thanks to them for sending help as soon as they did. Grace decided since she could not ski any more, she would head back to town. She looked around but did not see Sam anywhere nearby.

"Sam's gone back up on patrol if that is who you are looking for," Teddi told Grace as she watched her looking at all the skiers mingling around.

"Huh? haaa?no. I was just looking to see if there was anyone I know," she lied to Teddi. "Well, ladies, sorry to do it but I am out of here. I am so sorry that I messed up your plans last night." Grace said in a contrite tone.

"No, please. You are safe and that was much more important than the dinner plans we had last night." Kristen stated. Looking over at Teddi and blushing she continued, "Besides, that gave us an opportunity to stay in our room and have room service brought to us."

Teddi, standing next to Kristen, said in a quiet undertone, "Yeah, which we were way to busy to eat."

Kristen blushed and elbowed Teddi in the side as Grace turned to leave.

"Grace, call us some time and we can get together," Kristen said to Grace as they walked outside with her. No one noticed Sam standing at the end of the veranda watching Grace as she got in her car and drove off. Teddi wrapped her arm around Kristen's shoulders and walked back inside. They still had to pack for their own journey back home.

Sam watched Grace's car until she could no longer see the back of it. She knew sparks had ignited last night while on the mountain and she badly wanted to see just how much they would flame up. Walking toward the ski lift, Sam made a pledge to herself that she would call Grace when she got back home.

The ghosts snuggled close together in the last seat of the lift as they watched the four young women below them. One couple had taken the final leap into love, committing them to a lifetime together. The other couple was beginning the battle of love. The spirits realized as one of their cherished cases was soon to be completed; the door was opening on a new one that would require their ghostly intervention. They were pleased that by swapping three little notices, four lives were changed forever. In their hearts, they knew that love did and would win just as it had through all eternity.

As the lift rose higher up the mountain, one voice was heard ringing out over the valley below.

"But I didn't get to shoot all the arrows. Are you sure I have to give it all back?" the younger ghost asked her partner.

"Babe, I am sure. Time has passed and we must return them to Cupid. His work is not done and you only borrowed them for this one weekend. You have no choice," the older ghost told her long-term mate.

"Oh all right. But I am going to visit Peter Cottontail to see what we need to do in order to plan for a Spring wedding for Teddi and Kristen." the younger one replied as they rose from the lift and disappeared high above the clouds, far into the distance. "I wonder how I will look in a bunny suit?" the spectral voice floated through the clouds as the ghosts moved further away.


The GN series continues in Ghostly Need

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