White-knuckling it, we hold on for dear life, torn between wanting to support our friend’s dream of roaring through the forest… and staying alive. CJ is only a provisional husky sled driver after all, and when I say provisional, she’s had all of an hour of training.
‘Whooo!’ Princess practically yodels. ‘This is the most fun I’ve ever had!’
Barry grits his teeth and makes agreeable grunts that don’t quite belie the fear written all over his face as we bump and slide across the snowy ground. Got to love a partner who’s supportive even in the face of sheer terror.
Jasper curls a protective arm around me as his hair blows back, making him even more attractive, if that’s even possible. ‘On the off chance we do die, it’s probably best if we share one last kiss.’
‘When you put it that way, how can I refuse?’
His lips barely brush mine, but it’s enough to make my synapses fizzle and crackle like an electric current.
Jasper pulls me tight into his body, seemingly unfazed about the danger we face, so I relax into his embrace and think supportive thoughts for CJ ticking off an item on her bucket list and not about our imminent deaths.
‘Are you OK?’ Jasper, ever the caring soul, asks.
With a stuttering jaw, I manage, ‘Uh-huh.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ve got you.’ And he has. Hook, line and sinker.
‘What?’ His lips curl into a questioning smile.
I’m doing that dopey lovesick goggle-eyed expression that I have no control over again. ‘Nothing. It’s – uh, nothing.’ Just me here, planning my rosy future, mind skipping off to fantasyland where Jasper is the main character in my story. ‘It’s just…’ Fine, why not tell him? He can’t exactly escape from the sled, not at these speeds. But then I chicken out. ‘I’m really looking forward to our Christmas feast.’
He cocks his head as if he’s waiting for the punchline, but he doesn’t call me on it. ‘I’m looking forward to spending Christmas with you.’
31
24 DECEMBER, LAPLAND, FINLAND
We arrive at the lodge for check-in. It’s the grandest hotel I’ve ever seen, with a sweeping view of snow-capped mountains in the distance. It’s like a log cabin but on steroids. The interior is sumptuously decorated but still has a certain rustic charm to it, with a crackling fire in the centre surrounded by wrinkled leather sofas layered with tartan throw rugs and fluffy cushions.
We queue at the counter and wait our turn. From the striking full-length picture window, the igloos are visible, spread along the snow-covered expanse. I cannot wait to investigate them further.
‘I feel like a kid at Christmas!’ Princess screeches. As soon as the front desk staff recognise Princess, she’s moved to the front of the queue. ‘Don’t mind me,’ she says to the people in front who send her dark looks. ‘I’m an old lady who needs to put her feet up.’ I love that she doesn’t blurt out that she also owns the lodge. She hasn’t explicitly admitted it, but I get the feeling from the way the staff behave around her, fluttery and nervous, that she does.
Princess is given her key and doesn’t worry about anything so boring as paperwork like the rest of us will need to do. The check-in staff hurry to assure Princess that her igloo has been stocked with champagne. ‘Wonderful. Meet you for Christmas Eve dinner, darlings.’ She air-kisses us and briskly walks away before she stops short. ‘Barry? Are you coming or not?’
Barry’s eyes go wide, before he mutters, ‘Oh, right, yes, yes. Can I take your suitcase for you, Princess, so you don’t need to wait for the porter?’
‘That would be lovely, Barry.’
When I get my key, I’m delighted to find my igloo is right beside Jasper’s. ‘I’ll show you mine if you show me yours,’ I tease, leaving my suitcase against the door.
‘You move fast, Aubrey, but I’m keen if you are.’ I laugh and grab his hand as we make our way into the warmth.
Inside, the igloo is surprisingly cosy. The domed thermal glass itself is heated, not only to warm the room but also to keep the view clear and free of snow in the freezing temperatures. A fire crackles in the hearth and I swear there’s underfloor heating as warmth creeps up my body. ‘Oh my God, how will we ever leave?’
The king-size bed sits in the centre of the room and will be the cosiest place to curl up when darkness falls and watch the spectacular display of the Northern Lights across the night sky. The room is well appointed with a bookshelf of paperbacks, a mini bar, and a plush sofa and armchairs. There’s a large en suite – imagine showering with that view, although to maintain privacy, the sides of the wall are blacked out so no one can see in.
‘We don’t leave. We lock the door on the world and we stay here forever.’ Jasper takes me into his arms, and it just feels so right. Like I’ve found my place, and how can I be so sure, so soon? But somehow I am. They do say when you know, you know.
‘Yes, please,’ I say with a nod. ‘Maybe they’ll forget we’re here.’
‘I hope so.’
My breathing quickens as Jasper cups my face and leans down to kiss me. Sparks fly, igniting my heart. My own Northern Lights, as I light up from the inside at his touch. When we pull apart, I’m love drunk, giddy and hazy with it. ‘Should we check out the hot tub?’ I ask with a mischievous grin.
‘You got the hot tub room!’
