December 22nd

The next day, Carter went to work and, a few hours later, Janelle joined him. She'd dressed in layers - a big winter coat, scarf, gloves, and tall boots. Yes, there were already several inches of snow on the ground and more expected today. If they wanted to chop down their own trees, it had to be today.

She parked by the house. Carter was outside the barn doing something to a quad four- wheeler. There was only one out, so she assumed they'd be riding together. ...