Love at First Blizzard Bonus Content
Maksim
3 Months Later
I stand outside Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco talking to my brother, Christian, on the phone. He’s a Sheriff’s Deputy and is currently parked by the side of a country road waiting on potential speeders or DUIs. To say the least, he’s got time to talk.
“I’m fucking out of my element,” I breathe into the phone reeling from what I just saw. I wanted to surprise Alex by driving to San Francisco to attend one of her concerts. But now my nerve is evaporating.
“I’ve heard her practicing, but to see her play live with a full orchestra. She was amazing, Bro. I don’t understand why she’d ever want to settle down with a guy like me.”
Her triumphant face flashes through my mind as she stands before the orchestra, her arms filled with flowers, receiving a standing ovation. I thought for sure she’d cry. Hell, I was tearing up. But she stood there matter-of-factly like the stage was the most comfortable place in the world. “Who am I kidding, Chris?”
Christian laughs that knowing older brother laugh. It annoys the hell out of me. “Remember what Dad always says, ‘Fish or cut bait.’”
“Very deep, Bro.”
“Seriously, Max. The girl’s head over heels for you. Everyone can see it. She’s going to say yes, I promise. Fuck, I’ll grow a beard if she doesn’t.”
I let out a gruff sigh, eyeing a man in a black trench coat who’s smoking near me. A tux bow tie and shirt peek out from the coat, and it’s obvious he’s eavesdropping on me. Between the crowds, sirens, and honking horns, I’m ready for a fight, if that’s what he wants. He throws his cigarette to the ground, grinding it out with his foot, and walks toward me.
Fuck, this should be good.
“Chris, let me call you back.” I put my cell phone in my back pocket, clenching my fists at my sides as the man stops in front of me. I still hate big cities and coming to San Francisco, where I have so many traumatic memories, is like visiting hell. But I’d do that and more for Alex. I hope she feels the same about me.
The man looks me up and down for a long moment before asking, “Are you Alex’s mountain man?”
I’m taken aback by the question but manage to nod my head. I’ve dressed up, but underneath my dress coat is a flannel shirt. Between that and the beard, I must be a dead giveaway.
“I’m Frederick,” he offers his hand, and we shake. I can’t help but notice the weak grip and clammy palm. He wouldn’t last a week in Rough & Ready. “I’m a violist with the orchestra, and I’ve heard all about you from Alex.”
My fists clench at my sides again, and he smiles raising his eyebrows. “You really are a mountain man, aren’t you?”
“I’m Maksim, and actually, I own Sierra Husky Rescue.”
He nods knowingly. “Yeah, Alex told me about that, too. I’ve known her since we were both kids. We started out in the same studio, but then she switched to cello. Anyway, I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation, and I think I need to help you get backstage before intermission ends.” He turns waving me to follow over his shoulder.
I have red roses and a box of Belgian chocolates for her in my truck. But the ushers wouldn’t let me bring them in. I hesitate for a second about going to get them. Considering how far away I’m parked, it’s not an option. And I’m not sure how long these intermissions go anyway, so I follow after Frederick, my heart pounding.
At the backstage entrance, Frederick has to do a little fancy talking to get the guard to let me in, and then we’re heading down a long hallway filled with photos of special guests and past performances. I spy an image of a younger version of Alex performing. This woman’s way more famous than she’s let on, and my stomach knots tighter.
Musicians mill around in black clothes and tuxes, and Frederick greets a couple of people curtly while walking past. His step is brisk as he takes me down another long hallway. People are lined up in front of a door that says “Dressing Room,” and it’s then that I see Alex’s shiny dark curls and beaming face. She’s talking to someone and signing a program with a black felt pen.
I realize the line is for her and see people holding flowers and small gifts. Now I’m sweating about the presents still in my truck. Dammit.
I’m about to get in line when Frederick turns and gives me an impatient nod in Alex’s direction. “It’s your turn,” he says as Alex looks up and our eyes meet.
Her eyes pool, and I’ve got a lump in my throat. She’s a goddess in her sparkly green evening gown, and I almost feel uneasy approaching her. But the thought of losing her drives me on.
I wrap my hands around her waist, touching my forehead to hers and asking, “Is this okay?”
Tears stream down her cheeks. “I can’t believe you came for me. You hate San Francisco.”
