Before the meal was done, the blizzard hit. Everyone could hear the harsh wind outside but could see nothing through the large scenic windows that made up the majority of the walls in the dining room. The snow was so heavy that it looked like a white canvas had been placed over the windows; nothing could be seen beyond it.

Everyone sighed and decided it may be a good idea to turn in early, for they may all have to be hands on deck tomorrow to dig themselves out. But the blizzard lasted longer than they thought it would, and a couple of days went by before anyone could go out.

Despite the cold outside, love was growing warmly inside, much to the surprise of some and delight of others. But not all were happy. Pete never was interested in the whole love game. He avoided it as much as possible.

Still stuck inside the next day:

Pete decided to spend a few hours at the bar before shuffling off to bed, which the bartender didn't mind. Pete was friendly; he shared many exciting mountain stories, and his tips were generous.

Max decided to go to his room and spend time online with his fiancée before sleeping. Pete had chided him about falling for the idea of 'love and commitment.' The only love Pete believed in was of a physical, intimate nature with no permanent attachment. He considered himself lucky to meet a maid who felt the same.

Alex and Lindy eventually followed Pete to the bar. It seemed the blossoming of their relationship was too exciting, and they didn't want the getting-to-know-each-other phase to end just yet. They found a table away from the bar that was more excluded and spent time just talking.

Eventually, Alex slid his hand over hers, their fingers intertwining. A gesture Alex hoped would let Lindy know of his growing affection. His smile of hope was returned in hers, and they scooted closer together. Whispering, their breaths intermingled as they shared their thoughts on the possibility of love at first sight.

Alex has always been a romantic, and Lindy was too, but she had hardened her heart for its protection. Meeting Alex is causing the hardness around her heart to melt.

Jonathan met you near the kitchen entrance after dinner, and everyone had left the dining room. With the blizzard occurring the walk he had hoped for never happened that first night after dinner.

"So, um, about that walk...?" he shyly asked, unsure how to turn a budding friendship into something deeper. His heart is facing emotions that he hasn't felt or allowed himself to feel in years . . . love. Could I be falling so fast?

You take hold of his offered arm. "Let me show you around the lodge." Smiling you begin walking, but you stop. "Wait here. I will be right back." You let go of his arm and hurry into the kitchen, and a few minutes later, you return, and he is still waiting for you.

With the warmth of joy flooding your heart, you retake his arm. You showed him around the lodge. It wasn't long before you were in the main section of the lodge's living room, with its grand fireplace and plenty of comfortable couches and chairs. Sitting in front of the fireplace you talk about the amount of snow outside.

One of your staff members comes into the living room in the lobby carrying a small tray. He places it on the little table between you and Jonathan. There were a couple of cookies and two cups of hot chocolate. In each cup, the chocolate had a heart-shaped marshmallow floating on top.

A blush crept up your cheeks. You had asked for marshmallows, but your chef, ever the romantic, had taken the liberty of using the heart-shaped marshmallows saved for honeymooners.

You blush slightly but notice out of the corner of your eye that Jonathan is smiling. It feels as though your hearts are communicating without the need for words as you sit in comfortable silence for a little while, sipping on your hot chocolate.

You and Jonathan had spent most of the night talking. You had fallen asleep nestled against his chest with his arm around your shoulder. His cheek resting on the top of your head.

Lindy and Alex had walked through that night and didn't bother to wake you as they went to their separate rooms.

"Oh, they are so cute. Don't you think so, Alex?"

"Yes. I hope that one day that will be us."

A lovely rose hue swept across Lindy's cheeks, prompting him to chuckle softly. "You're so beautiful when you blush." With that, he leaned in and tenderly kissed her closest blushing cheek.

"Let me walk you to your room. I want to make sure you get there safely."

Laughing, she leans into him, holding onto his arm. "Thank you. It's room 304. I need protection in case the snow Yeti shows up." She desperately wanted to lay her hand over where he kissed her and hold on to that feeling that started on her cheek and rushed to her heart.

"Wait, do you mean the Yeti stays here too?" he says with a teasing smirk on his face.

"No. Pete!" she replied, causing him to burst out laughing. She quickly dragged him away, hoping not to wake Chili and Jonathan.

He breaks free, leaving her standing there smiling while he quietly tip-toes over, grabs a throw from the couch, and lays it over them.

He hurries back to Lindy, who is smiling tenderly at his gesture. "That was so sweet of you."

He grins. "I know." He puts his arm around her shoulder, and they head to her room.