Chapter Ten
Ella
Astreak of red moves across the snow, and I clap a hand over my mouth, my grin growing wider by the second.
Tiero’s grip on my hip tightens as he pulls me closer. I glance up at him, but his expression is anything but amused. His narrowed eyes take in the scene in front of us.
To my left, Claudette giggles, clapping her hands together.
From our spot by the window, I watch in complete surprise as Rhia approaches on a sled, five huskies leading the way through the snow-covered terrain.
It looks like a scene straight out of a winter holiday movie.
Rhia’s red hair flutters in the breeze despite the snug beanie she wears.
No, it’s not a beanie. It’s a Santa hat, and she’s wearing a red coat with fake white fur trimmings. It’s a vibrant burst of color against the white backdrop.
“Come on, El, let’s go see what this is all about,” Claudette urges.
We rush outside, the chilly air hitting us with a crisp bite.
Tiero, ever thoughtful, grabs my jacket on the way and wraps it protectively around me before putting a beanie on my head.
We watch the spectacle from the top of the stairs, Rhia’s voice becoming more audible as she breaks into a boisterous rendition of “Jingle Bells.”
The sled, a sleek wooden contraption, glides effortlessly over the snow, leaving a trail of powdery clouds in its wake.
The harnesses jingle with each enthusiastic pull from the huskies, their tails wagging furiously.
Their breath creates fleeting clouds in the cold air, and their excitement is palpable as they weave through the wintry landscape.
Rhia’s face is aglow with exhilaration, her laughter harmonizing with the jingling of the harness and the tune she’s singing.
The sled comes to an almost graceful stop, and I hurry down the stairs, putting my arms through the sleeves of my jacket.
I fall to my knees in front of the huskies, patting and stroking them. Their tongues are lolling, and their eyes are bright. They seem to eagerly await the next command, their tails wagging in excitement.
Rhia, or should I say Mrs. Claus, greets us with a mischievous smile.
“Ho ho ho. Have you been naughty or nice?” she laughs.
I can’t help but join in. “Oh my god, Rhia, where on earth did you get this sled?”
“And all these huskies?” Claudette adds. “Did you mug Santa?”
Rhia, beaming from the thrill of her snowy adventure, turns to me.
“Merry Christmas, El. This is our present for you.
My mouth drops open again involuntarily.
What?
“Oh… and it’s your wedding carriage. These cuties…” She points at the dogs. “… will guide your sled to the magical spruce tree. Meet Frost, Luna, Nanook, Koda, and Echo.” She points at each dog in turn.
“They’ll be your trusty sled team. And don’t worry, they’re all desexed. So you won’t end up with a herd of them.”
I stare at her.
“This is your present to me,” I repeat, stunned. “You mean to tell me you got me five huskies and a sled?”
Rhia’s grin is impossibly large.
“Yes. It’s all yours.”
I’m speechless.
So instead of talking, I jump to my feet and tackle Rhia. Laughing and hugging, we fall into the soft snow.
“You’ve outdone yourself this time.”
“Haven’t I?” she replies proudly. “I figured you’d be missing your dogs, and this way you get to have loads of fun with these ones. And in summer, you can get a sled with wheels. It’s year-round fun.”
I can’t wait.
My gaze wanders from the dogs to my fiancé, and my heart sinks.
Tiero is grinding his teeth, looking anything but pleased. In fact, he looks downright stern.
“You can’t use it while you’re pregnant,” he states.
What?
“It’s too dangerous. You could fall off, especially when you’re learning.”
“Crap, I keep forgetting you’re pregnant.”
Rhia lets herself fall back into the snow with a big huff.
“I had this perfect movie playing out in my head… of your grand entrance at the wedding. Your dress and veil billowing behind you in the wind as you steer these cuties up to our makeshift aisle.”
I want that!
I’m pregnant, not an invalid.
“Well, as long as I go slow, it will be fine. I won’t fall off,” I say, confident in my abilities even though I’ve never tried sledding before.
I look at my husband-to-be, a tinge of challenge hanging in the air.
He closes the distance between us and helps me up from the snow. Taking my face into his rather cold hands, he touches his lips to mine.
Oh, is he going for the distraction method to get me to agree?
It won’t work.
“I know you want to do this, angel,” he says when he pulls away. “But I’d be worried the entire time.”
Crap!
Not only is he using his proven distraction method, but he’s piling on the guilt too.
And dammit, it’s working.
He knows I wouldn’t want him worried, especially on our wedding day.
Argh!
“How about El sits on the sled,” Rhia suggests, pointing to the seat that actually looks quite comfortable. “I will drive us… slowly,” she quickly adds when Tiero opens his mouth to object. “It’s most unlikely that she’ll fall off. The risk would be far greater on the snowmobile.”
“The sled is more appropriate for a bride anyway,” Claudette pipes in, having silently observed our interaction.
Tiero’s teeth are still grinding together. I put on my best puppy eyes and blink them rapidly for added effect. He looks from me and my hopeful, overly bright expression to the dogs and the sled.
“Fine,” he grumbles.
Rhia, Claudette, and I jump up and down in triumph.
“But,” he bellows over our excited voices, putting up his index finger, and we quieten for a moment.
“But?” I ask.
“But you’ll only use three dogs, and you’ll be covered in blankets and—”
I throw my arms around him to cut him off before he can add more conditions, and pepper his cold face with kisses.
“Deal.”