He was already tacked up, too. So much for helping with that part. It was just like Buck to get a head start, though.
Rance left the package in the truck, along with a small bag of carrot pieces he’d stuck in the backpack. If he left them in the backpack, Thor would smell them and want his treat early.
Grabbing the pack, he climbed out. “Thanks for tacking him up, Buck.”
“Happy to.” He thumbed back his hat and gave Rance a smile. “I’m glad you’re taking him out. He could use a few trips with the sleigh before we trailer him into town for the Christmas Eve gig.”
“I’ve heard they sold a bunch of tickets.”
“I bought several myself.”
“Me, too. ” The Main Street sleigh ride was a popular Wagon Train tradition — fun for all and the proceeds benefitted needy families. If today turned out the way he hoped, Lani would agree to take that ride with him on Christmas Eve.
He deposited the backpack in the sleigh. He’d brought a thermos of hot chocolate and two mugs for when they stopped in the meadow. Theoretically, he’d give her the present at that point.
He and Buck worked well together and they hitched up Thor in a jiffy. That gave him time to explain his plan, mentioning a special gift but not specifying what it was. “So I won’t need you to drive, after all,” he said. “I’ll do it.”
Buck’s expression was much like Granny’s had been. He shook his head. “She’s gonna be ticked off at you, son.”
“I’m hoping she’ll forgive me after she opens my gift.”
“Please don’t tell me you got her a ring. That would be?—”
“Suicide?”
“No kidding! She doesn’t even like you all that much, let alone love you.”
He was aware of that fact. He turned her on, though, also a fact. Her reluctance to be alone with him proved it. “I’m not giving her a ring. Something better.”
“What?”
“I can’t tell you yet, but I—” The sound of a truck drew his attention to the road. He’d offered to pick Lani up from her parents’ cabin but she’d refused his offer. Instead she was borrowing her folks’ new truck.
“That’s probably her.” If so, she was early. And he hadn’t transferred the package to the sleigh.
“That’s my cue to head on home and leave you to work this out.” Buck laid a hand on his shoulder. “I advise you to tell her right away that you’ve pulled a fast one.”
“I will. Granny said the same thing.” The sound of the truck grew louder. Soon it would make the turn and Lani would be able to see him move the package.
Buck grinned. “I’m not surprised. Are you bringing Granny over for tea this afternoon? Marybeth’s counting on it.”
“I am. Those two really hit it off.” Yeah, he’d have to move it with her watching him. Not optimal.
“Yep. I had no idea my wife had such a hankering to reminisce about her summer in Ireland. Okay, I’m off. Give mea call when you come back. It’s easier with two of us.” He gave Thor’s flank an affectionate pat and walked toward the path he’d shoveled after the last snow. He and Marybeth lived a convenient three-minute walk from the barn.
Rance strolled toward his truck just as the Armstrong’s school-bus yellow truck appeared in his peripheral vision. Climbing in the driver’s side, he tucked the package inside his jacket and left the truck, again maintaining a leisurely pace.
A thick green lap robe was stored in a compartment under the seat of the sleigh. Taking it out, he laid the package on the wooden floor and casually tossed the blanket so it was partly on the seat and partly on the floor.
Lani pulled in on the far side of Thunder. He wouldn’t be able to see her climb out.
What if she’d decided to invite her folks at the last minute? That had never occurred to him. It could happen. The sleigh held six.
Heart pumping fast, he waited to see who appeared around Thunder’s back bumper. Lani walked toward him. Alone. Thank the Lord.
“Where is everybody?” She glanced around. “Where’s Buck? Did you hitch up Thor by yourself?”
“No, I?—”
