“Looks terrific on you.” Tia Kat nodded in approval.
“Thanks.”
Mila was stunned that he’d voluntarily worn a Christmas-themed shirt. “Yes, it does.”
“Glad you like it.”
Claudie tapped her ankle with the toe of her boot to get her attention and then gave her a covert thumbs-up.
She took a quick breath. Did she dare hope he was moving toward the light?
Her family certainly was. Last year’s dinner they’d struggled to bring the good cheer. Not tonight. Conversation was lively, jokes flew and toasts multiplied. Speculation continued about what Cole’s surprise would turn out to be.
He participated in all the discussions. She saw no indication he was either freaking out or zoning out. Every time he looked at her he was fully present.
By the end of the meal she was tingling with anticipation. He was different. Completely focused. That was sexy as hell.
After the group helped clear the dishes, Greta passed out little bags of cut-up apples, carrots, and sugar cubes. Coats and hats on, they filed outside, their mother in the lead.
Her mom was also the one who chose the carol. “Okay, everyone, we’ll do Silent Night.” As she sang the first few words and began walking toward the barn with Greta, everyone joined in and formed a loose procession behind them.
Once again, Mila found herself with the same companions, Claudie and Cole. Technically she’d heard Cole sing on some of the numbers by the Beaver Bunch, but she’d had trouble separating his voice from the others.
She wouldn’t have trouble anymore. His deep baritone thrilled her. She could listen to it forever as they strolled under a sky glittering with stars. She was sorry that the walk was so short.
The horses weren’t sorry. Their eager knickers and whinnies could be heard from several yards away, making everyone laugh.
The song lasted just long enough to end at the barn where the group separated to pass out their treats. Sol’s stall was nowhere near Sparky’s, darn it.
Cole leaned toward her as they walked in. “Please meet me at the foot of the stairs after we go back outside. I have something for you.”
Her breath caught. “All right.” No doubt Claudie had picked up on that request.
Her horse Pickles was in the stall right next to Sol’s. Claudie had brought a small dill pickle to add to her bag since that was what the gelding preferred, even over sugar cubes.
Mila loved on Sol as she slowly doled out his treats and Claudie did the same with Pickles. Then Claudie edged a little closer to Mila and lowered her voice. “I think he got the message.”
“Maybe.”
“He’s giving you a gift. That’s significant.”
“Who knows?”
“I’ll just peel off when we get to the steps and assume you’ll be going up to the loft.”
“He didn’t exactly invite me.”
“No, but it’s logical that he will.”
“I guess.” She tried not to get excited about the possibility. And failed. Claudie thought he was changing. She wanted to believe it, too.
By the time she and Claudie left the barn, she welcomed the cold air on her cheeks. She was on fire.
Cole was nowhere in sight. Following tradition, everyone was heading off to their respective homes and calling out their goodnights. She and Claudie did the same.
Cole met them as they neared the step
“Don’t worry, Cole,” Claudie said as she continued walking. “I’m going home. Have a good night.”
