Piper turned to Noah, who was following her through the snow with a backpack on. It was New Year’s Day, and he’d convinced her to head out for a winter hike, but she wasn’t at all sure she’d made the right decision in finally agreeing to go. “I’d cut a branch from that tree right there and make a splint.” “How would you cut it?” “With the axe I always carry.” He raised his eyebrows, challenging her. “And I’d use the duct tape I also always carry to tape the splint to your ankle.” “And how would you get me out of the woods? Can’t walk on a broken ankle, even if it’s splinted.” “Easy. I’d tie you to my pack and drag you back out to the truck.” “Very funny.” “You asked.” He smiled. “You’re not going to break your ankle, Piper. We’re walking through a foot of fresh powder. The worst injury you’re going to get today is a sunburn.” “You say that.” She tipped her head, pointing to a flat expanse he knew was a frozen-over pond. “What if I didn’t know that was a pond?
