“Oh my goodness,” Imogen breathed, her skepticism momentarily forgotten as she took in the sight. “They’re absolutely beautiful.”
“Aren’t they?” Vanessa said, relief flooding through her as she saw Imogen’s expression soften. “And look at that sleigh! It’s like something out of a fairy tale.”
Lincoln approached one of the horses, running his hand gently along its neck. “I have to admit, whoever organized this really went all out.”
“Can I pet them?” Katie asked, looking up at Imogen with hopeful eyes.
“Of course,” Imogen said with a smile. “Just be gentle and let them smell your hand first.”
As Katie carefully approached the horses, Vanessa saw her chance. She moved closer to Imogen, who was still staring at the sleigh confusedly.
“You know,” Vanessa said softly, “when was the last time you did something just for fun? Something spontaneous?”
Imogen glanced at her. “I don’t know… it’s been a while, I suppose. But this whole thing is just so strange. I’ve never heard of this tradition before.”
“It’s an adventure,” Vanessa said, trying to remember every Hallmark movie she’d ever seen. “A Christmas adventure. Look, a little snow is falling, and there are fur blankets, and it’s a gorgeous night. Just enjoy it. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Imogen looked at her dubiously and bit her lip, clearly torn between her skepticism and the scene in front of her. “I suppose it would be rude to turn down such an elaborate prize…”
“Exactly!” Vanessa said, trying not to sound too eager. “How many people can say they’ve taken a horse-drawn sleigh ride through their hometown?”
“Mom!” Katie called out, her cheeks pink with excitement and cold. “Lincoln says the horses’ names are Jingle and Belle! Isn’t that perfect for Christmas?”
Imogen couldn’t help but smile at her daughter’s enthusiasm. “Those are perfect names,” she agreed.
Lincoln walked over to them, his hands shoved deep in his coat pockets. “I have to say, I’m still not entirely sure what’sgoing on here, but these are some of the most well-trained horses I’ve ever seen. Whoever arranged this really knew what they were doing. I barely had to do anything to get them here.”
“So you’ll go?” Vanessa asked, looking between Imogen and Lincoln hopefully.
“I…” Imogen hesitated, glancing at Katie, who was now practically vibrating with excitement.
“Please, Mom?” Katie begged. “It’s like a real-life Christmas movie! And you always say we should try new things and make memories.”
Vanessa held her breath, watching as Imogen wavered. She could see the exact moment when her friend gave in to the magic of the moment.
“All right,” Imogen said finally, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I suppose we should take advantage of this… unexpected opportunity.”
“Yes!” Katie cheered, jumping up and down, before she paused and her face fell slightly. “Wait, can I come too? Please?”
Vanessa’s heart clenched. She hated disappointing Katie, but this evening needed to be about Imogen and Lincoln reconnecting. She knelt down to Katie’s level, putting on her most apologetic expression.
“Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry, but the sleigh ride is just for the contest winners. But you know what? I have something even better planned for you!”
Katie looked skeptical. “Better than a sleigh ride?”
“Well,” Vanessa said, thinking quickly, “I was thinking we could go back to my house and make the most amazing hot chocolate you’ve ever had. The kind with whipped cream and marshmallows and maybe even some of those peppermint sticks from your mom’s shop. And then we could play some Christmas games and maybe watch a movie. Jackson might even make us some of his famous burgers for dinner. With onion rings.”
Katie’s eyes lit up slightly, but she still looked torn. “That does sound fun… but I really wanted to ride in the sleigh.”
“I know, honey,” Vanessa said gently. “But this is your mom’s special evening. She works so hard all the time, and she deserves to have some fun just for herself. Don’t you think?”
Katie considered this, her seven-year-old mind working through the logic. Finally, she nodded. “I guess Mom does work really hard. And she did let me stay at the shop all day today and pretend to help customers too.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you,” Vanessa said, relief flooding through her. “And I promise we’ll have the best evening ever. Maybe we can even make some Christmas cookies to surprise your mom when she gets back.”
“Cookies?” Katie perked up considerably. “What kind of cookies?”
“Whatever kind you want,” Vanessa promised. “Sugar cookies, chocolate chip, gingerbread… you name it.”
