Free Gifts by Stephanie Burkhart Page A

personal sense that she could accomplish anything. She'd always done well in competitions as a young girl. Last year, she had competed in the World Figure Skating Championships. She wouldn't have had the chance if she hadn't gone to the United States to live and train with Ingrid Dayton, a world-class figure skater.
    Living abroad gave Famke a confidence she never had before. Her coach, Ingrid, was an accomplished skater, medaling in several competitions and earning a bronze in the Olympics eight years ago. Ingrid encouraged her to wear contacts, perm her hair, and taught her how to wear makeup. Ingrid had been Famke's best friend, mentor, and big sister all in one.
    Losing Ingrid in a traffic accident four months ago left Famke with a heavy heart. The passion she felt for the sport diminished, so when her brother called and told her that his friend, Christian Jansen, was looking for a pairs figure skating partner, she'd been intrigued enough to explore the possibility. In all honesty, the offer of skating with a partner and the chance of going to the Olympics to represent her country had shaken off her sadness. Ingrid would have encouraged Famke to explore the opportunity. Following her heart, Famke returned home to Amsterdam.
    Stephen waited for her near the doorway where the gate met the boarding area. She rushed into his arms and they exchanged a warm hug. He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her over.
    "My, you have changed!" he exclaimed.
    She smiled. "You have, too."
    "How's the weather in New York?"
    "As chilly as it is here." She adjusted her backpack on her shoulders so it was tighter. "Where's Chris?"
    "He ran off."
    "Where to?"
    "That way." Stephen turned and pointed.
    Famke stared in the direction her brother indicated. Christian stood near a gift shop, holding a box. She poked her tongue against her cheek and drew in a breath. Growing up, Stephen and Christian were inseparable. Chris had always been tall, but slim, with a wild haircut and a very pale complexion. He was still tall, but now he filled out his clothes well with his muscular frame and broad shoulders. His hair was golden-yellow, but he'd found a cut that framed his face to perfection. She spied a scar on his temple, and despite the imperfection, it gave him a very masculine appearance.
    Oh, dear. Christian Jansen had become a very handsome man.
    He approached, his gait emphasizing the force of his thighs and the slimness of his hips. She prayed a man that good looking wasn't vain and self-absorbed. She couldn't work with anyone who was like that.
    Christian stopped and held out his box. "Hi. I bought you a gift."
    She pointed to her chest, a bit surprised. "For me?"
    "I hope you like Mozart Kugel."
    Her hand slid over his as she reached for the box, and a reassuring warmth pulsed up her arm. "I love Mozart Kugel. Thanks."
    His eyes sparkled. "You're welcome."
    "Do you have any bags to claim?" asked Stephen.
    "I've got one." She broke open the box and offered Stephen a piece.
    "No, thanks." He gestured toward the walkway and they strolled off, Famke between the men.
    "I want to say thank you for agreeing to become my partner. I appreciate it." Christian's voice resonated with seriousness.
    "How could I refuse?" She kept her voice light, not wanting to recall her weightier thoughts, and offered him a piece of chocolate. He took one.
    They walked down the stairs and stopped next to the claim area.
    "The spare room is now your room," said Stephen. "If anything, we might need to do some food shopping."
    "Is the bakery on the corner still in business?" she asked. "I love their bread with baked ham and cheese."
    He grinned. "It is."
    "How's Papa?"
    "He has good days and bad days. Once you get settled in, we can visit him," replied Stephen.
    Famke nodded. Their father suffered from Alzheimer's and Stephen had to put him in a care facility. It had been hard for Stephen to deal with their father's condition on his own, but she knew from their talks