It was an unusual amount of snow for this time of year. And the winds had blown it in great heaps in areas around the house. Jilly srarted the snowball fight. And Hal was more than happy to oblige her desire to get pelted.
She ducked down behind one of the smaller snowmen, laughing. It grew quiet and she looked around slowly to spot Hal's position. Suddenly the head of the snowman rolled over on top of her, Jilly screaming in surprise and Hal laughed in triumph.
"Hally, that hurt. His head is so big," she rubbed the back of her neck.
"It is not. I got you good and you know it."
"I'm going in."
"You big baby."
"No, you've sent snow down my coat and I'm freezing. I'm going to have some hot cocoa. Do you want me to have Mama make some for you too?" Hal thought suddenly that she really was a great little sister.
"Thanks, but I'm going to stay out a while longer. Maybe when I come in, okay?"
"Okay." He watched her long enough to see her try to wipe off as much snow as possible before re-entering the house. He realized he should have watched longer when he felt a hard thwack on his shoulder, followed by a high-pitched giggle and a slamming door. He brushed off the snowy assault and smiled to himself.
Hal Remstadt's life in the small town of Whitestone is quiet, uneventful and, despite occasional unrest from a childhood rival, just the way he likes it. Then one day lightning strikes and Whitestone will forever change. A stranger appears to test his convictions of family, loyalty and honor. To Hal they mean everything. But can his beliefs withstand an old secret, and can the stranger learn to forgive...
Anne Weisheit is a Surgical Technologist and a member of Therapy Dogs Inc. with her Border Collie, Molly. She enjoys reading, traveling, history and attending her children's many sports and music events. She lives in Illinois with her husband and four daughters.