“Sure.” He pulled her up. His strength was notable. His hands were warm. In a mere second she was sitting next to him on the velvet bench seat.
He stretched his arm behind her and said, “Wave.”
She couldn’t contain her nervous giggle as she tried to spot Anna in the crowd again. “This is definitely a tight squeeze.”
“It’s warmer that way.” He laughed. “More fun too.”
“It’s high,” she said, a nervous titter to her voice.
“I’ve got you,” he said, putting his arm around her.
She could barely move. The firmness of his muscular arm steadied her as the carriage lurched forward and continued down the parade route in the falling snow. Snowflakes collected on the horses’ coats in front of her.
“This is amazing,” she said, looking at all of the decorative leather and shiny bells on each horse.
The horses were being managed with small moves and flicks of the wrist holding the bundle of long reins. Four men dressed in all black with red Santa hats and bandannas walked alongside the hitch.
Vanessa’s insides spun. The impact of their dinner-plate-size hooves vibrated through the wagon.
Smiling faces huddled together along the parade route, people waving and hoping for a surprise from Santa.
Kids tried to catch snowflakes on their tongues with so much delight that tears tickled her eyelashes. The hitch slowed to a walk up the next block, then turned down the alley behind the fire department.
Anna stood surrounded by firemen as they pulled to a stop.
Mike helped Vanessa to the ground.
“You looked so great up there. Both of you. You too,” Anna yelled to the driver, now seated alone. “We’ve got hot chocolate for everyone.” One of the firemen handed out sparkly red paper cups to everyone.
“Thank you for joining me,” Mike said to Vanessa. “Now, admit it. This town is special.”
“It is. You’re right.” She meant it too, but that didn’t mean business wasn’t still going to happen, and she was trying to make it the softest landing possible. “And there’s still a Christmas tree lighting to attend.”
His eyes pleaded with her.
“Help us.” He took her hands into his. “Just help us. And I’m really sorry about getting so angry about Mom. You’re right. She’s perfectly happy with that package.”
A wave of relief flowed over Vanessa.
Anna walked up behind Mike. “I can’t believe how big these horses are. I’ve ridden horses but these make the ones I rode look like Chihuahuas. These are like the Clydesdales, right?”
“No. Not at all, except they are both draft horses. Percherons originated in France, taking their name from the former Perche province.”
The driver of the hitch wagon climbed down and walked over to them. “One more reason to go back to Paris, right, Vanessa?”
“Misty?” Vanessa’s mouth dropped wide. “Anna, this is who I’ve been talking about.” She swung back around to Misty. “Is there nothing you can’t do? This is crazy! Why didn’t you tell me?”
She shrugged. “Kids at school kind of tease me about it. I didn’t want you to think less of me. Especially after you liked my ideas.”
“No way. You blow me away! I loved that ride. I can’t believe you can do that. I was impressed you could drive a stick shift. But this…”
“Yeah. You were. I didn’t know you knew my dad.”
“I…?” Vanessa blushed.
Anna lifted her hand to her face as she laughed. “Mike’s your dad?”
Misty nodded.
