Jeremiah nodded. “Other folks feel the same, I suppose. Nothing in life is perfect, even the good stuff.”
“Unfortunately,” Gabe continued, “Danny’s essay upset some folks. Which is why he’s up here, discovering how good Christmas can be.”
“Got it. So what’s the program?”
“Well,” Gabe said, “since we’re lucky enough to have you here for tonight’s Wassail, I figured Danny needed to meet our star attraction.”
“Great idea,” Jeremiah said. “Danny, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Bessie.”
And with that, everyone’s attention shifted to the beautiful gray-white horse standing next to Jeremiah.
Bessie gazed back with gentle eyes. Perhaps realizing that everyone was looking at her, she snorted a friendly greeting.
“Jeremiah lives two farms down,” Gabe said, “and offered to make Bessie available tonight, just like he did for the original Wassail four years ago.”
Penny said, “I’m so glad you brought Bessie. I’ve heard so much about her from Nancy.”
“You’ve never met Bessie?” Jeremiah said, surprised.
“Crazy as it sounds, I haven’t.” She gestured to the horse. “Is it okay if I…?”
Jeremiah smiled. “Of course.”
Penny approached, excitement fluttering through her, and cautiously extended her hand. Bessie leaned forward, gave her a sniff, and snorted a greeting.
“She likes you,” Jeremiah said encouragingly.
Penny stepped closer and stroked the horse’s neck, the soft hair wonderful to the touch. “She’s so beautiful,” she said reverently. “I love horses. I would have given anything to have had one when I was little.”
“Bessie’s about as sweet and gentle as they come.”
“Folks are going to love having her here.”
“Definitely,” Gabe agreed. “Especially when they see what Bessie’s pulling.” He pointed to a spot outside the back of the barn.
Penny inhaled as her gaze landed on a gorgeous, gleaming one-horse open sleigh. Painted a bold red with a row of golden bells draped over the back and an evergreen pattern running along each side, the sleigh looked perfect for a winter holiday ride.
“It’s beautiful,” Penny murmured. “Where did you get it?”
“Estate sale,” Jeremiah said. “An authentic Portland Cutter from the 1890s. I knew I had to get it as soon as I laid eyes on it.”
Penny moved to the sleigh and ran her hand over the bench’s red tufted upholstery. “I assume you fixed it up a bit?”
“I fixed it up alot,” Jeremiah said with a laugh. “But it was worth it.”
“Danny,” Gabe said, “I figured, as part of your Christmas tour, you’d want to hop in and enjoy a holiday sleigh ride.”
Daniel nodded. “Happy to.”
Jeremiah beamed. “I’ll get Bessie hitched up.”
“Earlier today,” Gabe said as Jeremiah moved the horse into position, “Jeremiah and I packed down snow on a course through the orchard.”
Jeremiah finished buckling the horse in. “Okay, we’re ready.”
“So I should…?” Daniel said, gesturing to the sleigh.
“Yep, step right in.”
