Free Finding Me (Love's Not Easy Series Book 1) by Nicole Rickman Page A

thankful.”
    The dinner was great.   The turkey was juicy and the dressing was just right. Aimee complemented them all through the meal. Just before Sophia served dessert, Aimee explained another of her favorite traditions.
    “We all hold hands and take turns telling what we are thankful for. Once everyone is done, we have a prayer of Thanks.”
    Lexi smiled and took Aimee’s hand. “I like that.” Everyone held hands as Lexi started.
    “I am thankful that God has placed Aimee in our lives. She has been such a positive influence on all of us.” Aimee gave her a hug and wiped a tear.
    “No crying.” Aiden looked at her. “I am thankful for my family, my friends old, and new, and our great country.”
    Everyone at the table took turns telling what they were thankful for. Colin was thankful for his friends and family, Piper was thankful for Aimee being in Neahovia and for God leading her to James. James said much of the same. Sophia was thankful for hearing from the culinary school; she goes for an interview during winter break.
    Aimee cleared her throat when it came to her. “I am thankful for so much. My family, my friends, and, most important, my salvation. Right now, I am thankful for the memories I have of my mom and Gran. I am also thankful for the family he gave me in Neahovia; and, that they love me enough to fix me an American Thanksgiving. I love you guys.”

 
    C hapter Seven
    Christmas break went by fast. Aimee flew to the states and stayed until December 28 th with her family. She flew back to Neahovia early so she would be back in time to be rested before January 2 nd , when classes started back and the reviews for finals began.
    Her dad gave her a new cell phone, laptop, and a gift card for the ski resort, where she would spend Winter Break with her friends. Everyone else bought accessories for her phone and laptop.
    Aimee had finished packing her bags. The next ten days she was spending at Normark Ski Resort. It was located in Normark Village in the Loopy Mountains. Planning this trip took weeks. Now, all security checks where done and it was safe for Aiden on the mountain. Everything was in place.
    Aimee and Lexi sat the last of their bags in the foyer. Colin and LJ was loading LJ’s SUV, while the girls double checked the flat. Everything in the flat was turned off and locked. Lexi was going over her checklist, make-up, shoes, gift cards, and lots of lotion. Aimee was having fun teasing her over her checklist when Piper came running down the stairs singing a glamorous love song. “I can’t believe that James is going to meet my dad today.”
    “Yes, we know, Piper, and we are so happy for you.” Lexi replied in a monotone voice.’’
    “Lexi, be nice. Piper, this is so awesome. Your dad is going to love James.” Aimee loved playing the good, positive friend around Lexi.
    There was a gentle tap at the door; then, James entered, followed by Colin, who was explaining to James, in a way that only Colin could, that the dude don’t have to knock.
    James kissed Piper, then took her hand. She grabbed her coat from the chair. “Ok, we will meet you guys at the lodge around 7:00 p.m.”
    “Wait!” Lexi yelled. “What about your clothes?”
    “James packed them in his truck last night.” Piper turned and kissed James on the cheek as they left.
    “Young love.” Lexi rolled her eyes.
    “Don’t be jealous, Lexi, someday, sooner or later, we will be in love. And we too shall float through the air without a care in the world.” Aimee fanned her face.
    Lexi laughed so hard she was holding her stomach. “If I start floating girl, you better pull me back down.”
    “Me too.” Colin grinned as he put his arms in the air and act like he was floating.
    “Ok, we have everything.” LJ stopped dead to his feet. “Colin, what are you doing?”
    Lexi and Aimee held their sides from laughing so hard at Colin’s expression; finally, he stumbled to the door. “Let’s go.”
    “Ok, lover boy.”