AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It’s rustic and cozy with blankets and cushions on each chair and a basket on the table, and it’s all themed for a country-style Christmas.
“If the weather was warmer, I’d have gone for a picnic in the park, but since it isn’t, I figured we could picnic indoors.”
“Is this shed always here?” Even as I ask, I know the answer.
“Ah, no. It’s temporary. I had it put up so you wouldn’t be cold.”
Before I can do any more than gape at his extravagance—I can’t even imagine how much this would have cost and what it would take to arrange all of this—there’s a knock on the door.
It’s a delivery guy with food from The Railway, the best burger joint in town.
Ridge motions for me to sit down. He slides one of the woolen blankets on my lap and over my legs and I laugh, looking up at him. “Damn, you’re good.”
The smell of the food causes my stomach to gurgle. He chuckles and sits down next to me. “I better feed you.”
We dig into our burgers and fries. They’re cooked to perfection and not a vegetable in sight—well, unless you count the lettuce and tomato on the burger.
“Wow, that was good and just how I like it.” I wipe the napkin across my mouth.
“Good. Oz may have helped by letting me know your favorites. He talked me out of something more formal. I mean, I figured since it was nearly Christmas… But he was right. This was better.”
“You did good.” I take a sip of my chocolate milkshake and marvel at the idea of Ridge not only seeking advice from Oz, but actually listening. Maybe he’s not always as control-driven as I thought… Or maybe it’s just that he cares about getting this date right.
“Do you want to sit here for a bit or maybe walk around outside? I’d suggest the swings or something else…” He waggles his brows suggestively. “But that might be too cold.”
“Let’s chill on the swings.”
He chuckles and pulls me outside. We both shiver as the crisp wintry air hits us. We sit side by side on the swings, holding hands, and pump our legs in tandem. We’re not aiming to go high or fast, just content to sway back and forth. A light icy breeze drifts over us as the December sun slowly sets in the sky.
I shudder and tighten my scarf around me.
“You cold? We can go.” He slows his swing and I shake my head.
“No. It’s fine. Let’s stay for a few more minutes.”
He glances sideways at me tentatively. “Have you heard any more from your mother?”
Is he making conversation or also worried about my parents?
“No and I’m no longer concerned about it.” While not entirely true, I plan to handle them and don’t need Ridge going all Mister Fix-It on me.
A blond boy, maybe five or six, the same one I saw gliding across the ice, scurries over to us, facial features scrunched up in consternation. “Hey, mister, what are you doing here?”
Ridge smiles down at him and settles his feet flat on the ground. “We’re swinging.”
The boy plants a hand on his hip and narrows his gaze at us. “But you’re too old.”
“I don’t think so.” Ridge chuckles and glances at me with a twinkle in his eye, clearing enjoying this exchange. “You’re never too old to swing and we like it. Don’t you?”
“Yeah, sure, but I’m a kid.” He puffs out his chest and shakes his head at Ridge like he’s clearly out of touch. “My mom says I can’t play in the park in the winter, but I like it. My favorite is the slide. Do you wanna try it?”
He points at the green, plastic structure, maybe six feet tall, as if we might be too old or stupid to know what a slide is. I burst out laughing and the boy wrinkles his nose at me, clearly not amused.
Ridge pulls on my hand and in a teasing tone asks, “Sure, but aren’t you worried we’re too old?”
The boy doesn’t bother with a response. He’s already at the base of the ladder and effortlessly scales the frosted steps before whizzing down what I’m sure is a freezing slide. He’s showing off and we indulge him, both of usoohingandahhingin amazement.
“Now, your turn.” He points to me, tone skeptical as if he can’t wait to see just how wrong I do it.
