20. December 20th
December 20th
Lorelei
Scott: I have a surprise for you tonight, dress warm and I hope you like a horse drawn sleigh! Be ready at 4:00. It’s a sunset ride.
I awake to my daily text from Scott and am more excited for today’s date than any other date he has planned.
I’ve never been on a horse drawn sleigh before. Ever. I’m thrilled to have a first with Scott. Even more thrilled to get to go on a sleigh ride.
Andrew had a terrible fear of horses, so riding behind one for an hour was panic inducing and not exactly holiday spirit inducing.
As excited as I am, I’m volunteering at the senior center this morning so I hop out of bed and get ready quickly. Scott won’t be there today since he has to drive to the city to the corporate offices for meetings.
I bundle up and open the door, thankful for a future son in law who cleans the snow off my car each time it snows on his way to work. And automatic car starters. I think I would be in Florida already if it weren’t for these two!
When I get to the senior center I throw a wave to Mabel who is reading a book over by the fire. I tell her I’ll be over in a minute and head in to place my coat in the employee room.
I grab two hot chocolates and join Mabel by the fire. She looks up at me and reaches out for the mug.
“Where's that man candy of yours?” She winks.
“He’s in the city today for meetings. Trying to get us a bigger event budget for the senior prom.”
“Oh right, who do you think will ask an old bird like me?” She laughs.
“I think we all know just who.” I lean my head over my shoulder to Phil. “We all know he’s been spotted more than once sneaking into your room.”
She shrugs, laughing. These two may think they’re sneaky but the nurses literally get paid to know what is going on.
“Enough about that. What is lover boy taking you to do today?” She leans forward like she’s ready for a juicy secret.
I smile, “He’s taking me on my first ever sleigh ride. At sunset.”
“Oh girl, he’s got it bad. I hope he plans to snuggle right up close and closer when you get home,” she winks at me.
“I’ll be sure to let you know,” I wink back.
We get pulled into a Christmas movie on Hallmark for a while before I get pulled away to help with lunch.
I leave the center around two in the afternoon to get home and get ready for our sleigh ride.
“Hey, Mom!” Lacey says when I walk through the door.
“Hey, honey! I didn’t know you’d be home.” I pull her in for a hug.
“I'm not really. Oliver wanted a couple Christmas books to read with Colton so we’re just making a pit stop. I thought you’d be out with Scott.”
“Oh, honey, you’ll never guess where he’s taking me tonight.” I clap my hands together in front of me, excitement laces my words.
Lacey laughs at my childlike excitement. “Where?”
“A sleigh ride!” I exclaim.
“Mom, that’s amazing. I remember how much you used to want to go on one.”
Oliver bounds down the stairs before we can talk more, running into me for a hug. He shows me all the books that he is going to read with Colton. Then they’re off again leaving me to get ready for my date.
I open the closet door and know exactly what I want to wear. I pull out my favorite jeans, and a deep emerald turtleneck sweater that is cashmere and so soft. I slide my jeans on, and slip into the sweater. I revel in the softness before checking my outfit in the mirror. I smile back at my reflection and send the girls a photo, knowing they’ll approve.
Me : What do you think for a sleigh ride?
Addy : Hot mama! I love that!
Lacey : I told you last year that was the perfect sweater for you! I knew you would love it.
Scarlett : Ooh, can I borrow that sweater? You look great, Mom.
I chuckle at the girls’ enthusiasm about my outfit. I knew they would approve.
Scott knocks on the door at exactly four o’clock. I open the door and take in his rugged look of tight jeans and the signature flannel he wears.
“Wow, you look stunning.” He stares at me, taking my body in the same as I did him.
“Thank you, come in.” I step back so he can come in while I put on my boots and coat. He hands my scarf, hat and mittens for me to bring with me to the sleigh ride.
"No meddling daughters today?"
I shake my head, "Not today."
He places a kiss on my forehead, and pulls me in close. “You smell amazing,” he mutters.
I wrap my arms tighter around him. "What time do we need to be there?"
He moans, "Too soon, we need to leave now or we might not leave."
He pulls back and places a hand on the small of my back to head out to the truck. I lock up my house, and take his lead.
“Where are we going?” I ask once we are settled in the car.
“My buddy Dave has a farm just outside town. He offers private sleigh rides on his farm,” he places his hand palm up on my lap, and I lace my fingers with his.
I ask him about his meeting and we make small talk to fill the time. I’m happy to hear he was able to get some more funding for the senior prom we’re hosting. The residents are going to love it.
After a few minutes, he pulls down a long driveway leading to the most picturesque farm. I’ve passed this farm for years and always admired the beauty of it in every season.
When we get closer to the barn, I see a sleigh with two beautiful horses hooked up. It’s everything I ever imagined it would be.
Scott parks next to the barn, and we both hop out. He goes to the back of the truck and pulls out blankets, a thermos, and a small container that I recognize from The Bar.
He goes and greets his friend, “Hey, Dave! It’s great to see you. Thank you so much for getting me in your busy schedule. I really appreciate it. It’s Lorelei’s first sleigh ride,” He nods his head in my direction with his hands full.
“Hi, Lorelei, I hope you’re excited. The views around the farm are beautiful, you’re going to really enjoy it.” I think the smile on my face gives me away.
“I’m really happy to be here, I’ve admired your farm for a long time,” I say.
His face fills with pride and a smile spreads across his face. He leads us over to the sleigh and Scott helps me up before handing me all the supplies.
The sleigh starts with a jump and I snuggle up close to Scott to stay warm under the blankets together.
The view is gorgeous. The mountains spike up around the farm, the sun setting over their snow covered tips. We glide smoothly over the fresh snow. Scott reaches down and pulls out the thermos and container he brought.
“I have hot chocolate, and some of Mack’s chocolate fudge cake,” he smiles.
“Is it the raspberry hot chocolate?” I ask, smiling at him.
“From the diner, of course.”
I kiss his cheek at his thoughtfulness for getting two of my favorite things. He pours us each a to go cup of hot chocolate with the diner’s logo on the outside. Then he pulls out two forks from the container of cake.
“Only one piece?” I pout.
“I promise you can have the bigger half.” He hands me a fork.
We eat in silence, taking in the views. When we finish, Scott puts everything back in a bag. He looks at me and chuckles.
“You have a little chocolate -” He leans down and kisses my lips, licking at the corner, “right there.” He leans back and grins.
My cheeks blush at the unexpected contact. I really hope Lacey isn’t coming home tonight.