Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
“Hey, Levi. How’s it going?” He secures a blanket on one of the horses. When the temperatures drop, we make sure to put these on the animals to help regulate their temperature.
“No complaints. I’m alive and well,” I say truthfully.
He gives me a nod. “Good to hear. What can I help you with?”
“I was thinking about taking Fallon on a sleigh ride.”
“It’s a perfect day for that. I can get the horses ready, if you’d like.”
“That would be amazing. I have a few things I need to take care of first, but I’d just need them ready for right after lunch.”
“Will do.”
I thank him before heading back to my truck. Dasher hops in, and then we make my way across the property. Since the countdown to Christmas has officially begun, I drive to the loading dock and offer an extra hand. All day long, these guys are wrapping, loading, and tying trees up for our customers.
A line of trucks is waiting when I arrive. Dasher follows me around as I help lift and strap down trees to roofs. It’s nonstop, and many are thankful for the extra help.
“Honestly, I didn't think it would be this busy today,” Samuel, one of our seasonal helpers, admits. It’s his first year working on the farm, so he’s not fully accustomed.
I laugh. “Oh, just wait until next week. This is nothing.”
His eyes are as wide as saucers. “You’re kidding, right?”
I give him a hard pat on the back. “Not at all. You get used to it, though.”
Once the crowd finally clears, I check my watch, then decide to leave now that they’re in a better place. I head straight home to get everything ready for my surprise. As soon as I walk inside, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I expect to see a text asking me to come back and help. However, it’s Finn.
Finn: How are things going? Have you proposed yet?
Levi: Ha. Ha. Ha.
🖕🏻
Finn: Oh, don’t be like that. You know you like her.
Levi: Can’t have feelings for someone who will never reciprocate them.
Finn: Yeah, I can understand that. But I saw the sparks flying between you two. And so did Oakley.
Levi: Then I guess you’re both delusional.
Finn: Whatever you say. Anyway, we should get together soon and grab a beer.
Levi: Yeah, that sounds like a plan but after Christmas.
Finn: Sounds good. Have fun with your girlfriend.
I send him two middle-finger emojis and then lock my phone. After I’ve fed Dasher, I pull two large thermoses from the cabinet and prepare my favorite hot chocolate recipe. I grab the small bottle of Irish liquor that I keep in my fridge and put it in a bag.
I make sure to pack the heating blanket I borrowed from my mom and grab the portable power tank from my shed. After I’ve double-checked that I’ve got everything, I shoot my sister a text and let her know I’m on my way there.
Lucy: Your timing is impeccable. We just finished eating.
Levi: Perfect.
I look at Dasher. “Wanna go on a sleigh ride?”
His tail wags.
“I didn’t hear you? Sleigh ride?” I ask again.
He barks several times. “Okay, let’s go impress Little Miss Seattle.”
Before we make our way to the gift shop, I park at the barn. When I get out, I see Darrell has secured the harnesses on the horses. I go inside to let him know we’re here, and he helps me hook them to the sleigh. Dasher jumps onto the front bench seat, and I load everything I brought for our trip.
“This for a date?” Darrell asks with a knowing grin.
I shrug, not wanting to say either way.
He lifts a brow and nods as if he knows better.
“Thanks for everything. Probably be back in a couple of hours.” I step up, plug in the heating blanket, and set our thermoses in the cup holders.
“Sounds good. I’ll be here,” he says.
I wave, then grab the reins, and we take off.
The horses jolt forward, the sleigh sliding across the blanket of white as Dasher sits upright next to me, looking around for rabbits. I pet him as we continue forward.
When I see the gift shop in the distance, I text my sister, letting her know I’m close. Five minutes later, I come to a halt beside the building and Fallon walks out. Her eyes meet mine and I smile, but she looks shocked.
“Hop on,” I say, patting the seat next to me.
She glances at the horses and then meets my gaze again. “You went through all this trouble for me?”
“Trouble?” I chuckle. “It was nothing.”
When Fallon comes close, I stand, offering her my hand. She takes it, then steps up, and I pull with a little too much force, causing her to crash into me.
“Sorry,” I say, our faces mere inches apart.
She’s breathless.
As she sits, I grab the blanket and place it on her legs.