My rented Toyota Highlander struggled a bit on the mountain road, the sharp incline and steadily falling snow proving too much for the stock SUV. I squinted at the mailbox's as I passed them, mentally counting down to 1504 which was the address I was looking for. Having never been here before I was driving incredibly cautiously, between the snow and my cell service crapping out ten miles ago I was anxiety personified. I knew a wrong turn would sent me off the side of a Tennessee mountain and to my almost certain death.
This was supposed to be fun I reminded myself as I turned on my windshield wipers and eyeballed next mailbox. Almost there maybe another mile or so. I thought to myself as headlights nearly blinded me as the flashed in my rear view mirror. Maybe that was one of the guys I thought as I navigated yet another tight turn. Temporarily loosing sight of the other vehicle . The next half mile I played peek a boo with the other car until I made the turn into this year's cabin's driveway.
Parking at the base of a hill I marveled at this years choice, set up high on the side of a mountain the huge house overlooked the valley below. It was all wood and stone and was decorated with tastefully for Christmas with white lights and greenery on the porch. It was huge, easily ten bedrooms and more than enough to accommodate our rag tag group of misfits.
I popped the hatch of the SUV and stepped out into the cold, shrugging on my wool winter jacket and scarf as the winter cold nipped at my skin. I retrieved my rolling suitcase from the back and after locking up I began slipping and sliding to the front door. Just then headlights lit the driveway as a pickup truck pulled in, I could hear the distinct Rudolph the red nosed reindeer blasting at full volume. That had to be Matt. Sure enough he bounded from his truck and sprinted up the icy walkway to envelope me in a hug. His golden hair and sparkling blue eyes making him the very embodiment of a golden retriever. A very big golden retriever, I mused as he tossed me over his shoulder and grabbed my suitcase taking the icy step up to the house two at a time.
"So glad you could make it this year, we really missed you last time. You're not gonna believe this place it's gonna be so awesome!" He didn't even sound out of breath as he clomped onto the porch gently setting me down.
"I know big guy I missed you too!" I laughed as I pulled my jacket back into place. "Do you know the door code? Ashlyn didn't sent that to me."
"Oh yeah hang on let me go grab my phone!" Matt sprung off the porch and bounced down the sidewalk and stairs back to the parking area, quickly returning with his bag and his cell phone. "1504 same as the address!" He said as he landed on the porch stomping the snow off his boots .
With numb fingers I typed in the code, the lock clicking as it released. Swinging the door open I smiled as the warm air hit my face. Quickly I dragged my bag inside and made room as Matt followed. The house smelled slightly of cinnamon and pine and was meticulously clean. The shining wood floors reflected the light from a huge Christmas tree that was lit with tasteful white and blue lights. The living room boasted a huge fireplace and sectional couch and connected with the kitchen and dining room. White cabinets and grey limestone countertops complemented the pine floors. "Oh this is gorgeous!" I gushed.
Here let me grab your bag Matt said as he stared intently at his phone, Ashlyn sent me room assignments so you're over here. He gestured down a short hallway. I followed, overwhelmed with how luxurious this cabin was. He opened a door and my jaw dropped . Before me was a king sized bed in emerald green with soft fluffy white accent pillows and a large fur blanket at the foot of the bed. There was even a fireplace on one wall and then a wall of windows leading out onto the back deck.
