You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 356

Cloud Peak, master bedroom.

Patricia rolled over and snuggled into Oliver’s arms, wrapping her slim arm around his waist. “I want to go to Blue Ridge tomorrow,” she murmured.

Oliver held her close, his hand lazily tracing gentle circles on her back. “Alright. We’ll go when the snow stops.”

“Is it snowing that much?” she asked, voice muffled against his chest.

“It’s coming down pretty hard,” he replied quietly.

“Let’s get some sleep. You’ll probably be up early tomorrow.” She yawned, not really expecting an answer.

Before she could ask what he meant, Oliver pulled her tighter, soothing her with slow, steady strokes along her back until she drifted off. Patricia wondered what he’d meant about getting up early. She’d been sleeping in every day lately. Maybe he was just teasing.

Turns out, Oliver always knew better.

At seven, the sky was barely light when a knock echoed from the living room. Oliver heaved a sigh and flopped onto his back, pressing a hand over his eyes. His lips drew into a line, half annoyed at being woken but mostly just resigned.

“That’s probably Sara,” Patricia whispered.

Oliver didn’t even open his eyes. “It’s always her.”

“I’ll get it,” Patricia said, grabbing her robe and shuffling out. She opened the door and found Sara bouncing on the spot, bundled up in a fuzzy bunny onesie, her face lit with pure excitement.

“Aunt Patricia, it’s snowing! Let’s go build a snowman!”

“Is it deep out there?” Patricia asked, smiling at her energy.

“It’s super deep! Hurry up. We’re waiting for you downstairs,” Sara insisted, waving her arms.

Patricia laughed and nodded, closing the door and heading back to the bedroom. Oliver hadn’t moved.

“Sara wants me to come make a snowman.”

“Go ahead,” Oliver said, pushing himself up so he was leaning against the headboard. “She’s never seen real snow before. This is her first time.”

“So… how do you make a snowman? What kind can you build?”

“Just the super basic kind from the schoolbooks,” Sara admitted.

Patricia shook her head. Honestly, that was kind of sad—kids this age, and they’d only ever seen snowmen in pictures.

She eyed Sara’s bunny outfit and grinned. “Let’s make a snow bunny. I’ll show you how.”

“Aunt Patricia! Are you magic or something? How do you know everything?” Sara gasped.

It wasn’t long before the yard was full of noise and laughter. Jackson and Aiden showed up, then a few more friends, all pulled outside by the fresh snow and the fun. Patricia led the way, her hands quick and sure from years of snow days. In no time, their snowman transformed into a perfect snow bunny, complete with little ears and a round tail.

She didn’t even pause—she was totally in her element.

Upstairs, Oliver stood by the window with a mug of coffee, watching everyone in the sparkling yard below. A quiet, happy smile tugged at his lips.

Sometimes happiness really is that simple.