Chapter 10
Soren
The weekend before Christmas, when Celia's aunt will return, the two of us spend a couple of nights at Ravenhart Mountain Dude Ranch and attend the festival of lights downtown.
I've been looking forward to this weekend for weeks. The ranch is perfect this time of year, all decorated with garland and twinkling lights, and there's something magical about being here with Celia as snow falls gently outside our cabin window.
On Saturday afternoon, we first take a tour of Corvid Valley Historic Hotel, which is well known to be haunted. Celia will not let go of my hand for the entire tour, shivering next to me.
"Why did you agree to do this if you're so scared?" I tease her.
"Well, I know I'm with you, so I'm safe, but ghosts freak me the hell out," she says with a nervous giggle.
It's adorable how she tries to be brave but practically climbs onto my back every time the tour guide mentions a cold spot or strange occurrence. I love that she trusts me to keep her safe, even from things that go bump in the night.
The tour guide at the end says, "Although our hauntings are well known, the hotel is regularly at capacity. In fact, we've had famous visitors such as Hollywood's Natalia Rose. And Sugar Rush stayed here during their last tour."
"Oh, I love them!" Celia says.
After dinner, we meet up with Tyson and his wife, Clementine, plus her three brothers and their wives and kids to walk around the festival of lights.
Corvid Valley hosts this event every year, and it's always incredibly cozy and Christmassy.
At one point, Celia and one wife, Scarlett, are in a discussion about how Scarlett can read people's auras before giving them tattoos.
Tyson pulls me away for a moment.
"So it looks like things are working out real well between you two," he says, giving me a grin.
"Yeah, you're right. They are."
"You two look like you might be in love. Are you thinking about doing what I think you're thinking about doing?" Tyson says, giving me a curious look.
"Maybe. It depends on how tonight goes."
Fifteen minutes later, Celia and I take off on our own to go buy a couple of spiked eggnogs. We walk hand in hand through Corvid Valley, looking at the lights surrounding us on the trees. I pull her close to me, leaning in for a kiss that tastes like sugary rum and warm spices.
"Celia, I have something to tell you," I say, looking into her dark brown eyes.
"What's that, babe?"
"I'm in love with you. I think you're just the most fantastic woman I've ever met."
My beautiful love's face breaks into a smile, and she giggles. "Well, that's funny. I think you're the most fantastic man I've ever met." She presses her lips against mine and then pulls away, whispering, "I love you too, Soren Felsenberg."
The way she says my full name sends a thrill through me, and I pull her in for another kiss.