Is this destiny?

~ Canada, cabin in the mountains ~

Six of them reached the cabin style villa in an all-terrain vehicle which provided them with a smooth ride even over the thick layer of fresh snow.

While looking at the untouched wilderness on the way, no one could tell that within that dense forest, on the side of the mountain is a huge luxury villa.

Downstairs has a kitchen, storage filled with equipment for activities in the snow, large sitting area with open fireplace in the middle, kitchen and dining area. Upstairs are three massive bedroom suites, two spare rooms and two sitting areas which are facing large windows. Everything is open concept, and looks airy and spacious, equipped with conveniences of a modern dwelling. Open railing does not obstruct view to sitting areas on the upper floor from downstairs.

Felix was pleased to see that kitchen and pantry are fully stocked with anything they might need (or what Sophia might need). He added groceries he purchased previously and was already thinking what to make for dinner.

The villa has a hot-air heating system, and fireplace is only for visual enjoyment. Jeff and Felix agreed that an open fire is a must-have when someone is surrounded with snow.

Fireplace looks like round firepit and it has a huge funnel-like contraption hanging above it, which leads smoke and other exausts from fire to the chimney. Jeff and Felix are fiddling around it while discussing how many logs to put in the fireplace before starting it up.

Sophia and JoAnna are relaxing on the sofa and chatting while looking at their men who are taking the fire-starting business with outmost seriousness.

"Is Sarah not going to come down?" JoAnna asked after some time while glancing upstairs toward the bedroom where Sarah and Aiden went as soon as they reached.

"Two of them probably want privacy." Sophia commented.

"I can understand that… but we all came here to spend time with each other, not to coop up in our rooms. They can have their privacy later." JoAnna stood up and walked upstairs.

JoAnna banged with her fist on the door few times, showing her impatience.

Door opened abruptly and Sarah stepped out. "Shhh… take it easy. Did something catch on fire?"

JoAnna was glancing behind Sarah into the room. "Where is Aiden?"

Sarah noticed that JoAnna didn't call him brother-in-law, which means that she is distancing herself from him. She was not sure how to feel about it. Part of Sarah was happy because JoAnna is doing that to support her, and partially sad because she does not want Aiden to be alienated.

"Sleeping." Sarah glanced downstairs. "You are all there?"

"Yes. That is why we came here, right?", JoAnna snapped.

Sarah took a deep breath and reluctantly closed door behind her. "You are right. Let's go down."

"You are not going to wake him up?" JoAnna was referring to Aiden.

Sarah shook her head. "He didn't sleep last night. Let him rest."

"How are you doing?", Sophia asked Sarah when she joined on the sofa.

"I'm OK." Sarah forced a smile.

"How are things between you and Aiden?" Sophia continued probing.

"We are fine." Sarah put on her best no-big-deal face, but she could not fool her sisters.

Both Sophia and JoAnna looked at Sarah openly showing that they don't believe her.

Sarah took a deep breath. "We are working on it. He is trying, and I can tell that he is really sorry… but I feel insecure. I know that this crisis is over, and we are good, but I can't help myself from worrying what will happen next time. And I know that next time is coming, the only question is when. Last time we were lucky that Enrique didn't have a good plan or capable people and no one of us got hurt, but what will happen next time?"

Sophia patted Sarah's hand. "There is no point worrying what might happen in the future. We should analyze what we know and prepare ourselves how much we can. But even with that, no one can guarantee that our future will be smooth sailing. And it's proven that we have bigger challenges than average people. How I see it, the fact that we have these challenges should be a good reason to enjoy this time of peace. And we have a lot to look forward to." Sophia finished while subconsciously rubbing her belly.

"I know." Sarah sighed. "I would be much more at ease if Aiden's impulse is not to push me away at the first sight of danger because he believes that by doing that, he is keeping me safe."

JoAnna was listening to Sarah and felt that something is amiss. "This is first time he did something like this, right?"

Sarah confirmed.

"You two are always ending up in some mess. How come this is the first time?" JoAnna was puzzled.

"So far, I was the one attracting trouble, and he never hesitated to protect me. I believe that this is the first time he feels that it's serious… And he is not confident that he can win this fight." Sarah could not hide how troubled she is with this. She thought over and over again what would it mean if that Eastern European family identifies Aiden as the one who learned from their Master. Will they force him to work for them? To join that family? Or will they hurt him? Cripple him? Kill him?!! None of these options was a good one, and each next option was worse than the previous one!

JoAnna looked at Sarah who trembled while her face frowned from concern, and JoAnna couldn't find words to comfort her. So, she gave her a big hug. Sophia joined in the hug as well.

Jeff and Felix listened to the whole conversation and they exchanged glances. They were not sure if they should join in the group hug or not… but they silently agreed that it would be awkward, so they watched sisters from the side.

"Hey, do you know what will cheer us up?", JoAnna suddenly asked.

"What?" Sarah smiled because JoAnna's enthusiasm was contagious.

"Snowman! We didn't make a snowman in ages! There is still daylight outside, let's go and make one!" JoAnna beamed.

Sisters agreed and dressed up in warm winter outerwear, ready to make a snowman, leaving Jeff and Felix inside to work on dinner and to start that fire already.