“Baby, I keep telling you. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
“He’s out of line,” an exasperated patron complains behind me.
Before I can say a thing, Frederick is on it. “Be patient. I promise this’ll be worth it.”
“I have roses and chocolates for you in the truck,” I explain. “But the ushers wouldn’t let me bring them in. I guess they thought I’d rush the stage after your solo.”
Alex giggles, and then she covers her mouth with both hands as I kneel down on one knee, pulling a small box from my coat pocket.
“Sasha, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I know you think I saved your life the day I found you. But honestly, it’s you who saved mine. I can’t imagine living without you. Would you please do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Borodin?”
Before I can protest, she kneels down in front of me, cupping my face in her hands. She whispers, “Yes, Maksimka. There’s nothing I want more than you.” My lips crash into hers for a long, deep kiss. I don’t care who the hell is watching. She’s mine now.
Hoots, hollers, and cheers go up around us, as musicians gather by the line of patrons in the hallway to see what’s going on. I stand up, pulling my wife-to-be beside me, and putting a possessive arm around her waist.
“Let me be the first to congratulate you both,” Frederick says, stepping forward to hug Alex and shake my hand. I place a hand on his shoulder as he turns to go.
“Thanks, Brother.”
He nods in reply.
Alex
7 Months Later
The next few months after Maksim’s proposal fly by. There’s our wedding, more performances, and plenty of time spent training and working with the huskies. Sierra Husky Rescue holds its most successful annual benefit ever (with live classical music, of course!), which means we can hire on an additional full-time employee, freeing up time for more travel.
A couple of seams opened up on my cello after the blizzard, causing a nasty rattle, especially on the G and C strings. It had to go to the luthier for repairs while I borrowed another cello. But thankfully, it’s back to sounding as gorgeous as ever. Maybe even more so.
And, of course, there are the logistics of moving to Rough & Ready. My parents weren’t happy when I first told them I’d be doing more teaching and less performing, but they’ve come around to the idea now. It helps that they adore Maksim, “the perfect Russian boy” as they put it.
Maksim has no idea what this means but has stopped trying to talk them out of it. When it’s all said and done, he’s an all-American mountain man who wears cowboy boots and hats during the summer. But if his taste for sauerkraut scores extra points with my family, he’ll take it.
Thanks to my parents’ insistence, I’ve kept my symphony contracts, which only require playing a handful of concerts a year. I’ve also taken up a residency at the Lake Tahoe Summer Music Camp and started teaching at a local university. Maksim still hates big cities, but he always comes to see me perform. And he always finds a way backstage to greet me with flowers and chocolates.
Building this new life with Maksim has been good for my playing. Lawrence Foster, the music critic, may still be a jerk, but he can no longer claim my playing lacks passion. And other critics have declared my post-blizzard performances sizzling. Considering how much Maksim figures in my thoughts while I perform, I’m not surprised.
Maksim’s dad raised him right. Between door opening, buckling my seatbelt, and carrying my cello, he spoils me. There’s nothing sexier than seeing my giant mountain man carry a cello around like it’s a fiddle.
Our wedding ceremony took place at Maksim’s dad’s ranch in October, and it was incredible finally having 13 of his brothers and his dad meet my parents and extended family. Wyatt, his dad, is an old cowboy who’s woven his family from love, patience, and plenty of discipline. And the respect and admiration he’s earned from his boys glow in their faces.
All of Maksim’s brothers stood up for him, which meant a lopsided wedding. Even with my cousins and friends, there were only six bridesmaids on my side, which made for an interesting ceremony. Luckily, my best friend Jess kept everyone in order and on time, and she obliged multiple trips down the aisle with two groomsmen at a time uncomplainingly. She also stuffed dog treats in the pocket of her dress to ensure Kaya, our ring bearer, made it all the way down the aisle. It proved an amazing feat, especially with the distraction of so many people and live music thanks to Frederick’s string quartet. But Kaya proved just as good at helping her parents tie the knot as leading packs and saving lives.
Frederick gave a memorable toast, “When Alex first told me about her mountain man. Well, I was a little skeptical … to say the least. But from the flannel to the beard and the cabin, she wasn’t lying. I wasn’t sure how you’d both make this thing work. But I can honestly say I can’t imagine two opposites more perfect for each other. I don’t know anyone who deserves to go on this adventure more than you, Alex, and I wish you both a happy and long life together with many cello-playing mountain babies!”
