“You’ve decorated the barn.” Vanessa twirled around, taking in the pine wreaths with the peppermint-striped bows hanging from the stall doors at this end. A Christmas tree reached to the full height of the barn in the middle. “That tree has to be every bit of twenty feet tall.”
“We have an open house every year. Cookies and punch. Nothing real fancy. A few of the guys bring guitars. They’ll play Christmas carols around the firepit. Kids will roast marshmallows and hot dogs. It’s a really nice gathering. You should plan to come. And bring your cousin, of course.”
“That sounds like fun.”
“It will be even more fun if you come.” He wished he could take it back as soon as he’d said it. He knew better than to be so forward. She probably thought he was full of himself.
“Is it this weekend?”
“No, I’m heading out tonight. We have an annual parade run up north. The party is the following week.”
“Then, yeah. Count me in. I wouldn’t miss it.”
“I’ll pick you up.”
“I can walk over.”
“I’d rather pick you up.”
“Do you always get your way?”
“I’ve been alone a long time. I usually give myself my way. It works.”
She laughed. “Okay. This isn’t a date… is it?”
Mike looked around. Misty was over by the Christmas tree trying to keep Scooter from dragging the garland to the ground.Am I really going to say this?He swallowed hard, and sucked in a breath. “Do you want it to be?”
She pressed her lips together. “I’m not opposed to that.”
“I’d like that a lot.” He let out a breath, and pushed hishands into his pockets. “I haven’t done this in a long time.” A horn honked out back. “I’ve got to run. The guys are here and we need to get these horses loaded so we can stop at the feed mill before they close and get on the road.”
“Sure. Yeah. Do you mind if I watch you load the horses? I’ll stay out of the way.”
“Not at all. There’s a bench over there.” He pointed toward a long plank with wagon wheels on each end. “Block your calendar for next weekend. I’ll touch base when I get back in town.” He couldn’t contain his smile.
“Perfect. Thank you.” Her chest heaved, and then she smiled. “I’m looking forward to this. Have a good trip.”
“Yeah, thanks.” He walked outside, then turned to watch her walk away.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
Vanessa sat on the bench, setting her purse down next to her, which really seemed ridiculous.Why didn’t I just leave it in the car?At least behind the barn the building blocked the cool winter breeze, making the sun almost warm against her cheeks.
Everyone moved with purpose, getting the horses ready to load.
She pulled her foot up underneath her on the bench. It was a little intimidating watching the big horses get led by the small lead lines. There was no way they could manhandle the huge animals if one decided to go wild. It would be like a rubber raft trying to pull a cruise ship.
“Get over here,” Misty yelled. “You are not going.”
The pup put his nose in the air and sat down next to the horse trailer.
It appeared to be a standoff to Vanessa.
Misty picked up the puppy, then raised her hand and petted the nose of the horse waiting for his turn to load onto the trailer. Misty looked so tiny next to that horse. “You’re last to load, Big Ben. You know that.”
Big Ben leaned forward and sniffed at the pup.
The puppy lifted a paw to his nose, in ahey buddy, I’m gonna miss you while you’re awayexpression. Vanessa slid her phone from her purse and took a picture. It was amazing to see animals large and small interact like that.
