Saturday morning brought Veronica back to the Murray family estate for their weekly gathering. Over breakfast, she cornered Phillip to discuss the latest developments with their new business venture.
Her brother's reassurances about the project's stability finally allowed the tension in her shoulders to ease. Every detail had been scrutinized, every potential pitfall addressed. The venture would succeed.
By two in the afternoon, Veronica found herself navigating winding mountain roads toward the designated camping grounds. Her breath formed small clouds in the frigid air as she stepped out of her car.
Marco and Cecelia had arrived moments before her, evidenced by the flurry of activity surrounding their campsite. Marco's staff moved with practiced efficiency, erecting tents and assembling grilling equipment with military precision.
The recent snowfall had transformed the landscape into something magical. A pristine white blanket stretched endlessly across the mountainous terrain, unmarked except for their footprints.
Cecelia's excitement proved infectious the moment Veronica approached. The young girl practically vibrated with energy, tugging insistently at Veronica's coat sleeve while chattering about her grand snowman construction plans.
Building snowmen wasn't foreign territory for Veronica. Years spent with Sabrina had taught her the precise snow-to-water ratio needed for optimal sculpting, the importance of packing technique, and how to achieve the perfect spherical proportions.
Working together, she and Cecelia crafted a charming miniature snowman within the hour. Cecelia had come prepared, producing a colorful knitted scarf from her backpack with the flourish of a magician revealing her greatest trick.
The completion of their first creation only fueled Cecelia's ambition. She dispatched the helpers on a mission to locate additional accessories - another scarf and the all-important carrot nose.
Marco's approach was unhurried, his footsteps crunching softly in the snow. Veronica maintained her focus on the snowman, refusing to acknowledge his presence directly.
Settling into a crouch beside her, Marco broke the silence. "DataPulse treating you well?"
Her hands continued shaping snow as she responded. "Well enough."
The memory of their unexpected encounter at Stellar lingered in Marco's mind. Her frosty dismissal of Cullen and Niall had suggested someone who'd successfully moved beyond past complications. "How long have you been with them?"
"Several months now." Veronica's tone remained carefully neutral.
Marco sensed the conversational door closing before he could probe deeper. Instead, he shifted tactics entirely. "Five times total."
The reminder of their arrangement caused Veronica's hands to still momentarily. Five occasions accompanying Cecelia. Five opportunities to honor her commitment.
Cecelia's return interrupted any further negotiation. She brandished two scarves triumphantly, already envisioning their next masterpiece. This snowman would dwarf their first creation, she declared, allowing the two sculptures to stand together like companions - one large, one small, mirroring her relationship with Veronica.
Marco found himself recruited for the construction project. He worked methodically, following Cecelia's increasingly elaborate instructions without complaint.
The completed duo of snowmen prompted another round of excitement from Cecelia. She insisted on commemorating the moment with photographs, positioning herself and Veronica between their frozen creations while directing Marco to capture the scene.
Through his phone's camera, Marco watched Veronica's genuine smile emerge. The sight prompted him to take several shots in quick succession, unwilling to let the moment pass unrecorded.
Their playful activities consumed the afternoon hours. By the time their impromptu photo session concluded, darkness had begun creeping across the mountain landscape. The aroma of grilled meats drifted from nearby campsites, while tent interiors glowed like warm beacons against the encroaching night.
Marco extended a plate toward her. "Hungry?"
Veronica accepted the offering gratefully. Her appetite had awakened with the mountain air and physical activity.
The campsite buzzed with winter enthusiasts despite the challenging conditions. While not overcrowded, the scattered groups created an atmosphere of shared adventure. Evening entertainment promised to include a traditional bonfire gathering.
"Interest in joining the bonfire festivities?" Marco inquired.
"I'm adaptable to either option."
Marco's response was interrupted by his phone's insistent ringing. Nate' name appeared on the display.
Seeking privacy, Marco moved several steps away from their group before accepting the call.
"Evening drinks tonight," Nate announced without preamble.
"Count me out. Enjoy yourselves."
"But why would you..."
Cecelia's approach cut off Nate' protest. She carried a perfectly grilled chicken skewer, her face glowing with pride. "Uncle Marco, I made this especially for you!"
Marco accepted the offering graciously, crouching to her eye level.
Nate' voice carried clearly through the phone speaker. "Is that a barbecue I'm hearing?"
"Your current location?"
"Away from the city. Camping expedition."
Nate' enthusiasm exploded through the connection. "Brilliant strategy! Snow camping, outdoor cooking, winter sports, bonfire entertainment - why didn't I consider this approach?"
A pause preceded Nate' next realization. "Hold on. You organized this without including us?"
Marco's response carried no trace of apology. "I'll remember for future occasions."
"Wait just a minute. The young lady Cecelia mentioned is present, correct? Provide coordinates immediately. Actually, let me contact Cullen as well. We could all join..."
"Ending this conversation now."
Marco disconnected before Nate could continue his enthusiastic planning.