Chapter 1

New Start New Life

One cold winter morning in Estes Park, Co. 23 year old Elizabeth Thatcher came down for breakfast at her parents house. Her father, William Thatcher tells her that it is time for her to take her place in the family business. Her father owns several very prestigious resorts all over the world. He had sent her to college to get her Master's Degree in business and expected her to follow in his footsteps. Even though she thought she could she didn't want it. She told her father that she had no intentions to go into the family business. William was furious. He said her attitude had best change because he new what was best for her. She told him that she was an adult now and she wanted to make it on her own. Her mother, Grace understood. Grace always knew that her daughter was head strong and was her own person. Even as a child Elizabeth was so independent. Always doing things her way regardless as to how they wanted it done. Elizabeth was not like her sisters, Viola and Julie always enjoyed their father's money and prestige.

Elizabeth told her her parents that she would be leaving at the end of the week. What she didn't tell them was that she had a job in Aspen, Co. as a ski instructor. She had always enjoyed helping others to learn to ski when she was younger. She's been skiing since she was 3. She would always slip off to the slopes. She loved the rush. She could always think and clear her head.

Elizabeth was finishing up her packing when a faint knock on her door. She always new that knock to be her mother. She said come in. It was about 11:00 in the morning. Her mother sat down on the side of her bed and patted for Elizabeth to join her. With tears in Grace's eyes she took Elizabeth's hands and told her that she always knew this day would come but was dredding it. She never had fears of her other 2 daughters leaving like this but knew Elizabeth would. A strong independent woman that she was. She was never in to the high society as the others. She understood. She asked Elizabeth where she was going? She knew Elizabeth always had a plan and never went off half cocked. She also knew she had plenty of money because she got a very sizable gift when she graduated college from them. Elizabeth tells her mother that she would rather not say but she would let her know when she arrived. She finished her packing and loaded up her SUV with the last of her things. Came back in to say her goodbyes. Her father locked himself in his study. Her mother told her to give him time. Elizabeth gave her hugs and said her goodbye. Got in her SUV and headed to Aspen, Co. She arrived the next day. She had already bought her a cabin and the furniture had already been delivered so when she pulled into her driveway she sat there staring at the beauty of the mountains behind her 3 bedroom cabin. It had a back porch the length of the cabin. She was in awe! She climbed out unlocked her front door and toured her new home. She fell in love with her new home. She went back out and unloaded her SUV and took everything in. She rested on the back porch for a few minutes before heading back in to start putting things away. She didn't have much to put away so she headed out to the grocery store to buy a few things to get through the night. Figuring to take a walk tomorrow and check everything out in town. When she got to the store she made her few little purchases and drove back home. She walks in and can't believe that this is her home. She fixes a little dinner and sets down on her couch. She decides now is a good time to call her mother and let her know she made it and she was alright. But before she makes that call she steps back outside and stands at the end of the driveway and takes a picture of her new home with the mountains in the background. Then she goes back inside to make her call. Her mother answers the phone and asks if she is alright. Elizabeth tells her mother that she is fine. She says to hold on a minute because she wants to send her something. She sends it. Elizabeth asks did you get it? Grace says oh Elizabeth it's beautiful! Who's is it and where is it? Elizabeth says hold up mother. Firstly it's mine lock stock and all. I bought it a month ago. Secondly in Aspen,Co. mother please don't tell father just yet. Oh Elizabeth her mother said. Elizabeth said, "I love it here and I already have a job. I start Monday morning! Grace tells her that she is so proud of her! Grace asks about furniture and Elizabeth tells her that the 3 bedroom cabin of brand new furniture was delivered before she got there. Including all the pots pans, dishes, coffee pot. Everything. Grace says you've thought of everything haven't you. Elizabeth says yes she has and she even went grocery shopping too! Before Elizabeth hung up she told her mother that she loved them but this was just something she had to do for herself. Grace said she understood and said they loved her to. Elizabeth hung up the phone. Turned in the tv to the Hallmark channel and December Bride was on. She loved Daniel Lissing! She grabbed her dinner and sat and watched the movie. When it was over she picked her dish and glass up and put it in the dishwasher. Headed to bed. She got up the next morning and decided to walk to town to see what all was there. She was so amazed! She walked into a ski shop and bought her new skis because she left hers at her parents. She bought all the accessories and asked if they would deliver them this afternoon? They said no problem. Elizabeth left the sports shop and found a little cafe called Abigail's Cafe. She walked in and sat down in front of the window. A woman came over to ask what she could get her to start with? Elizabeth told her that she would start with a cup of coffee please. The waitress introduced herself, in Abigail and this is my little cafe. Welcome! I'll be right back with your coffee. Elizabeth was looking at the menu. Abigail came back sat her coffee down and asked her what she could get her to eat? Elizabeth asked her what she recommended? She said this is my first day in town. Abigail says that the Beef Stew was delicious. Elizabeth says I'll have that please. Abigail took her order and left. She came back shortly with her order. Abigail asked what her name was. Elizabeth she replied. Abigail said welcome to Aspen! Elizabeth was sitting and watching out the window at all the people on the street not rushing just taking their time. Some just walking, some browsing, some shopping. No one was in a hurry. She just knew she was going to love it here. This would become her new hometown! She finished her lunch and decided to head on back home. There was always tomorrow to venture out again besides she needed to be home when the delivery came. She paid for her meal and started back home. Just taking her time. The delivery came around 4:30. She put everything in her SUV because she would need it on Monday. She made herself a cup of coffee and went outside on the back porch and just stared at the surroundings. It was so beautiful. The neighborhood was quiet.