The sleigh ride was a Pinecone Falls tradition and had always been one of Kristen’s favorites. She loved the sound of the sleigh bells as they jingled through the snow-covered streets. And she loved the feel of the soft blankets as they enveloped her in their warmth. But most of all, she loved the horses.
She was particularly looking forward to it this year because the lodge hadn’t done the sleigh rides for several years. Her work on the skating-pond plans had progressed nicely, so by the time she got to the town commons, she was feeling pretty good about things.
She milled around in the commons, scanning the crowd for Julie and Ivy while greeting various people from town. She felt cozy snuggled into her white down vest with a thick black-and-white snowflake sweater underneath and heavy winter boots on her feet.
“There you are!” Ivy appeared beside her in a bright-red puffer jacket, her messy brown curls sticking out from under a red hat with a giant pom-pom. Her husband, Malcolm, was with her.
“Hey, how are you guys?” Kristen had met Malcolm several times when she’d come back for the holidays in years past, and she liked him a lot. He and Ivy were a perfect match.
“Great. Good to see you again,” Malcolm said. “Do you guys want some cider? I’ll go get it.”
They did, and Malcolm walked off toward the cider hut, passing Julie and Nolan on the way.
Kristen didn’t know Nolan well. She barely remembered him from when they were little kids, but he’d grown up to be pretty cute. And he and Julie looked adorable together, holding hands as they walked down the street. Nolan leaned in to whisper something in Julie’s ear, and she laughed. The two of them appeared completely unaware of everyone else around them. Kristen couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness as she watched them. She and Brian had been in love like that … or so she’d thought.
“Here come the two lovebirds,” Ivy said.
They greeted Nolan and Julie, and then Malcolm returned with the ciders, each complete with a cinnamon stick. Kristen stirred hers then took a sip. It was tart, just the way she liked it.
“You guys want to ride in the same sleigh, right?” Malcolm glanced at Julie and Nolan. “Or maybe you two want your own private sleigh.”
Nolan laughed. “No way. We can get that anytime. Tonight, we all ride together. Let’s get in line.”
As they stood in line, Malcolm waved to someone at the edge of the crowd. “Over here!” he yelled then turned to the rest of them. “I invited Mason to join us. Hope you guys don’t mind.”
Kristen almost choked on her cider. “Mason? The Christmas store guy?”
Malcolm nodded. “Yeah. I figured since he’s here and doesn’t know anyone, I’d invite him along.” Malcolm frowned. “Is that a problem? Do you guys know each other?”
Kristen cleared her throat. “You might say that.”
Mason joined the group, cutting off any further comment. He seemed just as surprised to see her as she was to see him. He looked different from when she’d seen him in Irene’s office and at the wreath-making contest. He looked much taller standing next to her, and the down vest he was wearing accentuated his broad shoulders.
Her shoulders tensed at the thought of having to make conversation with him all night, but then she flashed back on the wreath-making contest and how he’d stopped his work to help Myrtle and how that kind gesture had made him lose the contest. Maybe he wasn’t all bad. She should at least give him a chance, just like her mother had given his father a chance.
The sleigh pulled up, and Nolan went to the front to pet the horses. Kristen couldn’t help but follow him.
“They’re gorgeous,” Kristen said.
“Thanks.” Nolan was obviously very proud of them.
“May I pet them?”
“Of course. This one is Dolly.” He gave the nose of the bay with a white blaze one last stroke and moved over so Kristen could pet her. “And this is Eve.”
Kristen took off her mittens and laid her hand gently on the horse’s velvet nose. It was soft and warm. Steam puffed out of her nostrils, and Kristen could smell the earthy scents of horse, hay, and leather.
Eve was a chestnut with a black mane, and Kristen gave her equal attention. “I’m glad you’re doing the sleigh rides again. I remember them as a kid and missed them these last few years.”
Nolan smiled. “I’m glad too.”
“Hey, you guys, are you coming?” Malcolm yelled from inside the open sleigh, where everyone else was already settled.
Nolan went around one side, and Kristen went to the other. She was just about to step in when she heard someone yelling.
“Hold up!” Myrtle came running toward them, a large tote bag dangling from her arm. “Hope you young folks won’t mind an old lady horning in.” She hopped up next to Ivy and Malcolm. Mason was sitting opposite them with Julie. Of course, Nolan would sit next to Julie, so where should Kristen sit? The sleigh only sat four on each side, and Kristen didn’t want to be squished next to Mason. She went to hop in next to Myrtle, but the old lady hauled her bag up onto the seat next to her.
“Sorry. Elsie here needs to see too.” Myrtle pointed at the tote bag, and Kristen saw it was actually a cat carrier. A gray cat with a round face and large amber eyes peered out. “There’s room right there.” Myrtle practically shoved her down right beside Mason.