There was also Maksim’s brother, Logan, who took credit for our love story. “Brother, you’ve always been a royal pain in the ass. Where do I start? Blowing up barns, nearly setting the house on fire, hot-wiring cars. Shit, I thought Dad was a patient man before you showed up. But, boy, did you show us. Anyway, I always knew it’d take a saint to settle down with you. Dammit, now that I think about it, Alex is probably hiding wings and a halo under that gown. But after all is said and done, I couldn’t be prouder of you, Brother. And I know you’re going to treat this girl like the angel she is. Alex, I don’t know how you put up with Maksim sometimes, but he’s as loyal and courageous and tough as the sled dogs he rescues. And while we’re on the subject of sled dogs, let me remind you that I’m the one who trained Kaya for avalanche rescue. In other words, Maksim, you owe me. Big time.”
We set up a memorial table with photos of Maksim’s parents, and I couldn’t help but feel them, along with baby Anya, smiling down on us that day.
Leaving the City came with some culture shock. But I’ve settled into the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of Rough & Ready Country with its expansive acreage punctuated by quaint small towns. I still play in Ophir City on special occasions although Hollister’s by far the closest town to the cabin.
There’s a great coffee shop there called The Coffee Being. Run by Delilah, she’s an eclectic red-headed artist who singlehandedly invented open canvas night. I’ve attended a few of them, playing unaccompanied Bach to inspire the patrons, and it’s a blast. And the place makes amazing lattes. So, I’ve got my little slice of city living even in the Sierra Nevada backcountry.
It’s also nice knowing Maksim’s brothers live close by, always ready to lend a hand or celebrate family festivities. They’re preparing to enlarge our cabin under the guidance of Turner, the construction foreman. They figure it’s time our bedroom got a door, and they’ve also planned the addition of a nursery because they know how much Maksim and I both want kids.
It’s been slow going in that department, but not for lack of trying. There’s not a day that goes by without Maksim making me feel loved in every way possible. The doctor keeps assuring me that it can take up to a year to conceive, and until recently, I thought that would be the case.
Although our love happened in an instant, some things take more time …
Like round two of dog sledding. This winter has proven much lighter in the snow department, but we’re finally heading out in mid-January.
Bundled beneath blankets and furs, I watch the world fly by in a blur of white. Maksim promises he’ll teach me how to drive the sled. But for now, he wants me to get the full effect of the experience. It’s beyond exhilarating, especially thinking about how he saved my life less than a year ago.
We stop in a beautiful clearing with the icy sun high and distant overhead. Maksim stakes out the dogs and gives them water before diving under the blankets to cuddle with me.
Before I know it, his hands are in my pants, tugging them down, and his thick cock is pressing against my thigh.
“I need you, Sasha,” he growls in my ear.
“I need you more,” I reply snuggling back into him with a soft moan.
We make love slowly beneath the snow-laced pine trees, surrounded by the chirping of chickadees and the stillness of the mid-morning air.
Afterward, I lay in his arms listening to the random barks of the dogs and his breath deepening into sleep.
“Tatko,” I whisper.
“Yes, baby, what is it?”
“That’s it,” I reply, my voice catching.
“What’s what?” he grumbles groggily.
“You’re going to be a tatko,” I reply softly.
His body tightens next to me, and I wonder what he’s thinking.
“I’m going to be a dad?” He says the words slowly and emphatically like they’re the coolest ever. His arms pull me closer, and his hands go to my belly.
“We have our first doctor’s appointment in two weeks to hear the baby’s heartbeat.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes, are you happy, Maksimka?”
“I’ve never quit being happy since the day I dug you out of the snow. Thank you for making me a tatko,” he whispers, showing me again and again how much he loves me.
Everything about Logan, the handsome Mountain Rescue Unit Lead that I meet at my best friend’s wedding says stay away. From his swagger to his ego, he’s a walking red flag.
And as for good looks? There’s only one word to describe him—smoldering.
Fortunately, I live in the Bay Area, and he lives in Rough & Ready Country. There’s little reason for our paths to cross again. But fate has other plans … plans hotter than the flames of a backcountry campfire.
If you love rugged western landscapes, a sexy AF alpha baddie, and a headstrong curvy girl who gets her man, one-click now to cuddle up with Love at First Campfire.
