Summary: Is it true that a snowball fight was just what the doctor ordered?
Rating: G, Word Count: 943
All’s Fair in Love and Snow
Adam had been recuperating from his injury to his leg and was getting cabin fever. Christine Shaw had visited a few times, and it had lifted his spirits. Adam had begun to mope about thinking how he was slowly getting better. He hadn’t seen her for a few days which didn’t improve his spirits or even wanting to get back to normal. Adam was taking his frustrations out on the others, so they stayed clear of him.
Knowing it had been a while, Chris decided to visit Adam and saw Hoss outside throwing snowballs.
“Hello, Hoss.” she greeted.
“Hello, Miss Shaw.” Hoss said and helped her off the sleigh.
“Is Adam inside?”
“Yeah, but be careful. He’s gruff as a grizzly. But he might be a bit happier seeing you.”
Chris blushed and smiled. “I’ll go in and surprise him.”
Before she could move, a snowball came flying towards them and hit her in the stomach. She grunted and held her stomach. She looked surprised.
Hoss turned towards the side of the house. “Little Joe, was that you?” he demanded.
Joe came out from behind the house looking guilty. “Sorry, Miss Shaw, I was aiming for Hoss.”
“It’s all right. You’ve got a great arm.” Chris said and went inside.
She opened the door and saw Adam on the settee reading. His back was to the door which was perfect for her to sneak up on him. She put her hand on his shoulder and he yanked it. “Joe, I said leave me alone.” he growled.
“Ouch. What kind of greeting is that?” Chris wasn’t mad, just surprised.
Adam turned and saw her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was you. Joe has been annoying today.”
Chris came around the settee and sat by him. “I know, I got hit by a snowball by him.”
“He hit you with a snowball?”
“He said he was trying to hit Hoss.”
“I’m going to get that kid.” Adam promised.
“Adam, don’t worry, we’ll get him, eventually. Listen I want to get you out of the house.”
“And do what?” He groused.
“Go for a sleigh ride. It’ll just be you and me. You can be away from your brothers for a while.”
“Let’s go.” His face brightened. He stood and helped her up.
She watched him walk and couldn’t miss that he was still limping. She thought she’d say something but decided not to. She didn’t want to irritate him more. Before they went to the sleigh, Chris made a snowball and threw it at Joe who had been talking to Hoss. It hit him in the back. He spun around surprised. Adam was helping her in the sleigh. She wiggled her fingers and smirked as she sat and waited for Adam to get in and they took off.
Chris drove to the lake. A cold breeze picked up and she shivered. Adam pulled the blanket around her more and she snuggled against him. He kissed her head and rested his head on hers. They were silent for a while.
“You’ve got a good arm.” Adam broke the silence.
“He deserved it.” Chris replied, smiling.
Adam laughed. “We’ll just have to think of ways to get Joe. He’s been so irritating lately.”
“Hoss did say you were as gruff as a grizzly.” Chris said chuckling.
“Well, I guess I have been. I think it’s because I haven’t seen you much lately. Also, I haven’t done my exercises so I’m not getting stronger as you may have noticed.”
“I noticed. I wasn’t going to say anything though.”
“I’ll do better if you’ll come over more and help.”
“We’ll see.” she said playfully and kissed him.
“We’d best get back before we freeze.” Adam said after a bit and took the reigns from Chris.
They rode home and Adam decided to work on his therapy since Chris was there. They walked a bit in the snow when another snowball was thrown in their direction zooming past Chris’ face. She turned and saw Joe with a wicked grin on his face.
“This means war. Little Joe.”
She made a few snowballs and threw them at Joe. She got him right in the chest. Adam laughed and also threw a snowball at Joe. Hoss watched then joined the snowball war. Ben was in his office watching his boys and Chris playing in the snow. He laughed at the antics Chris pulled on the boys. After the war, they made snow angels and built a snowman.
“I’d better go.” Chris said after they were done.
“I think you should stay here and warm up by the fire. Hop Sing made hot chocolate.” Ben said.
“Well, since Hop Sing went to the trouble, all right.” Chris said, pretending to decide what to do.
Just then Hop Sing came out with a tray of hot chocolate and passed it around.
“Hop Sing this is delicious.” Chris said after she took a sip.
“Thank you, Miss Christine.” Hop Sing gave a big smile.
After Chris was dry, she decided to head home. Adam followed her out. “Thanks for a fun day and helping me with my exercises with the snow fun. And thanks for getting Joe a few times too.” Adam grinned.
“You’re welcome. I had a lot of fun, too, and it was worth it to see you smiling again.” Chris laughed.
Adam wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. When they separated, he helped her in the sleigh and waved as she rode off. When she was out of sight, Adam strolled to the house, hardly limping at all. Spending time with Chris again was just what the doctor ordered.
Brandsters’ Note: Posted in observance of the first day of Spring, 2026. Just because it’s the first day of Spring doesn’t mean there isn’t any snow on the ground. 🙂
From the Brandsters. The story was originally written and published on the Bonanza Trail Riders site. Brand is happy to offer this story a new home.
