Roscoe, being quite resourceful, had fitted the tricycle with winter tires and powerful LED headlights, perfect for mountain driving.
Though it appeared simple, this tricycle was as costly as a mid-range car and was fully equipped for safety.
Roscoe had chosen this modest tricycle for their mountain journeys.
Today, however, luck was not on their side.
Even the best vehicles could have problems, and their tricycle broke down halfway home.
Stepping out to inspect it, Roscoe found the battery had likely frozen due to the cold.
With no choice, he helped Nicole out, and they started to walk home.
It was many miles from their house, much too far for Nicole to walk.
Though Roscoe had taken good care of her, her body wasnât up for such a long journey.
Roscoe stooped down and said, âNicole, climb on.
Iâll carry you.
â
Realizing the distance still ahead, Nicole refused, âItâs okay.
I can walk for a bit.
Iâll let you know when I canât continue.
â
âNo, itâs too slippery with the snow.
Just hop on.
â Roscoe stayed low, waiting.
Turning to Nicole, he challenged, âWhat, donât you think I can handle it? I am a man, after all.
â
He spoke playfully, his eyes twinkling with youthful mischief.
Roscoe was well-mannered and handsome, and at times, his youthful side showed through.
Nicole surmised had he been from a simple family, he might have been living a content life with a wife and parents.
Sadly, he belonged to the Watts family, and unluckily, he had come across herâ¦
Without warning, Roscoe straightened up and lifted Nicole into his arms, causing her to instinctively cling to him, exclaiming, âHey! What are you doing? Put me down.
â
âSince you wonât let me carry you on my back, Iâll hold you in my arms all the way home, my princess,â Roscoe playfully teased with a smile, his handsome face glowing in the snowy scenery.
Nicoleâs cheeks warmed.
Though younger, Roscoeâs flirtations often caught her off guard.
She didnât feel much Like the older sister in these moments.
It seemed she had truly found the right personâ¦
Clinging to him, she whispered, âIf you get tired, Iâll get down.
â
âI wonât get tired!â Roscoe spoke with a voice full of strength and clarity, showing no signs of weariness.
âNicky, Iâm overjoyed.
Youâre here with me, and weâll soon live with Austin.
Thank you for making my dreams come trueâ¦â
Nicole felt a warmth in her heart.
Roscoeâs actions and words had constantly reassured her that she was not a burden to him.
In his view, she was his dream, his future, his everythingâ¦
For someone often shadowed by pessimism, meeting someone as bright and hopeful as Roscoe felt like finding a life raft in a frozen abyss.
One would be determined to hold on tightly.
As Nicole rested her head on his shoulder, the tears that fell from her eyes were still warm.
Meeting Roscoe was the most fortunate event of her life.
âNicky, can you promise me something?â Roscoe suddenly asked.
âWhat is it?â